Illuminated gearshift selector???

[EonPeon]

Hi,

I have a 530i 1994 Automatic (E34).

At night, with the lights on, I cannot see which shift I'm selecting - shouldn't the shift selector be illuminated like it is in every other car I have ever driven?

Sure, the shift selected is displayed on the instrument cluster, but I surely that can't be the only way to see in the dark?!?!?

Also, the shift-type (Sport/Adaptive) switch is not illuminated either, when the same type of switch (like on the sunroof), is illuminated.

Have I got a blown lightbulb somewhere, and if so, how can I get under there without wrecking the wood fascia around the gearshift?

Please help!!!!




Ian

[Kai@e34.de]

the switch for the driving programs is illuminated. blown bulb, like you've noticed.

but don't know anything about the gershift selector, it's not illuminated in the ECE, don't know why.

[rps1072]

There's a bulb that plugs into a little prism where the gear selector is. You will have to pry up the panel that surrounds the shifter.

[EonPeon]

Thanks!

I'll give it a go in the morning!


Ian

[rps1072]

http://www.nmia.com/~dgnrg/page_13.htm

Be careful. Here are some destructions on how to remove the panel.

[EonPeon]

Thanks Ryan!!

From those photos, it isn't obvious where the bulb is (is it just one?), will it be clear once I lift the fascia?

Also, the light in the Sport/Adaptive switch has gone too. Is that a separate light or do they share the same lightsource?

Many thanks!




Ian

[EonPeon]

Thanks Ryan!!

From those photos, it isn't obvious where the bulb is (is it just one?), will it be clear once I lift the fascia?

Also, the light in the Sport/Adaptive switch has gone too. Is that a separate light or do they share the same lightsource?

Many thanks!




Ian

[rps1072]

I think that they are both the same light bulb. When you get the panel off, there are wires connected to it. Follow them to the light bulb socket. The prism is actually attached to the bottom of the panel, so it will be tethered by the wires.

Although it is not listed, the light is #'s 29 and 30 on the diagram.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...30&hg=51&fg=35

[EonPeon]

Cool!! Many thanks!!

I'll let you know how I go!

All the best,




Ian

[uscharalph]

Mine isn't illuminated. It just has painted letters / numbers. Is this an upgrade / option?