Wow ended up being super easy and finished in under 5 minutes. Thanks for the write up!
"Sucking at something is the first step to being sorta good at something!"
very nice! did both my E36's in a couple minutes.
Last edited by shogun; 02-21-2016 at 07:31 AM.
Thanks for the tip on using a screwdriver to re-align the vents, worked like a charm!
Excellent DIY write-up. Very thorough.
I am gonna do this on my lunch break
Just did it... Took less than five minutes
Next!!
I dont think I ever knew that area was suppose to light up :-|
Hope this thread is still alive out there. I tried 3 bulbs (2x 2271 and the bulb recommended from NAPA and all of them blew immediately. All my fuses are good. Any ideas?
Removing and putting the switch back together was a snap. Would love to see the light work.
Thanks!
The Light bulbs that BMW put in the socket from the factory is something like 0.31 watts the company's that make the replacement bulbs that fit are something like 1.7 watts.
That's why so many in this thread have said its brighter or it feels hotter. Its cause it is.
they made it were you have to order from them or run the risk of melting the housing, giving your car a stroke by killing the left side of your cars lights
on a similar note, anybody know where to get the "$100 special German order BMW bulb" for the dollar or so it actually costs?
lunchbreak DIY krew FTW..!
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BTW, the original equipment bulb from BMW is triple the cost of the Sylvania but worth it as you are getting the correct wattage. At '0.3w' (printed on the bulb) this is the reason the Sylvania's at 1.x+ will blow much sooner plus the level of lighting will match the rest of the dash at night.
If the mind can conceive it, & you believe it, you will achieve it. - Napolean Hill
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1998 Alpine White & 1998 Arctic Silver ///m3/4/5
JC Intake - ASC Delete - Dinan TB - Flow Matched 21.5# Injectors - JC Tune - SS Euro Reps (modified to retain SAP) - z3m ssk - Eisenmann Race 76mm - Yokohama Advan S2 - Squared LTW's - FK Silverline +X - Rogue FCAB/ RTAB/ RSM/ TM - X-Brace - CDV Delete -Racing Dynamics F&R Strut Braces - NGK BKR6E- German Castrol 0w-40
Did this to the M3 today. Just a FYI, in addition to the 2721 bulb#, bulb# 73 and 74 also works. I did some research, the 73 is rated at 1.1w, the 74 at 1.4w. So if you're trying to match the stock bulb brightness, get the 73. If you want the brightest, get the 2721. Honestly, I doubt anyone would be able to differentiate between stock and 2721. I got the 73 and couldnt be happier. It matches the dash lights perfectly and cost 2.99 for 2 at the local parts store.
Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Tool Rental Available, PM me for details.
Omg... kudos on the air duct trick.. it was driving me bananas.
Also used the 73 bulb, very happy,
perfect match, thanks Vitaliy.
The Sylvania bulbs are 4x the wattage so you risk a short.
If the mind can conceive it, & you believe it, you will achieve it. - Napolean Hill
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1998 Alpine White & 1998 Arctic Silver ///m3/4/5
JC Intake - ASC Delete - Dinan TB - Flow Matched 21.5# Injectors - JC Tune - SS Euro Reps (modified to retain SAP) - z3m ssk - Eisenmann Race 76mm - Yokohama Advan S2 - Squared LTW's - FK Silverline +X - Rogue FCAB/ RTAB/ RSM/ TM - X-Brace - CDV Delete -Racing Dynamics F&R Strut Braces - NGK BKR6E- German Castrol 0w-40
Any suggestions in if I can't get the headlight plug off the back of the switch? I turn the adapter 90 degrees but it still won't pull off? Should it turn more than that?
Yes, hold the switch base firmly and just keep turning the plug lock-ring. The ring unscrews fully but is held back by the friction of the electrical connectors. You have to apply enough force to cause the 10 pins to back out of their connectors.
I had the same challenge on my 96 328is.
Tips:
- There is a speed nut on the bottom of the switch housing for the one mounting screw under the dash. Don't lose it or the mounting screw will have nothing to grab and just spin.
- Use the correct bulb, 0.36 Watts, to match the brightness of the rest of the dash and improve lifespan. It is BMW #61 13 8 360 844 and available from most BMW aftermarket places (such as Bavarian Auto, Pelican Parts, etc.),
- While you're in there, wash the vent tube and vent fins, clean the electrical contacts, replace the foam insulation at the end and apply some silicon spray to the moving parts.
BMW E36 Headlight Switch.jpg
Just did this last week, bulb has been burnt out since before I got the car.
Wasn't until I'd stumbled across this thread I finally realized the switch actually illuminates.
BUMP for super easy fix that makes my car feel whole again
Took a screw driver, needle-nose pliers, and less than 5 minutes.
0.5/10 Difficulty
Sylvania/Osram 2721 bulb is 1.2W and is a common replacement for other dash lights. BUT, the headlight switch is supposed to be a 0.36W (30mA) bulb. That's why I used the original one 61138360844 0,36 WATT used on many 3, 5, 6 models. I have seen some badly burnt switches caused by higher wattage bulbs.
There must be a technical reason why they selected a 0.36W bulb. Such a BMW 0.36W bulb lasts 10 years again, so do not take any risk.
The instruction how to do the replacement is of course very nice, but be careful with the bulb W selection.
Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!
Has anybody had any experience with the LED bulbs this size? They seem an they could be a good replacement for this low power always on sort of situation... Anybody done it with an ebay special 5050 led in the T5 size format?
I have not.
I used the SYLVANIA 2721 Long Life Miniature Bulb Amazon has the best price for that size under 4 bucks. http://amzn.to/2nJ2ZjI
Current
-1997 BMW M3 4Door Artic Silver w/ Black Interior Daily
Past
-2001 BMW 325i
-1999 BMW M3 Vert White
-1981 VW Rabbit Pickup (Caddy) 2.0 ABA
"I don't care if the door gaps are straight. When the driver steps on the gas, I want him to shit his pants." - Enzo Ferrari
I didn't want to spend a fortune on the correct bulb so I found 12volts from the switch and soldered an orange led on two pins. I then installed the led in the same place as the bulb and it works nicely. Hopefully I'll never have to replace it again. Here's how it was soldered. https://youtu.be/KAeoQvLNKVQ
96 M3 - Estoril Blu - h&r coilovers/springs - K&N intake - 214hp/218ftlb
99 540i - Kashmere Biege - SP
I had no idea this was supposed to light up. Both my e36's have this bulb burned out. Sounds like a good weekend quick project.
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