E30 M50: OBC

OBC Backlight Repair

I finally got around to replacing the light bulbs for my OBC.

There are a dozen different ways to tackle this problem. Here is how I did it, hope it helps. I choose to solder in two replacement bulbs from Radio Shack rather than spending $20 or more on a replacement unit. The bulbs cost a total of $2.79.

Checkout these sites for detailed instructions.

UnofficialBMW.com Instructions

Koala Motorsport Instructions


I found it helpful to have access from the glove box.	Here is a pretty good picture of the light strip.	There are 2 screws holding the top of the panel. I only removed one.

Light strip and replacement bulb.	The bulbs are wired in parallel. I just brooke them off, trimmed the wires...	and soldered them to the contacts.

	The bulbs are larger and don't snap in place like the originals but they work great!