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In Reply to: Tips to replace light inside window&vent switches? posted by Tony on June 23, 2001 at 17:59:42:
(archive link: http://www.bimmer.org/e31/messages/archive/msgsy2001w11/15027.html)
Posted by Mike Barrett on March 13, 2001 at 16:21:27:
In Reply to: Temp control illumination posted by Steve on March 13, 2001 at 10:33:40:
(posted from: (164.156.129.137))
Funny you should ask! I just did this two nights ago, taking the entire unit apart. My conclusion is that taking it apart is not worth it, unless someone can find a better replacement bulb. The one which can be accessed from the back is a 1.2w bulb. I ordered a bunch of 1.5 watt bulbs in the hope of using one to increase the light output, but the design of the bulb is unique - it's very tall, to reach deep into the unit where the light pipe resides. The problem is the design of the light pipe - not only does the single bulb have to provide illumination for all three wheels, but the plastic pipe that goes to the far wheel threads its way over and under pieces like a roller coaster, with the light intensity diminishing at every turn (hey, this ain't fiber optics). Anyway, I dissembled my entire unit, cleaned everything that could be cleaned (including a major woolly booger in the temperature sensor hole), and replaced the bulb with a new one of the proper type (even working bulbs lose some of their brightness over time). End result - no noticeable difference, AND I managed to break the plastic arm on the shift console that connects the gearshift pin to the sliding piece under the "PRD321" indicator. #*&&^%!. $117 mistake. I have the old bulb, and if I ever find one that looks like it will work with a higher wattage, I will let everyone know.
Mike Barrett
BMW CCA 111632
93 850Ci
88 635CSi
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