Can you fit an interior light at the front?

[M3KUK]

I've seen the mirror mounted map light which looks good but is quite rare to find. Can you fit a light in the roof where there is a rectangular plastic panel? I presume it's for the sunroof manual winder? The interior lights are very gloomy as std, can you fit LED lamps instead of the standard filament ones at the sides?

[ross_jsy]

Map light mirrors aren't that rare.

My friend fitted a light into the square and it works well. And yes, you can fit LED lights

[Brianmoooore]

Lifted from a post I made in a thread last week:

E36 light with twin spots is the best solution, but watch the clearance behind when you cut out the slot. Panel can be wedged down a few mm. if necessary. More basic solution is an E30 boot light fitted in the (enlarged) slot.
The cowboys amongst us take the power from the 'check' panel, but a better solution is to 'fish' the wires, above the headlining and around the sunroof tray, from one of the standard lights above the B pillar. There are no moving sunroof parts under there to foul the wiring.
Never tried a cab. light, but I don't think it will fit without mods.

[scallyally]

I've seen the mirror mounted map light which looks good but is quite rare to find. Can you fit a light in the roof where there is a rectangular plastic panel? I presume it's for the sunroof manual winder? The interior lights are very gloomy as std, can you fit LED lamps instead of the standard filament ones at the sides?

LED lights are cheap as chips on fleabay and last at least a fortnight! Don't bother.

[M3KUK]

I've liberated the interior light from my E36 which I'm scrapping, is there a guide to fitting it anywhere?
Brian, what was the thread you posted recently?

[Brianmoooore]

Enlarge the sunroof motor access to fit, checking that there is sufficient depth behind for the light. Wedge the panel down slightly, if needed.
Take the wiring from one of the existing interior lights by fishing it around the sunroof. There are no moving sunroof parts in there that can trap wires.

[M3KUK]

OK thanks, I'll give it a go.

[M3KUK]

I've just tried this and there's no way the E36 light will fit. It's way too big.
An E30 boot light is too small. The std interior light is the best fit.

[jmc330i]

I've just tried this and there's no way the E36 light will fit. It's way too big.

Got an E36 one in mine, fitted as Brian explained above.

[M3KUK]

Mine is like this one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E36-Inter ... Sw0vBUfMDM

[jmc330i]

Yup, that's the one.

[M3KUK]

Have you got an elec sunroof? Got any pics of the finished job?

[M3KUK]

Anyone done this mod on a Saloon with electric roof?
Need to know before I butcher my roof panel.

[Brianmoooore]

I've done it in a touring converted from manual roof, and fitted with the saloon front roof panel, and tourings that already had electric roofs.
Fitting a light is for electric roofs only - the light replaces the motor access panel.

[M3KUK]

Not going the E36 light route, settled for this instead, the OEM look!