13 button OBC

[s4sturge]

I've just bought my '87 M3 Evo and am starting to look at a few jobs today. The first is the OBC which has nothing on the display. The unit has power as the buttons light up when the headlights are on, and pressing some of the function buttons does result in red lights adjacent to the buttons. Is this likely to just be the backlight issue?
Also, while the panel appears to be original (as its still in german and the car has been over here 13 years) but I don't have a button on the indicator stalk to control it - is that right for an '87 car?

Any advice appreciated.

[bigwinn]

check fuse 24 bud, from memory there are two fuses which may control the OBC, then into check the loom

[s4sturge]

Thanks for the steer, fuses are all OK so a look behind the dash next as the previous owner fitted a new sterio and could have dislodged, disconnected or even damaged some of the OBC connections.

Still wondering if it will work at all if I haven't got the remote control on the indicator stalk?

[s4sturge]

Cancel the above, it looks like its 'just' the bulbs. I shone a torch on the display in the dark and I can see it all works. Also managed to prove that my indicator stalk does act as a remote, I had been looking for a button like the modern cars, but it seems the whole stalk acts as one.

A few hours of fun tomorrow to get the light board out!

[bigwinn]

The lightboard is a pretty easy fix if you are OK with soldering- bulbs from the bay cost pence!

Good luck

Stu

[s4sturge]

Thanks Stu

I'm good with an iron so no worries there, I've got to solder up the auxilliary fan wires tomorrow as it overheated on the drive due to there only being one wire left intact at the connector. We've got a model train shop nearby I should be able to get the 6v bulbs from - just hope I'm not spotted going in!

Jamie

[bigwinn]

If you own an anorak then I think it may be a long visit to purchase some train p0rn

[Brianmoooore]

Bulbs you want are FIVE volts, 0.06A, and ones from a reputable source should have a life of around 20,000 hours which translates to about half a million miles.
CPC-Farnell SC00337 are suitable.

[BenHar]

The lightboard is a pretty easy fix

For some values of "easy".

Getting to them is a pain.

This is the best write up I can find at the moment:

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/repair_faqs/obc.html

Ben

[s4sturge]

Bulbs you want are FIVE volts, 0.06A, and ones from a reputable source should have a life of around 20,000 hours which translates to about half a million miles.
CPC-Farnell SC00337 are suitable.

Thanks for the steer, I've ordered 2 packs of 5 today from CPC rather than risk the model train shame.