e30 automatic shift light bulb replacement

[danix]

Quick simple howto.

I didn't realize that the shifter had an indicator light (P/R/N/D/etc) until I saw a listing for bulbs that included this item. You will need a 2721 1.2w bulb.

4 simple steps:

1. Put your fingers into the shift cover slot where the brushes are. Gently pry up.
2. See where the bulb plugs in from below. Use a needlenose pliers to pull the bulb and wiring out.
3. Replace the bulb
4. Put bulb assembly back in place, reinstall shift cover.

Pictures are here

[Sykohtic]

Well thats nice to know... Mine's never worked so I always kinda just assumed that maybe E30's didn't have such trinkets lol maybe if my auto sticks around a bit longer ill swap the bulbs, but in a year or so its going 5spd anyway...

[bavarianbrawler]

Where does the light actually seat itself? I had this entire area apart and couldn't figure out where to attach it. Just kind of dangling underneath for now.

[Semblance]

There's a little nub of plastic sticking off the shifter on the side with the letters. It has a cylinder that the bulb fits in from below, friction fit.

[danix]

Yep, what he said. Did you look at the pictures link?

[jeffnhiscars]

The bulb holder can disappear. Makes installing a new bulb fun.

[A_seth]

Old thread but I looked deep inside the gearbox and couldnt find the bulb holder at all. Do ALL auto gearboxes come with the bulb holder?

[gtocchini]

Thanks for the photos.

Just to add to this thread. I just did the switch, super easy and works beautifully. But to do the switch a little easier, just take out the 2 screws and take off the shifter indicators. It makes it way more manageable to get in and out.