BMW E46 Saloon Light Bulb Holder Rear Right O/S Side Panel Lamp Socket 8364926

BMW E46 Saloon Light Bulb Holder Rear Right O/S Side Panel Lamp Socket is an original rear lighting system component designed for the right side of the vehicle body. It allows for secure seating of bulb holders in the tail light, ensuring a stable electrical connection and proper operation of the lights. Thanks to its factory design, the bulb socket maintains the correct geometry and fitment for the BMW 3 Series E46 tail light assembly.

Specifications and technical data

• SKU: 7165956
• Mark: BMW (Genuine OE)
• Condition: Used
• OEM Part Number: 7165956
• Substitutable numbers: 7165956, 63217165956, 8364926, 63218364926
• Location on the vehicle: Rear, Right
• Category: Light Bulbs & LEDs

Purpose and function in the lighting system

The presented bulb holder socket is a component of the rear tail light on the right side. It is responsible for keeping the bulbs in the correct position and for their electrical connection to the vehicle's wiring. A properly selected socket reduces the risk of:

• intermittent operation of position lights, brake lights, or turn signals,
• loose contacts and localized overheating in the housing,
• incorrect positioning of the light source relative to the lamp reflector.

By maintaining the factory manufacturing standard, the component works with the BMW E46 tail light without the need for any modifications to the wiring or housing.

Design tailored to the BMW E46

The socket has been designed specifically for the rear right tail light in the BMW 3 Series E46, which translates into a proper fit with the lamp body and the electrical harness. Properly shaped mounts and guides facilitate installation and removal during lighting service. Precise arrangement of the current paths promotes stable bulb operation under various operating conditions.

Application in the Lamps and LED lights category

Although this is a classic bulb holder socket, it belongs to the group of components in the Lamps and LED lights category, which are responsible for vehicle visibility and the clarity of light signals. Replacing a worn or damaged mount with a functional component allows for restoring the proper operation of the rear lighting, which has a direct impact on driving safety and compliance with traffic regulations.

Selection, installation, and technical aspects

When selecting a socket for the BMW E46, it is crucial to match it to the side of the vehicle and the type of tail light. The offered component is intended for the rear, right side, which eliminates mechanical compatibility issues. In practice, the installation comes down to:

• removing the tail light or its part from the trunk side,
• disconnecting the electrical harness from the old socket,
• transferring the bulbs to the new mount,
• seating the socket in the lamp and reconnecting the connector.

Such a solution allows for lighting service without interfering with the vehicle's electrical installation. The original mount helps maintain the tightness and proper operation of the lamp in the long term.

Technical support and additional materials

For users who want to better understand issues related to vehicle lighting, component selection, and lamp part replacement, the following guide will be helpful: See more and better – a complete guide to selecting and replacing used LED and Xenon headlights. The article discusses practical aspects of choosing original lighting components, which facilitates making informed service decisions.

If you are planning a comprehensive repair or upgrade of the rear lighting zone in your BMW and need other elements from the same group, such as housings, control modules, or complete lamp assemblies, check the available parts in the BMW Lamps and LED lights category.