Re: One of mikes pots from March..... (archive)

Hi John,
The post I presented above was written by Mike and he is the one who did the work and made the original post. I'm sure that when he gets back here to the board to read these posts he will answer your idea.
Good Luck and Regards, Kurt

Although I've never seen the light pipes that you're speaking of, I have given alot of thought to this problem. My understanding after reading some of the previous posts is that the light pipes are clear plastic - - which means they can shed extraneous light into areas *behind* the control panel. As you stated below, they are *not* fiber optics. But what if the light pipes could be made to reflect the light as a fiber optic cable does? In short, my idea would be to wrap the light pipe with a reflective material - - aluminum foil perhaps. Another possibility would be to spray some reflective paint or other coating material over the light pipe. Maybe this will work and maybe it won't. I figured I'd present it here for your consideration and feedback. Would like to hear from those who have first hand experience with this to get their opinions. Rgds... - John

Re: Temp control illumination

(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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