serviceability

[Lee Levitt]

Brett writes:

> For example, they're intending to make components impossible 
> to remove without something to release the "smart" bolts, 
> because there won't be room to get a tool in.  Remember, 
> "smart fastener" is more appropriate than "smart bolt", 
> because there's no head on the bolt for a tool; it may be 
> entirely internal to the part.
> 
>    For example- a headlight, with no back clearance required 
> to get in a wrench or screwdriver.  Push a button, clunk, out 
> it comes. 
> Assuming you get the old headlight out, how are you going to 
> keep the new one in?  In both cases, the car's been designed 
> with no space for tool access.

I'm swapping a set of xenon lamps into my A6 to replace the halogens
currently installed. To do this, I have to remove the front bumper.

Oh, and by the way, to replace a *bulb*, I have to pull the housing out too.
It's only held in by 3 torx screws and a mounting pin. The third torx screw
is impossible to put back in, unless of course the bumper is dropped. Oh,
and while I can release the housing, it won't come out unless I, of course,
remove the front bumper.

So replacing a $7 hibeam bulb (or more likely a $15 Superstar) requires
dropping the front bumper. Wonder what a stealer charges for that! Certainly
won't do this at a roadside gas station!

Lee
'02 A6 quattro avant
'96 A6 quattro avant