Rechargeable Torch

[ChrisHC]

I rebuilt my rechargeable torch following the advice given HERE I managed to find a two cell battery so did not have to cut down a three cell one as he did. The supplier I found was HERE Order Code BT01060 and the price after postage was £10.79. The LED bulb which transforms the torch and makes it a much more useful item is available HERE and the one you need is TTS-1WCREE (Non Polarity) 120 lumen 1 to 9 volts 1 watt Cree XP-G2 LED bulb (MES E10) the cost after postage was £10.45. The battery comes with a green plastic sleeve but this is easily cut off and the cells are fixed together by other means. Unlike the torch photographed, mine had a contact spring underneath the cell, so the negative terminal simply had to be broken off. The positive terminal was welded on to the old battery so I broke that off but could not solder it on to the new battery, so I cut a strip of brass to the same shape and soldered that on. I actually used an olive from an old plumbing fitting cut open. It is not necessary for it to be very springy because the bulb can be screwed down to make a good contact even after assembly.
I hope this helps anyone thinking of doing the same.

[Brianmoooore]

Good write up, and good find for the bulb.
Interestingly, the order code for the battery is a CPC Farnell one, where the battery is both slightly cheaper, and postage is free.

[galaxiedriver]

Great write-up. First I need to get one as my daughter's car didn't have one in it. I had to ask on the FB page what that connector in the glove box was for. I found some on Ebay so will try to get a good one. Looks like the white one is correct for 1990 325i Cabrio.