how many instrument cluster lights are there?

[andrewsarg101]

This is a random question, but how many idiot lights are there on the instrument cluster (seat belt, cel, etc.)? I get the battery, oil, cel, airbag, seat belt, abs, parking brake, brake fluid, transmission, and brake lights when I turn the key to the on position. It looks like there is supposed to be more on the bottom of my cluster, so i'm just seeing if you guys have lights that have burned out on mine.

[halek]

when I took my cluster out there were a number of 'missing' idiot light bulbs. I guess BMW configure a generic E36 cluster to suit the car model. eg a diesel will have a preheat light, if a tow hitch is factory fitted you get trailer turn signal light, etc.

Does your CEL light up when you turn your ignition on? I'm thinking mine isn't working as it doesn't & it never lit when my cam pos. sensor died recently.

[andrewsarg101]

Mine stays on until I start my car.

[bjt42]

I think in the UK the light doesn't say check engine, instead it's got a picture of an engine on it. Mine doesn't light up at any point either. I wonder if it's a UK/US difference?

I'm in the UK with a 2000 E36 316 sport compact.

[aceyx]

CEL is part of OBDII, which is emissions regulations for the US. The EU uses Euro 4 (mostly the same, though easier) so it's not a big surprise the cluster lights are different.

US E36 models are not fitted with dummy-lights for rear fogs. I believe the front fog light is included with the kit, and not standard in the cluster.

[cson]

Any body have a picture that shows the lights in a US car these are the ones that do not turn on when I turn the key and I think the bulbs are either burned or removed: No ASC+T, no break hydraulics (is this same with brake fluid?)

[thesk8nmidget]

well if you open the cluster up it will show a few empty spaced i would snap a picture of mie but i have very few. i'll let someone with a newer car with more lights snap a picture

[cson]

I have a 3.18i 1998 I saw few pictures of the back of the cluster with several bulbs missing, but could not see a list of the lights that should light when you first start the car. I think the only one I am missing is the ASC light but I want to be sure before opening the cluster. I just ordered couple of those hard to find bulbs and will open the cluster when they arrive. Guess we will see soon how many more I will need. I will try to take a picture of mine and post it here before and after

[budget76]

hmm, i have more empty spaces than used. Probably stuff like the ASC that my car doesn't have because of the swap.