Replacing instrument cluster lights

[Tangent]

The bulb for my speedo and fuel gauge has died so I'll be replacing it, but before I start that job I've got a couple of questions.

First, can anyone tell me a good way to get to that bulb that doesn't involve removing the steering wheel like the Bentley manual suggests? I know I've read that here before but I can't seem to find it in a search.

Second, is this a BMW dealer-only bulb, or does anybody have a Radio Shack equivalent part number? My Camaro's 3rd brake light bulbs were ~$15 a piece from the dealer, but were not only brighter, but also only $2 each from Radio Shack, I'm hoping to find the same here. (especially since I don't have a BMW dealer in my town)

[NC325iC]

well you really dont HAVE to take the wheel off its just alot harder than it needs to be if you dont
my 2 cents

[Jordan]

The bulb you want is a standard issue 5W wedge bulb. Its used by almost every car maker.

[AndrewBird]

Are these what e30's use (top ones)? Because these things are pretty damn cool.

[Zoso]

I had to take my steering wheel off. It isn't that big of a deal but having an airbag complicated things a bit.

My recommendation is to bring the bulb to an auto parts store along with the holder that the bulb plugs into. They'll have one that is close enough. Mine are actually a bit brighter than stock so I just turn the brightness down.

Here is a writeup I did of the proceedure.

http://zoso.no-ip.org/318i-dash.html

[PanamaE30]

da linky is deady

[EverWiser]

I'll admit that I'm not sure about the E30's since I've only done this to an E34 so far but the bulbs in the E34 were actually soldered to the tabs in their holders. I had to nip the wires on the old bulbs to get them out and then I just bent the new bulb's wires around the holder's tabs when installing them. The best way would be to desolder and resolder them IF they are that variety. Just my .02.

[Bread]

I had to take my steering wheel off. It isn't that big of a deal but having an airbag complicated things a bit.

My recommendation is to bring the bulb to an auto parts store along with the holder that the bulb plugs into. They'll have one that is close enough. Mine are actually a bit brighter than stock so I just turn the brightness down.

Here is a writeup I did of the proceedure.

http://zoso.no-ip.org/318i-dash.html

I realize this is an old thread, but after reading your writeup I was kinda baffled. You dont' have to remove the back of the gauge assembly to change out the bulbs. Locate the little black knobs on the back of the cluster. Twist and pull to remove the bulbs.

[Tangent]

Whoa, I never even noticed that. (I don't think I ever read through the whole thing) The red arrows are pointing at the instrument bulbs. Give them a twist and the bulb and that black holder will pull right out the back. Replace the bulb in that holder and put it back in.

[Inkar]

Whoa, I never even noticed that. (I don't think I ever read through the whole thing) The red arrows are pointing at the instrument bulbs. Give them a twist and the bulb and that black holder will pull right out the back. Replace the bulb in that holder and put it back in.

so there's only just the two bulbs?