Glove box Flashlight repair

[BMSman]

My original BMW glove box flashlight was dead. Although a modern LED flashlight is much more handy its nice to have the original one working as well....

As expected the batteries were fried. The closest modern equivalent battery is the Varta V250H (I paid $6.44 shipped for 2 of these found on Ebay).

You need a good solder iron to solder to these - need to be quick and avoid heating up the battery too much. I soldered the 2 batteries together with a small piece of brass shim stock - soldering it to the top of the lower battery first then to the side of the upper battery. The long piece of metal welded to the side of one of the batteries is copper and solders easily - i pried the original weld loose, cleaned it up and soldered to new battery. The metal spring clip that connects the battery to the end of the bulb does not solder so it was replaced with a short piece of wire which means if I ever have to replace the bulb I'll need to open it up. Thats about it, a few dabs of glue hold the case back together.

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[72tpik5]

Job well done. I'm thinking a background in electronics would be a tremendous asset when owning an 8 series.

[Zohar]

You can improve it further and make it an actually useful flashlight by swapping the bulb for an LED Cree like :
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/252222347275?_mwBanner=1



They are on eBay and the results are fab.

[Timm]

I fitted an LED bulb when I refurbished mine late last year - what a difference!

[Zohar]

Makes usable as a flash light rather than a BMW ornament

[shogun]

My one with 3 LED and a cell phone battery pack
http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/tips...t/02050002.jpg
http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/tips...t/02050004.jpg
http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/tips...t/02050006.jpg
done already 10 years ago.

[tvjake2]

I fixed it with a new battery and some soldering. I'd measure the light in candlepower as opposed to any kind of wattage. I might take a shot at it later with an LED bulb but I've got a super bright mini-flashlight that they say the Navy SEALS use...no, really it is. I can tell.

BMW flashlight.jpg

[TedBobo]

I fixed it with a new battery and some soldering.

Gr8, you're on for the next Wrenchfest.

[PabloRock]

I didn't get a flashlight with my car. What year did that start, or did the last owner just take mine? (mines a 91).

[Wuffer]

I have at least 7 from parts cars - will need new batteries etc...
wuffer at shaw dot ca

[tvjake2]

I have at least 7 from parts cars - will need new batteries etc...
wuffer at shaw dot ca

How much do you want for each of them?

- - - Updated - - -

Gr8, you're on for the next Wrenchfest.

Ok, but my soldering skills are pretty bad.

[tvjake2]

I have at least 7 from parts cars - will need new batteries etc...
wuffer at shaw dot ca

Email sent.

[Wuffer]

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