Dash cluster light question
 

Hi, my light that shows coutside temp is not working and I'm planning to replace it. Do you know if i need to buy this one with plastic bit on the end or is any 12 V 1.5 W bulb fine and the plastic bit can be reused?

Bulb with plastic in question:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon...._AC_SY400_.jpg

Also do you know whitch one needs replacing (outside temp.)?

Another question is regarding white led for instrument cluster/dash. I know people do this for their e46. How hard is it to install something like this. Does every led need to be changed individually like on newer models or is it easier on this older vehicle?

I found this:
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/329557...5b94f2a41eba46

How easy is it to install something like this? Maybe there are some tutorials?

There are 5 bulbs. Why not renew all of theme while you're there. Bulb type Osram 2452MFX6.

The instrument backlighting LEDs would all need to be changed individually. To do it you would need to to remove needles which is not that easy without destroying needle motors.

Once you remove the cluster screws and pull it out of the dash - be careful, if I remember right there are two plugs on the back of it, not "fragile" but you will want to reach back and remove those before pulling it out too far - the outside temp light will be obvious which one it is.


Though as Clavurion said, they're cheap and there's only 5, hit them all at once, you'll be glad you did.


With regard to the gauge "face", if you use a VERY sharp x-acto knife and a straight edge you can put a fine slit in the face from the fuel usage indicator up to the second circle and "slip" them over the needles. With the "speedo" side I would make that fine slit up from one of the "stop pin" holes, probably at "zero", so the needle covered it at rest. When you put it all back together with the face and everything on it, it is very difficult to see where you "seemed" it together.

Hi thank you for the replies. I think I will hold on from installing leds for now as it does seem like quite a bit of work.

Regarding the bulbs do you know if any 12 V 1.5 W bulb is fine and the pastic end can be removed and reused on a new bulb or do they have to be special bulbs with plastic ends (non removable)? The reason I'm asking is because I have a few normal 12V 1.5 W bulbs but I don't have the ones with plastic ends and would have to go and buy them...

You need the bulbs with the plastic ends - the plastic part is not re-usable.

And don't be tempted to use aftermarket LED versions. I reckon the small amount of heat from the lamps helps keep moisture out of the cluster. :thumbup:

Alright thanks