How to change lights on centre console?

[Bumpa]

On my 2002 Z3 2.2 litre, sport, I have two lights out on the centre console - the heater distribution control and the air conditioning switch. How do I get to the light bulbs to replace them?

 

[Mint]

One way of getting to the heater bulbs is by removing the head unit and going in that way. You may need a mirror to see what to do. You'll also get cuts and scrapes on your hands......ask me how I know

Not sure about the AC switch, thought it only lit up when you had the AC on...

 

[pgunter]

Yep, got those battle scars too @Mint

If you release the whole panel that holds in the heater and fan controls you can angle it back to get a better view of the bulb locations. Taking the radio out is the best way too.

 

[hard top]

How do I get to the light bulbs to replace them?

Here you go. https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-replacing-heater-control-bulbs.65/

 

[Bumpa]

Thanks for the link. Very helpful. Does anyone know what sort of bulb that is?

 

[Bumpa]

The other question is how many heater control lamps are there? Two or three? I might as well change them all once I'm in there.

 

[Jjim]

The other question is how many heater control lamps are there? Two or three? I might as well change them all once I'm in there.

There are 2 bulbs on the heater control panel

 

[Mint]

...I might as well change them all once I'm in there...

I agree with your sentiment but you may change your mind when you find out how expensive they are. Special BMW bulbs, about £10 each IIRC

Edit... have a look here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Genui...ket-E36-3-Series-Z3-61138353797-/170880833292

 

[pgunter]

@Mint I wonder if we can get LED ones that might last longer.... Anybody come across them ? @Nodzed ??

 

[Mint]

@Mint I wonder if we can get LED ones that might last longer.... Anybody come across them ? @Nodzed ??

Not seen any. I did change just the bulb on mine by cutting off the old one from the holder and soldering in a new bulb. It worked but was very fiddly and required quite some soldering skill. May be able to do the same with an LED...

 

[Nodzed]

Not sure about the AC switch, thought it only lit up when you had the AC on...

Correct.

 

[Nodzed]

@Mint I wonder if we can get LED ones that might last longer.... Anybody come across them ? @Nodzed ??

I haven't ever really looked for them to be honest but no I haven't come across any.

 

[pgunter]

Thank you Niall... The search shall continue.

 

[Bumpa]

All your comments are much appreciated. Next question is - how do I remove the radio? It is a Sony face-off unit as shown in the photo.

 

[Jjim]

I have highlighted the bits where you will need to insert the Sony release keys here

They look like this:


Once in, they will click into place. You then just pull on both at the same time to slide the stereo unit out.

You will then be left with a metal cage. This should just be locked into place by metal tabs that have been bent outwards. Just bend these back in towards where the stereo should be and then the cage will just slide out.

 

[Bumpa]

Thanks Jjim. I have just ordered a pair from Amazon for 99 pence! With free postage! They are a fiver in Halfrauds.

 

[g8jka]

I've always found it easier to undo the 2 screws on the side flap and pull it back out of the way to change the bulbs. You can get a torch in and see what you are doing and it saves scrapping your knuckles or getting your hand stuck in the radio cut out. It quicker as well as the radio doesn't need to come out. You can pop the switches out this way also, or go in under the gear knob gaiter.

 

[Stevo7682]

@Mint I wonder if we can get LED ones that might last longer.... Anybody come across them ? @Nodzed ??

I have looked as my ashtray light out couldn't find a direct led replacement.
So i am intending to do plan b which is to break out the bulb and solder an led in its place . Stephen.

 

[Jjim]

No probs. I must admit, it goes against the grain having to go to Halfords, and only do when I need something straight away and can't wait for delivery!

Just found this on YouTube about the removal of the heater dials to get to the bulbs - go to about 2mins in.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su0AlvU3Wd4

 

[Bumpa]

I've always found it easier to undo the 2 screws on the side flap and pull it back out of the way to change the bulbs. You can get a torch in and see what you are doing and it saves scrapping your knuckles or getting your hand stuck in the radio cut out. It quicker as well as the radio doesn't need to come out. You can pop the switches out this way also, or go in under the gear knob gaiter.

I've had a look through the side cheek on the left (passenger) side and as far as I can tell one bulb plugs in from behind between the temperature and fan knobs, and the other plugs up from underneath between the temperature and distribution knobs. Am I looking at the right things?