The bulbs inside my console dials are dying (and my clock doesn't work ). Has anyone successfully replaced their bulbs with LEDs? I would like to solve this problem once and for all!
I guess no one has done this.
There are several threads on bulb replacement that can be posted, if that is your question. But I don't recall any about sourcing and using LEDs. I think the bulbs are BMW parts as shown in this thread, with special mounts, which may be why there's no history on using LEDs.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...highlight=hvac
BMW MOA 696, BMW CCA 1405
What about the bulbs for the HVAC? Is there an alternate source for those? BMW wants ~$8/each for those little buggers.
Do you suppose that it is not a BMW part consisting of bulb plus base, and that you can get a generic bulb without the base?
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Site...3797/ES165448/
BMW MOA 696, BMW CCA 1405
The HVAC bulbs are a composite housing and bulb with the bulb is molded into the housing. The bulbs do not come out of the housing; plus they are really expensive. They are also a PITA to get to unless you are pulling the center console for some other reason--in which case REPLACE THEM.
I haven't tried this yet, since I don't have any burned-out bulbs, but the BMW panel bulbs sure look like these B8 style bulbs:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...panel-led/222/
It would be worth a try for the cost.
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The problem with using LEDs is that they are so bright they will wash out the amber color.
Follow the link to the SuperBrightLEDs website, then scroll to the bottom of the B8 listing and they provide dimensioned drawings. I just don't have any BMW lights out and available for measuring.
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With LED bulbs, you can buy amber, red, or any other color. Typically that really enhances the look when used to back-light a similar color, precisely because there is no other color to wash out the intended one.
They aren't molded into the base, but they are attached. I examined a blown bulb that I replaced a while back, and it can probably be made to come apart. The question will be if I can find something else to go back in its place.
I was just curious if anyone had already been down that path.
These are still twist-ons. Maybe they can be removed from their original socket/housing and placed in the OEM one?
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