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View Full Version : Instrument Cluster light not bright enough


Blackie
05-16-2005, 07:17 PM
I just got a 1998 ti and lights on the instrument cluster are not bright enough, on the right side it is very dimmed and the left is a little bit better but sometimes I have trouble telling if it is on or not on.

Is there a way to make these brighter? Perhaps changes the gauges or something? Any advice is appreciated.

socal318ti
05-16-2005, 08:11 PM
Pull the cluster and check the bulbs. I did this when I bought my Ti and now its plenty bright. Just make sure you have new bulbs before you pull the cluster out.

Blackie
05-16-2005, 08:15 PM
Pull the cluster and check the bulbs. I did this when I bought my Ti and now its plenty bright. Just make sure you have new bulbs before you pull the cluster out.

socal318ti,

Do you know what bulbs I need and where I can get them?

Thanks!

socal318ti
05-16-2005, 09:05 PM
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CG73&mospid=47506&btnr=62_0312&hg=62&fg=05 Try that link. Its parts 4 and 5.

Blackie
05-16-2005, 09:32 PM
Awesome! Thanks!

dodj
05-16-2005, 11:47 PM
have u tried turning the knob it makes it brighter or dimmer

1996 328ti
05-17-2005, 12:27 AM
It's generally not a bulb problem. There is an overlay that comes loose. If that is the problem the cluster needs to come apart. I do suppose the first thing is to check the bulbs though.

Blackie
05-17-2005, 03:03 AM
have u tried turning the knob it makes it brighter or dimmer

Yeah, tried many times to no avail.

Blackie
05-17-2005, 03:08 AM
It's generally not a bulb problem. There is an overlay that comes loose. If that is the problem the cluster needs to come apart. I do suppose the first thing is to check the bulbs though.

I am going to take apart the cluster anyway, just to see how hard it is. My steering wheel seems to be fixed, doesnt look like I have much room to slide that cluster out though. Any DIY for the instrument cluster removal?

1996 328ti
05-17-2005, 03:15 AM
After removing the screws the cluster separates into two halves. Be very careful.

schussey
05-17-2005, 05:24 PM
i heard somewhere that it is very common to have a defective gauge cluster, and that BMW NA will replace them, free of charge. You just have to pay for the service fees, as it must be done at a dealership.

I'll start looking around for where I saw that, because supposedly people were actually getting theirs replaced.

Can anybody chime in on this? I'll post again if/when I find the thread, I'm pretty sure it was on bimmerforums.

-chris