Couple questions about center console/ climate control/AC

[katit2]

It's on mine 525i 94.

1. I noticed AC compressor runs no matter if I turn AC on or OFF (snowflake button). It turns off if I turn blower fan off. Is it normal?

2. Passenger side temp dial not sure whats up with it, this blue/red legend around knob spins together with a knob. Is it broken and how to fix?

3. Computer on a right from radio. Seems like display bulb burnt out, lighted on right but dimmer on left. And it's dimmer than radio and speedo. Any DIY? And what is the source for bulbs. I checked bulbs by PN and they like $8-9 each!

[fo3]

1. no
2. isn't it a sticker/ panel on the outside? To be honest I've never looked hard at the HVAC controls (or used them) after I tested them and found they worked during buying the car. Looks like P.O. stuffery
3. left -right LOL took me a while that you meant the trip computer system (or onboard computer - OBC) -of course mine is far on the left Mine is as bright as anything else on the dash, if the display is bad you can buy the whole computer for ~$20 on ebay. Or rip it apart and find what bulb you can get from a lamp specialist I guess (still going to be $4-5 I expect).

[tantumaude]

For the OBC, I know in the E30 world you can get LED replacement boards for the display backlight. Expect to pay ~30$ and never deal with it again.

[zkd]

1- the compressor comes on when you press the AC button (Snow Flake) or if you have the recycle button pressed (even if the AC button is off)
2- super glue....
3- you have to replace the bulbs (take out the radio, if you feel next to the OBC inside the radio opening you will find a small lever, pull that twords you and the OBC pops out, there are 3 bulbs on the left, right and bottom, the left and right are for the display the bottom is for the buttons. just replace the dead ones)

[shogun]

http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/OBC_bulbs/OBC_bulbs.htm

[katit2]

1- the compressor comes on when you press the AC button (Snow Flake) or if you have the recycle button pressed (even if the AC button is off)

Yes, this sounds like what it is. I have recycle on. Will check it when my parts come back and brakes work again

- - - Updated - - -

http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/OBC_bulbs/OBC_bulbs.htm

Cool!

Not related question. I have factory cassete player. I didn't disconnect battery yet. I assume after doing so it will ask for code. Where do I get that code?

[zkd]

Not related question. I have factory cassete player. I didn't disconnect battery yet. I assume after doing so it will ask for code. Where do I get that code?

you should have a code card with manuals. if not then you will have do it at a dealer.