Lexus IS MK3 Front Bumper + Headlight Removal Guide

[agent_dess]

Hey Folks,

Thought I'd would write up a quick guide on how to remove the front bumper and headlight on IS300h, but the principle will apply to the IS200t/IS250 MK3.

Tools required:
1 x small flat head screwdriver
1 x Philips screwdriver
1 x 10mm socket and ratchet
1 x pliers (optional)

Step 1:

8 x Red circle = push down then pull the whole clip out
1 x Orange circle = use a flat head screwdriver to pull the tab then pull clip out
Now lift the plastic trim and place to one side.

Step 2:

6 x 10mm bolt/screw at the front of the car - remove them

Step 3:

1 x Red circle = 10mm bolt/screw
1 x Orange circle = use a flat head screwdriver to pull the tab then pull clip out

Step 4:

1 x Green circle = turn horizontal and pull out.  Only this one needs to be removed.
1 x Orange circle = use a flat head screwdriver to pull the tab then pull clip out

Step 5:

1 x Red circle = Pull the liner to expose the 10mm bolt/screw

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Now repeat step 4 & 5 on the other side of the car
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Step 6:

3 x Red circle = Philips screws + 10mm bolt in the middle
4 x Orange circle = use a flat head screwdriver to pull the tab then pull clip out
4 x Blue circle =  these were already missing on my car, but I'm sure you can figure this out.

Step 7:

Apply blue tape ideally but since i ran out of it i used plain masking time just long enough to protect the paint.
Pull the bumper with a tug

Step 8:

It should look like this

Step 9:

Now continue to pull the bumper forward, it will help to place a box underneath to support the bumper as i did not fully remove the bumper.

Step 10 - If removing headlight:

1 x Red circle = 10mm bolt front right (if working on O/S headlight)

1 x Red circle = 10mm bolt top
You will now need to lift the headlight tab


1 x Red circle = 10mm bolt on side of bumper retainer

Step 11:
Disconnect the 2 headlight connectors
And carefully pull the headlight forward and lift out

Step 12:

Headlight is now removed 😃

Step 13:


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Insert new headlight and repeat the whole process in reverse
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Here are some comparison photos of the old vs new headlight.
I had to transfer the indicator cable to the new headlight and the main bulb power unit.

The new headlight (bottom) is transparent on the bottom half unlike the sold black on the old one.

OLD:

 

NEW:

Hope this helps everyone 🙂

 

[matt8]

Super helpful. May have a job of my own like this soon.

Much appreciated @agent_dess!

[agent_dess]

In-between all that I took the time to clean the MAF sensor and pcv valve.

Used electrical contact cleaner for MAF and brake cleaner for pcv.

[matt8]

23 hours ago, agent_dess said:

In-between all that I took the time to clean the MAF sensor and pcv valve.

Used electrical contact cleaner for MAF and brake cleaner for pcv.

What advantages do you expect for conducting this extra work?

[agent_dess]

2 hours ago, matt8 said:

What advantages do you expect for conducting this extra work?

Just maintenance, I had time to spare. 😁

[steve2006]

Nice job, I’ve pinned the post so it can be easily located 😀

[agent_dess]

37 minutes ago, steve2006 said:

Nice job, I’ve pinned the post so it can be easily located 😀

Awesome thanks 😁

[matt8]

Thanks for the great guide. Used it the other day for a headlight swap, and it made doing bumper removal far easier having this step by step guide.

[agent_dess]

Forgot to mention the critical bold that needs to be removed for successful bumper removal:

Thanks @matt8 for pointing this out as i had forgotten to mention it in my guide above.

[Banbury23]

Awesome post