OK, this is embarassing but...

[Morat]

How do I change my headlight bulbs!
I read the handbook, removed the black plastic part where the wire clips in. Then tried "turn the outer portion counter clockwise" and failed to turn anything at all.
which bit exactly is meant to move, and how hard can I yank at it before I cause damage?

Oh, and will 55W bulbs be OK? I couldn't find any 50W ones.

edit: The headlights are non-smileys in a facelift car.

[Turbo-Brown]

Hmmmm, sounds like how I changed mine the other day.

Perhaps try pushing the round rubber bit forwards whilst turning or something?

[Martinaston]

Rusted solid more like, the last time that happened to me i resorted to removing the whole headlight and put it in a vice.

[Templ8e30]

By 'the black plastic part' do you mean the cap with the wiring connectors ? this is the only bit that turns.

There is a metal clip/sprng that needs unhooking to release the bulb.

55w is the correct size.

Don't touch the glass on the bulb or it'll burn out quickly.

Cheers,

Iain T

[Morat]

Thats exactly the part I meant. The one that the yellow plug clips into.
See, I knew I was better off asking the zone before getting "medieval" on it

I'll get a torch and have a closer look for this wire clip thingy you mention.
Thanks a million guys.
Morat

[DanThe]

Tha aluminium bulb base corrodes and 'grows' into the plastic cover. Best way to get it off that ive found is by warming the sides of the plastic cover up with a heat gun. You need to get it hot enough so it hurts your hands BTW, so dont hold back

Its a good idea to remove the grill so you can hold the front of the lamp with your other hand to save breaking anything by over twisting the unit

[StuBeeDoo]

the last time that happened to me i resorted to removing the whole headlight and put it in a vice.

I did the same. When I put it all back together, I wire-brushed the ally bit and coated it with grease.