DIY: OBC Light Bulbs - Make your own

[stilljester]

Hi Everyone - Well the OBC in my wagon didn't work when I bought it. It became quickly obvious that all it needed were new bulbs. So I called BMW and nearly fell out of my chair when they told me $5.10 a piece. So I made my own.

You will need:
Soldering Gun
Cutting Pliers
Small Awl
2721 1.2W Bulbs

Step 1 – Pickup these bulbs at your local parts place – These were $1.98 for the set of two. Bulb # 2721 is the correct size and wattage.
http://images19.fotki.com/v34/photos/9/925706/4297332/1-vi.jpg

Step 2 – Remove your old blown bulbs
http://images19.fotki.com/v354/photos/9/925706/4297332/2-vi.jpg

Step 3 – Use the small awl and push down and forward on the two small tabs which secure the bulb to the housing.
http://images19.fotki.com/v35/photos/9/925706/4297332/3-vi.jpg

Step 4 – Your removed bulb will look like this
http://images19.fotki.com/v34/photos/9/925706/4297332/4-vi.jpg

[stilljester]

Step 5 – Take your cutting pliers and remove the metal tabs which you will reuse with the new bulbs.
http://images19.fotki.com/v354/photos/9/925706/4297332/5-vi.jpg

Step 6 – Remove the other tab
http://images15.fotki.com/v230/photos/9/925706/4297332/6-vi.jpg

Step 7 – Take your new bulb and carefully bend the two leads out as shown
http://images20.fotki.com/v360/photos/9/925706/4297332/7-vi.jpg

Step 8 – Insert the Bulb into the black plastic housing first – Then slide the metal tabs in.
http://images19.fotki.com/v358/photos/9/925706/4297332/8-vi.jpg

[stilljester]

Step 9 – Resolder the two leads to the metal tabs.
http://images20.fotki.com/v357/photos/9/925706/4297332/9-vi.jpg

Step 10 – Sit back and enjoy your money saving work:)
http://images19.fotki.com/v358/photos/9/925706/4297332/10-vi.jpg

Hope this helps someone else out….If anyone has any questions let me know

[Alexlind123]

Nice writeup, but why not just order them from BMA?

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

but they didn't diffuse the light quite right for the key pad.

[stilljester]

Nice writeup, but why not just order them from BMA?
This was several dollars cheaper and I didn't have to wait for the parts - Plus why not?:D

[HIe34]

but all the same, i just picked up 3 at a local parts shop for $5.

[andmd]

Thanks for the info. Just thought I'd mention, not sure if it makes too much of a difference, that the bulb number on the package isn't the same as the number you give in your post -- for all those looking to go out and do this. Just ignore me if I'm being anal.

[stilljester]

Thanks for the info. Just thought I'd mention, not sure if it makes too much of a difference, that the bulb number on the package isn't the same as the number you give in your post -- for all those looking to go out and do this. Just ignore me if I'm being anal.

Thanks and Sorry about the PN mistake just my dyslexia getting the best of me– I’ve corrected the part number

[attack eagle]

Actually, the part number is wrong... the $5 ones are 6v bulbs, the correct ones are only about $1 a pop, and are listed for the clock... and must be used on somethign else because my local dealer, who NEVER has any e34 stuff, had them in stock.

It's a great write up though if BMW ever stops making/keeping those in stock.

[attack eagle]

Hi Everyone - Well the OBC in my wagon didn't work when I bought it. It became quickly obvious that all it needed were new bulbs. So I called BMW and nearly fell out of my chair when they told me $5.10 a piece.

Actually, the bulb they are looking up is the wrong one... the $5 ones are 6v bulbs, probably used in older BMWs. The correct ones are only about $1.00 a pop, and are listed on the screen that has the clock (additional instruments), not the OBC screen...
IF you look on RealOEM it is bulb #7 NOT bulb number # 10!They must be used on something else newer because my local dealer, who NEVER has any e34 stuff, had them in stock.

It's a great write up though if BMW ever stops making/keeping those in stock, but there is no reason to go thru the hassle at this point in time IF you are aware that the BMW parts computer is Wrong.

[BMWCCA1]

Yes, the films have shown the wrong bulbs in this application since Day One. Expensive, don't fit properly, and won't last more than a day or so. The correct one is the same as about twenty bulbs in the circuit board for the E32 and E34 instrument cluster. I think I'm still using a supply from one trashed circuit board I took out of a car in 1989!