Rear Window Switches

[94_e34_525i]

Whats up guys, I had a quick question. Are the rear window switches in the e34 supposed to be lighted? If not is there a way to get lighted ones. Because mine dont light up, even though they work. Thanks for your help.

[digitaldragon03]

They are supposed to light up.

[shogun]

They are supposed to light up, but in case of my E32 they only light up if I did not actuate the child lock system for the rear windows. That is the small rectangular switch in the middle of the window switch block between the front seats.
If that is o.k and they do not light up, you have to install new bulbs, not available from the dealer. On my website below on the link to Jon Evans there is an info how to install LED's in the switches.

[wingman]

Are you absolutely sure? All models? Mine don't light (child lock on or off). I find it strange that both sides aren't going where every other light in the car works.

[94_e34_525i]

Well thanks for your help, but I dont know if the switches have built in lights. So is the only way to get them lighted is to put leds yourself? I mean thats kind of stupid on BMW's part. But I will check the child lock switch, I think mine doesn't work so that can be the source of the problem. Thanks guys.

[wingman]

Can we get a definitive answer on this one please. Not that I don't believe you Shogun/Dragon it's just that we've already discovered that BMW lit and unlit things at will (slush box gear selector status on console for one). I've been on the OEM site and couldn't see a light in the exploded diagram for the rear window switches (for my car 89/525i). This is despite the script on the switches being opague as with the fronts. Has anyone with an early 525i had the switch apart?

[digitaldragon03]

It could be a 95 year thing, since the 95 comes with extra little goodies that BMW added to sell more E34's in its final year.

[E34 530]

I have a 94 530, one lights up, the other doesn't.

[shogun]

http://evansweb.info/articles/2003/01/18/replacing-switch-bulbs-with-leds

P/n for a 1990 525 61311379076

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/productx.aspx?sid=omlv1hupdwkyuz3cblsnul45&makeid=800003@BMW&modelid=1012037@525I&year=1990&cid=13@Body,%20Trim%20%26%20Lighting&gid=4624@Power%20Window%20Switch
and for a E32 750iL 61311379076
so both are the same and should light.
But many do not work. I had about 10 switches as spare but 2 working ones. I Replaced the bulbs.

[Alexlind123]

I went out to my car a few minutes ago (before eating chinese food yummmm...) to take a picture of the lighted switches. I knew they lit up and i brought my camera with me, but when i turned the key to "on" they didnt light up. I think they might be rather prone to failure.

[Bill R.]

sept 88 production 535, i've taken many apart and resoldered new bulbs in them, the originals are incandescent and burn out. I've replaced them with the original style and i've replaced them with led's. I've taken apart at least 15 of them and they all had lights. Here's the original 9/88 oneshttp://www.bimmernut.com/%7Ebillr/images/windowswitch11.jpg

Here's what the bulbs look like that you have to solder the leads on.http://www.bimmernut.com/%7Ebillr/images/window_switch5.jpg

Here's one with the led bulb and a resistor, i found out later that you can get led's with the resistor built in , much easier and more compact.http://www.bimmernut.com/%7Ebillr/images/window%20switch%20led1.jpg

This stuff all seems so ancient to me since we've gone over it many times in the years past....




Can we get a definitive answer on this one please. Not that I don't believe you Shogun/Dragon it's just that we've already discovered that BMW lit and unlit things at will (slush box gear selector status on console for one). I've been on the OEM site and couldn't see a light in the exploded diagram for the rear window switches (for my car 89/525i). This is despite the script on the switches being opague as with the fronts. Has anyone with an early 525i had the switch apart?

[shogun]

Did you switch on the light?
Not sure, but I assume you have to switch on the light so that also the switches are on? Never checked that.
The bulbs are rather small. You have to cut the legs.
http://evansweb.info/files/_images_articles_20030118235927223_5.jpg

[Bill R.]

a amber grain of wheat bulb when using an incandescent. I got them from a toy train hobby shop.





Did you switch on the light?
Not sure, but I assume you have to switch on the light so that also the switches are on? Never checked that.
The bulbs are rather small. You have to cut the legs.
http://evansweb.info/files/_images_articles_20030118235927223_5.jpg

[wingman]

well take the switch apart and have a look - BMW dont do replacement bulbs because the switches arent user servicable, ie you cant just plug a bulb in, they are fixed in some way and require skill to change
I don't attack my car and pull it apart just in case. They never seem to go back together the same again. This is why I asked before I did something that I shouldn't have. Cheers for the photos and advice guys.

[wingman]

So there's the answer! I've just taken my switches out. There must be an easy way but I had a nightmare with them. I will try to get some incandescant bulbs from an electronics store or as Bill R did at a hobby store. I'll see how I go. By the way. They are lit...:D