Dim LCD on C33 Radio

[M3 3VOM]

I'm a proud new BMW owner, and new to this forum...just picked up a '96 M3 with 40k...very clean. As I'm fixing the little things, I've come across two questions:

LCD on the radio is almost unreadable...is there a fix for it? I've had the radio out and now know there are no bulbs to replace.
I read something about a lighted shift knob...is there such a thing in OEM knob for the 96 MC? If so, any clue as to what the PN is?Thanks...

M3 3VOM

[M TOPLS]

I'm a proud new BMW owner, and new to this forum...just picked up a '96 M3 with 40k...very clean. As I'm fixing the little things, I've come across two questions:

LCD on the radio is almost unreadable...is there a fix for it? I've had the radio out and now know there are no bulbs to replace.
I read something about a lighted shift knob...is there such a thing in OEM knob for the 96 MC? If so, any clue as to what the PN is?Thanks...

My 97 didn't come with a lighted shift knob, so I don't know if an older one will. I found out when I went to replace it with a lighted knob and there were no wires on the original one.

My C33 LCD is in the same shape as yours, but I have the additional problem of very poor AM reception (I like to listen to talk radio). FM reception is fine, but I can't get my wireless transmitter for my MP3 to work properly with it. Very strange since it works great with the CD43 in my MZ3. I've done some searching on the subject and rather than fixing the C33, my plan is to simply replace the head unit with the CD43 or a non-OEM unit. It might be nice to have bluetooth for my mobile phone like some of the new Sonys and Pioneers have ($300-400) as well as an easy connection for an MP3 player.

By the way, welcome to the wonderful world of M ownership!

[M3 3VOM]

I appreciate your insights. What a car...I LOVE it! It needed very little work...had the wheels redone last winter. Had the drivers seat left bolster replaced (worn). Next...some Dent Wizzard work, replace some front spoiler parts, and I just replaced the rechargable batteries in the glove box flash light...difficult to find. I didn't even think of getting a replacement flashlight...do you know if they are available?

M3 3VOM

[bmxcm]

there are threads on fixing the dim display, but in a nut shell, all u do is take it apart and touch up every solder joint w/an small tipped soldering iron. did the trick for me.

[SamGrant951]

Mine was the same way, I took it out and replaced it with a C43 out of a 99 M3. It works great...anyone need a C33 with bad FM recep and dim lighting? :)

[Badgtho is back]

Mine was the same way, I took it out and replaced it with a C43 out of a 99 M3. It works great...anyone need a C33 with bad FM recep and dim lighting? :)

you coudl do that for sure.. or you can have the dealer send it out and fix it. mine has been fixed and its bright as hell.

like the HVAC issue.. all E36s with that radio will experience dimness ultimately

[Matt927]

I believe the lighted shift knob came standard in mid 1998. Along with the rear headrests and three spoke wheel.

[fliplap]

-removed-

[BCM M3]

I fixed mine over a year ago with fliplap's writeup and it's still working great. Definitely give that a shot. Thanks fliplap!

[WytLytnyn]

Does the soldering iron fix apply to the Climate Control as well? Mine freaks out when I hit the Auto button, but returns to normal upon hitting the fan up or down button.

Please advise.

[n00bjabi]

I believe the lighted shift knob came standard in mid 1998
My 95 M3 has a lit shift knob but my friends 99 M3 does not.