Radio Light Not Working

[Whodoyoulike]

I have a 1995 318ti with the standard radio/cassette. The radio station and tape rewind / ff does not illuminate.

One source told me this cannot be fixed........is this true?

[aceyx]

not true, but it's a pain to fix.

first, the radio requires a special 5 sided tool to remove. there's actually a guy that makes them for about $5, i can dig up the info if you're interested.

second, you need to know how to solder. all it takes is replacing some LEDs, which cost a few bucks.

simple steps, but PITA follow-through. i'll be doing a writeup as soon as i get some time.

[Whodoyoulike]

Thanks aceyx !!!

As an avid guitar player, I do know how to solder. So, when you have some time please post the simple steps and include the guy who sells the 5 sided tool.

Those dealers ........... Perillio BMW in Chicago don't know squat !!!

[aceyx]

the guy's name is Richard Mix (z3richard@aol), it costs $5 shipped. factory tool is $15 or so.

if you take apart the radio, it's pretty easy to figure out which bulbs you need to replace, and ratshack usually carries them.

make sure you know your radio code before you pull it as well.


it's possible that this may not fix it; in one cases i know about there was a micro-crack in a solder joint next to a resistor, but most of the time swapping the bulbs will do it.

i may not get to it until after finals (around holiday time) but i'll see if i can take a picture of what needs to be replaced.

[aceyx]

i actually have two radios (one to fix, one to use in the car) and the one that's out at this time seems to have a bigger problem than just the backlights.

i'll see about pulling the one in my dash and giving it a look in about two weeks.