E30 Zone

Hi All,

A couple of the bulbs in the dash are no longer working, so I want to replace all the bulbs in the instrument cluster, behind the HVAC unit and ashtrays. I've opened everything up so I know which types of bulbs go where. A quick search on ebay throws up all sorts of LED-this and Xenon-that. Are these worth going for, in other words, has anyone upgraded their dash bulbs? Or should these be avoided and just stick to the original type of bulbs (ie from the likes of Osram)?

Thanks.

Stick with originals.

The dimmer won't work on LEDs.

Ben

Okay, thanks. Do you know where's the best place to get them?

BenHar wrote:Stick with originals.

The dimmer won't work on LEDs.

Ben

I've also found that if you replace the number plate lights with LED bulbs then the check panel lights up as if there's a fault

Bonymaenjack wrote:

BenHar wrote:Stick with originals.

The dimmer won't work on LEDs.

Ben

I've also found that if you replace the number plate lights with LED bulbs then the check panel lights up as if there's a fault

I'll steer well clear then! Thanks.

yes true,
led does play havoc on these cars

Make sure you pick the correct wattage for the dash etc bulbs as there are two types, 5w and 3w one of which will harm the dash.
Pick your oem number and try e-bay mate.

Mart.

martauto wrote:Make sure you pick the correct wattage for the dash etc bulbs as there are two types, 5w and 3w one of which will harm the dash.
Pick your oem number and try e-bay mate.

Mart.

Okay, will do. Ta.

Just one final question: there are some bulbs that sit in their bulb holder that twist-lock in (most of them in the instrument cluster), and there are other bulbs that go in another type of bulb holder that just push in (those in the ashtray and behind the HVAC unit), however, are they basically the same bulb but with different holders? I'm having difficulty removing the bulb from its twist-lock holder, they're very fragile and I've already smashed one. Should I simply buy the bulbs that come with their bulb holder? Thanks.

The two sorts of bulbs are the same,i think, but the ones in the twist-holders are soldered /fixed in place so arn't meant to come away from the holder.

Depends where you are but Halfords stock everything for the E30

Paul

That would explain why I couldn't pull the damn thing out!

Thanks for the Halfords tip, but not very convenient for me as I live the other side of the Channel! Looks like it's ebay then...

You have to twist off the bulb holders on the instrument cluster and the bulb can be pulled out as is the case with the other bulbs in the dash panel. They can be wiggled and pulled straight out. They can be tight as they likely have spent 30 years in there.