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    OBC light replacement

    Well, I just replaced the bulbs for my OBC backlight today. Instead of buying the $25 light bar from Bav. Auto., I decided to get a couple of bulbs from Radio Shack and solder them in. After I took out the entire trim area surrounding the OBC, radio, and other components, all you have to do is undo the two OBC mounting screws on the right side. Then then you can just pull the light bar right out the side.

    Here are some pictures of what I did:



    Here is the back of the light bar circuitry. The red arrow points to one of the four connections that must be unsodlered to remove the old bulbs.


    Here is a picture (sorry, it's blurry) of the new bulbs soldered into place.


    Popped the board back into the white light bar, slid it into the OBC and it works great! It is ever-so-slightly dimmer than before, but only cost me $3 and took maybe an hour.
    -Brandon
    '86 325es S50
    '12 VW GTI Autobahn DSG
    '03 540i M-Sport (sold)
    '08 Jeep SRT-8 (sold)

    For sale:
    S50 TMS chip for Schricks

    #2
    looks good, i think i will have to do the same to mine

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      #3
      doable with LEDs?

      practically unlimited lifetime there.
      My mountains are better than yours.

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        #4
        Originally posted by bimmerphile
        doable with LEDs?

        practically unlimited lifetime there.
        I had a link to convert to LEDs, but can't find it. To do the LEDs, I would have had to order a resistor from some mailorder company, according the article. I really didn't feel like digging out my old Electrical Circuits 210 notes to figure out what I would have needed. Considering the original bulbs lasted 18 years, I didn't see any reason to convert. Also, I was afraid it might give off a wierd light compared to the rest of the dash lights.
        -Brandon
        '86 325es S50
        '12 VW GTI Autobahn DSG
        '03 540i M-Sport (sold)
        '08 Jeep SRT-8 (sold)

        For sale:
        S50 TMS chip for Schricks

        Comment


          #5
          with resitance it would work but my original ones lasted 18 years and I would have to assume the replacement would last as long.

          My dealer only charged me $12.50 for the light bar thingy.
          Im now E30less.
          sigpic

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