interior speedometer light colors

[greendestiny]

I just recently purchased a 2005 3.0i X5 and found this forum. There's so much useful information here! This is my first BMW and I was wondering if it were possible to change the color of the interior speedometer lights? The red is kinda harsh on my eyes. I'd prefer a white or lighter color. Any ideas?

[lanbrown]

The best thing to do is to perform a search. But here's the answer to your question:
http://www.xoutpost.com/showthread.php?t=2282

[Bill K]

I believe the light bulbs behind the instruments are actually clear. It is the sticker whichis red. I recall this from taking apart my 95 M3's instrument cluster. I may be mistaken, so check it out for yourself. I know that there are kits to replace the clusters's sticker with another. These are made for the E36 series cars and can be found on ebay. They require removing the needles, peeling off the original sticker, then reapplying the new sticker. As for the other lights such as window switches, etc., you'd have to pull the bulbs, and if they are red, then just replace them. If the are clear, then you'll have to figure something out.
Dont bother though. green and Red are the best colors on the eyes. Blue may look cool, but for driving purposes, they are not as good. VW markets their cars to young kids who can't afford BMW's so they try to "jazz" up their cars. Appearance over substance is their policy.