E46 Instrument cluser - illumination / Bulb change

[OldmanBM]

Can anyone share if you have experienced blown bulb/led lights for instrument cluster. My temp gauge seems to have lost its glow. I think its led is dead. Can we change the Led or what are options. Pls share .Thanks .

 

[jarance]

Dont think the instrument cluster used LED to light up the background.
They are usually light up with miniature bulbs.
You need to remove the instrument cluster and from the back of the panel, you can access the bulb holder.

Here is a picture of a similar instrument cluster from the rear view and the spare bulbs required.

Bulb can be bought at any BMW spare part shop like BA or Bomin.

 

[jarance]

Here is a close up of some of the bulb.

 

[OldmanBM]

Thanks J, but I was also hoping this will be the case but alas....mine is led without any bulb cover behind !...id post picts but don't know how....

 

[jarance]

you mean something like.

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=41824

 

[jarance]

or this maybe

 

[OldmanBM]

Ahh...yes, this is the LED type same as mine....do you think LED can change ?

 

[aidilj]

Ahh...yes, this is the LED type same as mine....do you think LED can change ?

Def can bro Tan, remove it and bring it for sample, they may not have the exact one but make sure voltage, lumens and hue are the same. If not, replace all leds with the same... :rock:

 

[jarance]

The LED are SMD (Surface Mounted) type. Soldering by convention method is difficult due to the small sized.
You may have to use a pointed tip soldering gun and a lot of flux to do it.

SMD LED can be bought on ebay.

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The LED are SMD (Surface Mounted) type. Soldering by convention method is difficult due to the small sized.
You may have to use a pointed tip soldering gun and a lot of flux to do it.

SMD LED can be bought on ebay.