Torch Repair

[RTTBMW]

Hi,

Just thought I posts few pictures of my efforts of fixing the glovebox torch! The soldering was fiddly! Especially when I start drinking G&T's I started fixing it in the office and tried that evening at home hence the G&T. Lost patience with it. Came back to it in the office the next day and hey presto!

regards

Richard

[rix313]

Is there a guide for this repair?

[RTTBMW]

There is I since put an LED bulb in!

http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E32/Torch/Index.htm

[Cloggy Saint]

Does anyone know if the torches from later models fit the E30 charging socket?

[flybynite]

Does anyone know if the torches from later models fit the E30 charging socket?

No they don't, they are completely the other way around (pins on the torch)

The later charging socket should fit in the E30 glove box though

[Cloggy Saint]

That sounds like too much work for a torch that is fairly useless in standard guise.

[Sanchez]

That sounds like too much work for a torch that is fairly useless in standard guise.

Correct, which is why mines isn’t in a million pieces in plastic box but definitely a cool period item when working.

[RTTBMW]

I like to get everything working. Doing remote central locking next.

[rix313]

Given that nearly everyone has plenty of time on their hands it seems a nice simple mod to do to keep a good original piece working Thanks for the link!

[coopman]

Was the glovebox torch an option? I don't have one

[Brianmoooore]

Was the glovebox torch an option? I don't have one

Standard fitment in the UK, and, I suspect, everywhere else. Have a look inside your front console. There's a gap in the glovebox lining positioned just right for the torch to shoot through if the glovebox is slammed shut when the torch isn't pushed in place properly.

[Cloggy Saint]

There is I since put an LED bulb in!

http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E32/Torch/Index.htm

Do you have a link for where you got the LED? The one I have is too big. And doesn't work.

[Brianmoooore]

There is I since put an LED bulb in!

http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E32/Torch/Index.htm

Do you have a link for where you got the LED? The one I have is too big. And doesn't work.

LEDs have a forward junction voltage, which needs to be reached for the diode to light up. Unfortunately, white LEDs have a junction voltage in excess of about three volts, so they won't light on the two cells (1.2 volt each = 2.4 volts), that you can get inside an E30 torch case. Most other colour LEDs have a lower junction voltage, so will light on 2.4 volts.
There's a little voltage multiplier/ringing circuit that can be used with LEDs to increase the voltage seen by the LED, with a peculiar name that escapes me, and given the apparent performance of that LED bulb in the link, I suspect that it has this ringing circuit built into the case, so is much more than just a LED.

[Cloggy Saint]

Ah, that explains it. Think I may as well stick with the original bulb then seeing as I don't think I've ever used the torch. They are utterly useless but it's nice to know it's there.

[Brianmoooore]

Joule Thief - common name for the voltage multiplier.
Google comes up with plenty of DIY designs that will just about fit into an E30 torch case.

[coopman]

Was the glovebox torch an option? I don't have one

Standard fitment in the UK, and, I suspect, everywhere else. Have a look inside your front console. There's a gap in the glovebox lining positioned just right for the torch to shoot through if the glovebox is slammed shut when the torch isn't pushed in place properly.

Interesting, can't believe I wasn't aware of this! Unfortunately I couldn't find the lost torch, but I did find the connectors that the torch would sit on - they're covered by a foam insert.

I'll add it to the list of random missing items.

[Brianmoooore]

If there's an insert covering the terminals, is does look like the torch was optional or even not available in your part of the world.
As for the torch being useless, you might change your mind if you had a puncture, back in the day, pre smart 'phones, on a dark night in the middle of nowhere.

[TurtleDesignTech]

@RTTBMW Where did you source the batteries from?

[Brianmoooore]

Google Varta 3/V250H. Readily available.
There used to be a 2/V250H, which is just the two cells required, but this seems to be discontinued.
4/V250H is available if you have two torches to repair.

[TurtleDesignTech]

Google Varta 3/V250H. Readily available.
There used to be a 2/V250H, which is just the two cells required, but this seems to be discontinued.
4/V250H is available if you have two torches to repair.

Cheers Brian