Stock radio LED display is too dim

[roadrash]

The LED display of my factory radio is just too dim to read during the day. When I have the headlights on, the brightness of the display changes as I adjust the brightness of all the other dash lights, but it's still pretty dim. At night, it's possible to read the display, but it's still tough to see.

I just read the owners manual for the factory radio and couldn't find any mention of a method to control/adjust the brightness of the radio display. It didn't even mention that it changes when adjustinng the other dash lights.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Work-arounds?

Thanks!

[GDB]

I know the OBC uses 4 (I think) lights that are replaceable. I would guess that it's similar with the radio (although I'm really not sure).

I don't remember ever having a problem reading my radio during the day or night. As for the interior light dimmer, it should dim everything, including the radio.

[grm]

what year is your ti?

[roadrash]

It's a 1997 Sport. The manual doesn't list a model number for the radio, but it does say that it's a "BMW Business car radio" and it has a CD changer.

[aceyx]

It's a common failure in these radios. The bulbs burn out or lose a connection (poor soldering, high heat). They're fairly common if you want to replace them, but it doesn't always fix the problem.

[grm]

I just replaced mine with micro lamps from radio shack, part # 272-1092. They are not the brightest but better than the ones that burnt out. They are 12v 60mA wire terminal base; I wish I could fine some brighter ones. Wasn’t too hard to replace.

[aceyx]

Try Mouser

[roadrash]

Bulbs??? I thought the display was actual LED's rather than incandescent bulbs. Hmmm... I guess I'll have to go check more closely.

[aceyx]

I think it's a typical backlit LCD arrangement.

[roadrash]

Sheesh... intermittent electrical system gremlins make me angry. [sigh]

Late Tuesday afternoon, I got in the car, started it and opened the sun roof before I backed out. Then to my surprise, I noticed that the radio display was at full brightness, equal to that of the clock. The next time I started the car, the display was back to half brightness. :-(

Today, Wednesday, full brightness has come and gone a couple of times. So, my guess is that whatever bulb is involved is not burnt out, but there's a loose connection somewhere.

It will sometimes go full bright when I turn the headlights on and off, and still changes brightness with the rest of the dash, but it just doesn't consistantly get fully bright.

Any thoughts where I should start checking for the loose connection? I'll be checking realoem.com tonight.

[PettitWC]

mine does the same thing, I have a sirius radio hooked up so i use that most of the time anyways

[96cali]

You might consider picking up a used one. They can be had pretty cheaply if I'm not mistaken- maybe $30?

[96cali]

You might consider picking up a used head unit. They can be had pretty cheaply if I'm not mistaken- maybe $30?

[magman]

roadrash, I have the same issue on my radio, the stations does not show up or it is very dim. What did you end up doing to fix it? did you get a new radio or face or fixed the connection? please let me know, thank you

[roadrash]

Um... I decided that I didn't want to get involved in trying to pull out the radio to look for loose connections, etc. because of the fake brushed aluminum thing that's on my console. Odds are that the stupid thing is misaligned just enough that the radio can't be pulled out. I don't know this to be fact, I just didn't want to find out for sure and then be really angry at the previous owner. LOL

Short version: I've just ignored the issue, and haven't taken any steps to resolve it.