headlight bulb replacement (front bumper removal)

[Bobaru]

I just had my driver-side low-beam bulb go out, and have been reading all of the posts about how big a pain it is to go through the fender liner to replace the bulb, especially with big hands. Several have said that it is actually easier to remove the front bumper, and then remove the whole headlamp assembly. (I have the official method from the service manual, which goes through the fender liner, but nothing that describes bumper removal.)

Is it reasonably obvious how to do this (the bumper removal, and then the headlamp assembly removal)?

Any special tips or tricks involved?

Even though the passenger-side low-beam bulb replacement is supposed to be easier than the driver's side (by removing the air-intake "funnel"), I'm tempted to replace the passenger side at the same time (if I have the bumper off, that is), on the theory that it will probably also die fairly soon.

As an aside, I'm thinking about using Sylvania/Osram Xtravision bulbs, which are supposedly somewhat brighter than OEM, or perhaps upgrading slightly to Sylvania Silverstar bulbs (both of which are still halogen).

[fun2drive]

Yes it is easier to remove the bumper and you need not take the headlight buckets out to replace the bulb. take the push-pull pins out from the wheel well on the fender side the first three, take all the ones under the bumper to include 3 under the bumper in the middle that are up high (use a flashlight to see then) and the ones on the top. If you don't have fogs you are good to go, if you do unplug the fogs and you can pull it forward to get it off. Honestly takes me 15 minutes tops to take it off. Use a small flat blade screw driver. You have 19 push-pull pins so if your count is less you still have some attached.
There is it no write up needed because the pins are obvious except for the 3 in the middle of the bumper you remove from the bottom.
One last note it is much easier to do this when temps are above 55F since the plastic and pins are more manageable...