Changing Color To Instrument Cluster...
 

Is it possible to change the color of the instrument cluster, the color of the radio display & buttons? I've spoken to someone and they advised that this can be done but I wasn't sure to believe him. Is this possible?

:dunno:

I highly doubt it... That would probably be a really huge project.

Do you mean changing the orange?

If so, you can do it, but it's a pain. You have to change around 50-100 led's, it's really not worth the hassle to go through it all.

Yes, I want to change the orange/red color of the interior cluster to blue (like VW). I've heard that it could be done and it IS a big project but if the end results are cool then I think it would be well worth it.

Anyone else out there know if this could be done?

I have a VW, and the blue lights look cool. But there's a reason BMW chose orange (amber). This was because after long trips, amber is known for not causing eye strain. I went on a 2 hour trip in my VW, and my eyes were strained from the long drive.

Dblock, you're not the first person whose mentioned about the strain on the eyes. Is it even worth going through the effort on looking into and investing in getting the color of the clusters changed? Is anyone out there is any kind of car/SUV in where the color of the clusters are blue? Please advise.

I just have one thing to say.

What if.. instead of CHANGING it, you ADDED another set of LED's so you could switch back and forth between colors? :)

The red wavelength is the easiest on the eyes in the night. That's why fighter jets have red.

Can that be done? :confused:

Technically yes, my brother a mechanic in Mercedes benz, he said it is possible for mercedes ( so I think BMW can be changed too). He said it is really trouble though. But if you really like VW blue, then you can give it a shoot. I owe a Beetle too, the instrument cluster is not pure blue, they have Blue with red color. This solve the problem of "strain on the eyes". Personally, I like the blue color too. I dont think the color will strain the eyes that easy, at least my eyes are still fine.

MB and other manufacturers that allow you to change the color, do so via a multicolor diode (like a TV) or a film in front of a lens. Regardless, the orange is signature BMW and for the reasons mentioned. I have owned cars with blue, white, green and variable clusters. Orange produces less night vision strain and allows better clarity which is why most heads up displays favor this color.

But if you have the time and money... enjoy

Did you make the change?

the best manufacturer for this is SAAB. Saab uses orange but has a night panel button which turns off the lighting other than the essentials at night. I even think the fuel light goes off until the fuel is low.

Well, it is not exactly that the red light is "easier on the eyes". Red causes less diminution of night vision than other colors. Same as in the old-fashioned photography darkrooms; red light bulb hanging from the ceiling didn't cause the film (which is designed to respond to the same spectrum as human eyes) to darken.

Beleive it or not I saw an X5 in NYC just this past weekend and his instrument colors were changed to Blue. IS THIS PERSON OUT THERE SOMEWHERE?!?!?!?!?!

i heard from my friend that it can be done, however it is a huge project. she wanted to change her lights in her G35 but she explained to me that there were going to be many bulbs that needed to be changed however it sounds cool but sounds like a huge project. if anyone has done it or is planning to to do it. post pics up after it would be a really interesting change.

There are a few companies in Germany, I have seen. Who will do it for you on the cluster with your choice of dials and colours etc. Its all on an exchange basis or outright buy.

Unfortunately I came across them on a google search and can't remember the specific addresses. But if you want to go looking I was searching under 'white instrument dials for BMW'

I like the amber lighting.......easier on the eyes and looks nice too.

Now if you want different dash colors, buy an M5 or M roadster/coupe. I really don't know why BMW went with White/red on those......I really don't like that.:confused: Too reminiscent of my Lexus. And oh god those electrolumescent gauges are terrible. The newer Lexus ones will burn holes on my retinas after a couple hours of driving.