M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Electrical => Topic started by: juliea on March 17, 2011, 10:30:33 AM

Title: Instrument Cluster Lights
Post by: juliea on March 17, 2011, 10:30:33 AM

I'm replacing a cracked dashboard and pulled the instrument cluster out. I want to replace the bulbs while I've got it out, but am having trouble figuring out which bulbs to get for a few of the sockets. Looking on RealOEM and Pelican Parts, it looks like there's only 2 different types of bulbs for the e30 instrument panel - 3w and 1.2w - I can see where these go. However, there are three sockets on the far right of the lower row (looking from back - see picture linked here (https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dsDZDuwLCrH-Lgj640kmzQ?feat=directlink)) that neither of these bulbs seem to fit into....my panel didn't have bulbs in there - is there a special bulb that fits in these? What's the deal with them?

Hoping someone who's been through this before can help out! Thanks!

Title: Instrument Cluster Lights
Post by: DesktopDave on March 17, 2011, 06:58:51 PM

Those bulbs all are push-ins.  They're in sockets on the wiring harness, maybe one fell into the dash?  They use small wedge bulbs like the ash tray and cigarette lighter, 5mm I think.

Title: Instrument Cluster Lights
Post by: DesktopDave on July 13, 2011, 10:56:04 AM

I know I'm poking a dead thread, but for anyone's info, the bulb you'll need is a T1-3/4 wedge.  I've found them listed under many universal numbers.

I'll be trying a 10pack of "73" bulbs due to their very long life.  It's not like they have to be bright.  The 0.08 watt bulb is rated for 15k hours!  Just what I need for those cigarette lighter/ashtray bulbs.

BMW and auto stores charge a hefty premium for these.  Here's a link.
 (http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=9379710)

Title: Instrument Cluster Lights
Post by: melloh on July 21, 2011, 03:29:29 PM

I'm glad you replied and I found this post, Dave!

I currently have my entire dash and cluster out... so while everything is out, I am trying to create a shopping list to replace ALL bulbs.  

Since I am considering replacing with LED (hopefully will last longer), I am trying to find a shopping list with

Sylvania part number (I know 2721 is one of the ones I need) and

How many of each.

 You wouldn't happen to know the answer to that, would ya?

Cheers,

Henry

PS:  I MISS MY CAR!  I haven't driven it in over a year - time to get it back on the road.

Title: Instrument Cluster Lights
Post by: DesktopDave on July 21, 2011, 05:52:56 PM

I believe there are five push-in wedge bulbs.  One for the headlight, two in the cluster, two in the HVAC panel.  There is also one in each ashtray...so make that seven for the whole car.  I found some really cheap on EBay, but the LEDs frankly sound like a better idea.

Having looked at my bulbs, I'm thinking that they might be a T1.5, not a T1.75.  If I get them in the car I'll let you know positively.

There's also a post on here somewhere about the correct frequency/color temp for the LEDs to match BMW's orange filters.