Author Topic: 6 Button OBC - is it backlit? (Read 8662 times)

adam12hicks · « **on:** June 18, 2008, 12:52:32 AM »

Cause mine is seriously dark. It works, but it's like it should be backlit and isn't. Can it be popped out and is there a bulb back there I can replace? The rest of the dash is nice and bright, but not the OBC. I'm just wondering if it's SUPPOSED to be as bright as the rest of the dash.

Thanks!

EN318isPDX · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2008, 03:01:03 AM »

yes it has 2 bulbs in the back and they should be bright but rarely are

adam12hicks · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2008, 10:01:00 AM »

Cool can they be replaced? I'll check it out. My cluster bulbs were all out, as well as the side headliner lamps, and the glovebox lamp, so I imagine these are too. The PO didn't like changing bulbs apparently!

vonkamp · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2008, 03:26:06 PM »

Here's the light bar on eBay. You could also take the bulbs that are burned out to the dealer. They should have them all in stock...

Wizard · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2008, 06:29:32 PM »

Quote from: vonkamp;51533

Here's the light bar on eBay. You could also take the bulbs that are burned out to the dealer. They should have them all in stock...

That light bar does not fit in our 6 button OBC's...Ours takes 2 bulbs that are in separate "turn and lock" bulb holders.

vonkamp · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2008, 08:16:07 PM »

You are right. oops

BMWManiac · « **Reply #6 on:** June 24, 2008, 08:28:43 PM »

Mine is dim as well....should it be brighter when you turn the headlights on?

EN318isPDX · « **Reply #7 on:** July 22, 2008, 05:31:07 PM »

Quote from: BMWManiac;51968

Mine is dim as well....should it be brighter when you turn the headlights on?

The heater controls, the gauges, the OBC should all light up when you pull your light knob.

Cobra Jet · « **Reply #8 on:** July 23, 2008, 10:18:52 AM »

I have found that my local Pep Boys auto parts store carries all of the bulbs needed for the interior of BMW's... even the really tiny bulbs that are located within the OBC's, the front ashtray and rear ashtray...

BMWManiac · « **Reply #9 on:** July 23, 2008, 01:22:48 PM »

I just replaced the two bulbs and it looks like it should...bright as hell!

EN318isPDX · « **Reply #10 on:** July 23, 2008, 01:32:30 PM »

Quote from: BMWManiac;53702

I just replaced the two bulbs and it looks like it should...bright as hell!

Very nice! maybe ill do this today! where and how much did you get your bulbs? Does the 13 Button take the same bulbs i wonder.

BMWManiac · « **Reply #11 on:** July 23, 2008, 04:20:19 PM »

I am not sure about the 13 button OBC, but I just ordered the two bulbs from RMEuropean....I guess you could check Pep Boys to see if they have them. Then you don't have to wait for shipping. They are the little 12 x 1.5v I believe

romeomike · « **Reply #12 on:** April 02, 2009, 11:46:09 PM »

Quote from: EN318isPDX;53703

Very nice! maybe ill do this today! where and how much did you get your bulbs? Does the 13 Button take the same bulbs i wonder.

The LED display is lit by a white plastic lightbar with two bulbs soldered onto it. There is one twist-on bulb to illuminate the buttons that is identical to the six-button OBC.

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 06, 2009, 04:30:55 PM »

Quote from: BMWManiac;51968

Mine is dim as well....should it be brighter when you turn the headlights on?

There is a little hole-looking thing on the front of the clock that varies how bright the backlight gets.

Jorgeconrico · « **Reply #14 on:** June 16, 2009, 05:16:40 PM »

Do these tiny bulbs come out of the black casing or is it one piece?