Help removing corner/reflector lights (U.S. spec)?

[Whirlinturbin]

Ok, so I've now received my painted corner/reflectors lights for my 2010 R8. I keep trying to install them but am stymied by my apparent inability to safely remove the OEM corner lights without damaging the surrounding body panel. The owner's manual is silent. I've tried gently pushing them out and tonight I tried a micro-flathead screwdriver covered by thin cloth to wedge one out by the edge. Even doing this gently resulted in a small crease in the fender panel, and the light didn't even budge.

I know with my Porsche 997S there was a manufacturer supplied credit card style device in the glove box for removing the headlights. Better yet, the 997S corner lenses themselves simply popped out with gentle force, partially because they extended to the edge of the fender well. On the R8, the lights are essentially an island in a sea of fender.

Does anyone have an easier, less damage-prone solution?

Thanks!

[R84ME]

You don't need to remove the bumpers. From the Bentley manual...

http://thesaylors.net/files/RearSideMarker.pdf
http://thesaylors.net/files/FrontSideMarker.pdf

[OEMplus.com]

Nice, perfect write-up Scott!

[Whirlinturbin]

Thanks very much , R84ME. I sure hope I don't have to remove all four wheels to access the panel simply to push out the lights.

[OEMplus.com]

For the fronts, you should be able to get in there by turning the wheels to full lock... the rears might require removal if you don't have tiny hands.

[trincap]

Where did you get them painted? I wouldn't mind having mine smoked or something. Maybe even clear.

[OEMplus.com]

Clear is not available, but we do color-matching and smoked sets. Just give us a call with your color code or VIN.

[Whirlinturbin]

Thank you, Rich. I will try that.

[R84ME]

And please post a couple pics when done!

[Whirlinturbin]

I quit. I followed the instructions to the letter. Sitting here freezing in my parking deck, busted knuckles, scratched rim, flashlight burned out... There us no way that light just "pushes" out. Argh!