glovebox flashlight fix

[shogun]

http://i629.photobucket.com/albums/uu19/dawnehale/bmw%20flashlight/SANY0484.jpg
Batteries:
1/3 AA 250mah NiMH Flat Top Cell
Cell: Gold Peak NT25AAM
Discharge rate: 1C
Dia: .55"
Length: .64"
Weight: .34oz.

http://i629.photobucket.com/albums/uu19/dawnehale/bmw%20flashlight/SANY0485.jpg
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pics from juvius
Location: ohio
Car: 95 - E36 318IS 5spd

[Claude]

http://i629.photobucket.com/albums/uu19/dawnehale/bmw%20flashlight/SANY0484.jpg
Batteries:
1/3 AA 250mah NiMH Flat Top Cell
Cell: Gold Peak NT25AAM
Discharge rate: 1C
Dia: .55"
Length: .64"
Weight: .34oz.

pics from juvius
Location: ohio
Car: 95 - E36 318IS 5spd

Very good thanks. Should be interesting too to have a mod kit that use LED (one or more) instead of a regular lamp (less energy used, better light...)

[Russell]

I thought about it. However, i was almost cheaper for me to just buy another flashlight. i think my replacement cost me less than $20 on e-bay

[shogun]

The first one was done about 10 years back by Jon Evans from the U.K. (link to Jon on my website under private diy links), that was the model I built my first one 7 years ago, scroll down here

http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/tips_tricks/tips_tricks.html

then my friend in Germany made this one with 1, 2 , 3 LED's and gold caps, he made the board by himself
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/shogun/original/flashlight1
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/shogun/original/flashlight2
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/shogun/original/flashlight3
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/shogun/original/flashlight4
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/shogun/original/flashlight5
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/shogun/original/flashlight6
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/shogun/original/flashlight7
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/shogun/original/flashlight8
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/shogun/original/flashlight8
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/shogun/original/flashlight10
these were the prototypes he made for me, with 1 LED or 3 LED, different angles on LED
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/shogun/original/flashlight12
But that is also 3-4 years old now. Gold caps recharge within 5 minutes. Probably nowadays there is better stuff available.

The aim was to keep it from outside look original, only better light, faster charging and longer lasting batteries.

Of course, a cheapo 10 LED small flashlight beats it, but that does not look original from outside ..

[pgrindstaff]

Being too lazy to look for myself and figuring someone here might know off the top of their head, is the flashlight socket 12v? This is a little off topic but I have been thinking of modifying an old flashlight (or a new one) to house two USB connections for charging purposes. At 5v a piece, a 12v source would be more than enough and would offer a hidden charge source.

[bubba966]

Yes, it's 12v. BMW makes an adapter that plugs into the flashlight socket that gives you a cig lighter style outlet. It's got a longish cord that's reinforced for use with the glovebox closed on it.

[pgrindstaff]

Yes, it's 12v. BMW makes an adapter that plugs into the flashlight socket that gives you a cig lighter style outlet. It's got a longish cord that's reinforced for use with the glovebox closed on it.

I knew about the BMW adapter and it would do exactly what I want but making things is always fun :). The only reason I am looking for an alternative is because every single adapter that I try to plug into the cigarette lighter outlet doens't fit correctly and ends up not charging whatever I have plugged in.

Thanks for the info and sorry for the OT

[shogun]

when searching on the bay for
BMW Auxiliary Power Adapter
you will find a lot, but note that the black one for example for the E39, E38, E46 will not fit.
The size is different, you need a plug for E32, E34, E30, E38, where the original white flashlight fits in.

[bubba966]

I knew about the BMW adapter and it would do exactly what I want but making things is always fun :). The only reason I am looking for an alternative is because every single adapter that I try to plug into the cigarette lighter outlet doens't fit correctly and ends up not charging whatever I have plugged in.

Thanks for the info and sorry for the OT

The flashlight adapter has a longer barrel to it than a regular cig lighter outlet does and actually makes very good contact. Much better than the standard cig lighter does. Forget what it cost me, but wasn't very much and I just ordered it from the dealer.

[Kibokojoe]

I didn't know there was a flashlight. In the glovebox you say?????

[bubba966]

I didn't know there was a flashlight. In the glovebox you say?????

Upper left corner of the glove box is the flashlight charging port. It sits in that when not in use and keeps it charged.

My car and many others didn't have the flashlight in the glovebox. But the port is there and had a small piece of black foam in it to keep the 12v terminals covered to prevent accidental shorts.

Pick up the white flashlight and you're set to go.

[bubba966]

Forgot to add that the flashlight port is rectangular. Which is why there's an adapter that BMW makes to fit the flashlight port to convert it to a cig lighter port.

[Kibokojoe]

Yes I have seen that port. Ha so thats where the flashlight goes. And yes it still have the foam in the port. Cool I have to get a flashlight. Probably a 100 bucks at the local bimmer dealer :)

[Kibokojoe]

Very sweet, So it is always hot

[bubba966]

I seem to recall it only costing $20-25 new from a dealer. Probably could get a better deal if you ordered it from Tischer on your next parts order.