George, I can say for a fact that MY car will not release the headlight assemblies without removing the front facia. I am extremely mechanically inclined, been taking things apart since before age 10. Spent 23 years in the military in Civil Engineering. My car was assembled (front end) slightly different from yours (a 1/4 inch here and there can and does make a difference). With this said again, many people are hesitant to delve into the innards thinking something might break or get lost in the (sometimes called) black holes IE the insides of body panels and such. When I replaced all the bulbs in my XF with the SS Ultras, I tried for hours to get them out. Yes, I tried every which way but breaking them. The only way I got them out without damaging them or the car finish, was to remove the small amount of screws/nuts/bolts holding the facia in, and they then came right out. The service manual section perfectly describes the facia removal BUT it would help a lot to have someone there to help removal and reinstallation for clearances (keep from scratching the clearcoat/painted surfaces).


Richard, make an afternoon of it. Try to get them out without removing the facia. If you cannot, go to the next step and remove the facia. It IS easy (following the downloadable service manual instructions), and once removed they come right out. If you already have some facia damage, decide if you want a friend to help hold it during removal/reinstallation. I posted ( https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ight-saga.html ) here, the saga. Either way, you'll become more familiar with what is where inside the FE of your car. Have fun, and GOOD LUCK (meaning hope yours come out without the added step to remove the facia).


Richard, I see your going the route of having someone else remove the facia and repainting/repairing. Goes to show I should read all the replies before I post something (I believe this has happened before, should listen to my own advice some huh?).

.