E28 computer lighting

[Erick Baumeister <erickbau@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

John,
If you haven't heard already,  You just need to replace the light behind
the display. 
Details below from http://cbsgi2.bu.edu/bmw/FAQ.7

Erick Baumeister
'88 535iA Dinan Stage 3, Exhaust,etc.
Livermore,CA,USA



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7.5.6:   Replacing OBC bulbs

(Editors note: This pertains to mid-80s -> early 90s cars)

- ----------------------
(by Mike Whitley: WHITLEYM@domain.elided)

Alot of people have complained about the backlight on the E30 onboard computer.
When I had a 325is, the lights burned out.  Replacing the little panel
or even
just the bulbs is an easy job.  Saves you $70 or $80 as well compared to
letting a dealer do it.  A quick summary follows.

Access the computer... this involves first taking out the glove box, and right
side dash board cover.  Everything is held in place by push pins, they just
twist and pull out.

Now, you need a socket wrench, with a short handle and a very small
socket.  I
can't remember how big... anyway, use the wrench to undo the nuts that hold
the computer in place on the dash baord.  You won't be able to see them just
feel around and you will find them.  Once the nuts have been removed, the
computer will slide out of the dash towards the seats.

On the side of the computer is a small white panel.  This is the back light
bar.  Pry it out with a small screwdriver or fingernail and pop in the
new one.
If spending $25 or $30 for this seems like a waste of money to you, desolder
the dead bulbs and solder in new ones for about $2.00.  They may not
have the
exact same wattage though.  If the computer push buttons have also stopped
lighting up, the bulb for that is located in the back.  Twist it out and
pop in
a new one.  (You remembered to pick one up at your dealer right?)

Reverse the installation instructions and voila!  You are done.  The whole
thing shouldn't take more than two hours.  Less if you are quick.

- -------------------------       
(by Steve Fox:  SRFox@domain.elided)

Alternate method:

Remove radio (easy).

Pop top switches above radio (easy).

Remove two phillips screws at top of center
console.  They will be visible through the
recently vacated switch holes (easy).

Remove two phillips screws at bottom of
center console, just under bottom edge (easy).

Pull center console forward on the right
edge exposing the business side of OBC (easy,
but gently, not much distance needed).

Remove top right nut that secures OBC (easy).

Trim pointless plastic interfering with removal of light
bar (easy, makes next replacement even easier).

Pull out light bar with needle nose and replace
with new unit (easy).

Assemble in reverse order of disassembly (easy).

I did this in 20 minutes the first time.  The other method
on this list (through the glove box) sounds great too but I
could not contort my fingers enough to remove the four OBC
nuts.  Local dealer wants about $80 for this procedure.

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