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Thread: Replacing bulb behind climate controls - 98 M Roadster

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
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    Surfside, Fl
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    1998 BMW Z3M Raodster

    Replacing bulb behind climate controls - 98 M Roadster

    Hello,
    Has anyone in the community replaced the bulbs that illuminate the climate controls? I tried removing radio to access, however, its nearly impossible to get my hands in there to replace the bulb. Can anyone share their experience?

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Springfield, Ohio, USA
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    1,233
    My Cars
    1998 Z3 Roadster
    That is an absolute classic question:

    https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=17021

    RIP Ron Stygar.

    Also, look in the "FAQ" sticky thread at the top of the forum page under "Dashboard and Console Gauges and Controls" then "Heater Control Bulbs".

    (You can also find many more threads by using the "Search Forum" tool. Search for "HVAC Bulb").
    Last edited by Blacklane; 01-02-2019 at 09:38 PM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    Alexandria, VA
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    50
    My Cars
    2000 BMW Z3
    Just did mine this weekend. Removed the radio, removed the three climate control knobs (difficult to grip but they pull straight off). Unsnapped the climate control backplane from the console so that I could roll it over to see and gain access to the bulbs (one is normally on the bottom of the backplane and one is on the backside (technically the front side since it is the side facing forward on the car)). Unplugged the wires from the bulbs, popped out the bulbs. Reversed the process to reinstall everything. PITA but glad to have them replaced.
    Steve
    Alexandria, VA
    2000 BMW Z3 Roadster 2.8

    2020 BMW 230ix (Convertible)
    2015 MINI Cooper S (Convertible)
    2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
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    Tallahassee
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    There’s a hack somewhere on here explaining how to replace the $15 lamp with a $2 insert.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Location
    Surfside, Fl
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    1998 BMW Z3M Raodster
    Thanks for your replies. Clearly not a job I'm looking forward to but I refuse to let the car defeat me. So Im going for it!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
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    So now is a good time to ask yourself whether there might be some other reason to remove the center console--like broken switch slats in the shifter surround--and tackle the bulbs the easy way while solving that issue.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    NW Indiana
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    2000 BMW Z3 M Roadster
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Bingley View Post
    So now is a good time to ask yourself whether there might be some other reason to remove the center console--like broken switch slats in the shifter surround--and tackle the bulbs the easy way while solving that issue.
    Any good tips for removing the console? I have removed the glove box, knee bolsters on both driver and passenger side, and still can’t get the @#&()’k console out.

    Greg
    Tally Ho


    http://wcwebs.net/johnson
    1988 O'Day 322 sailboat - (unlimited mpg)

    2000 BMW Z3 M Roadster (25 mpg - but who cares)

    2019 Subaru Outback
    (30+ MPG)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
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    There's a good description in this thread:

    https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ntire-interior

    It's pretty straight forward but you have to take your time--think of it as a big puzzle. Mark each plug with a tag telling you what it is and which hole it goes in and mark the corresponding switch, etc. with a similar tag. Photo document the disassembly--especially wire runs--for aide in reassembly. Replace all bulbs when you're in there. There are two screws up in the radio hole that aren't obvious--use a mirror to find them.

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