Instrument Panel Bulb Replacement
 

OK..so the temperature and part of the odometer led lights were very dim.

Bulb needed replacement - very simple to do yourself. :D

Remove 2 fillisetr head screws #9 from top of instrument panel..see RealOEM.com for instrument cluster diagram.

And replace with 12V/1.5W bulb(s) - I went to local auto parts and they did not have them so I went to the local BMW dealer (aka stealer) and they were $7.45 each...I decided to just replace all five(5) bulbs while I had the panel off. NOTE the plastic insert and the bulb is one unit. :cool:

Once the 2 screws are removed you have to pry the top a bit with a small screw driver and then gently nudge/slide the panel until it comes out...Just unplug the 3 wire harnesses (black, blue and white plugs on back) and then pull the unit out - lowering the steering wheel was most helpful!

Now just turn the bulb(s) counterclockwise, remove and discard. Then replace the new bulb assembly(s) by inserting and turn clockwise.

Re-attach the wire harnesses, replace panel and replace screws...

You are ALMOST done -

You will have to reset your clock, date and display settings and will notice that the ABS, BRAKE and DSC lights remain on.

Here is the trick to get them off:

Turn the ignition on. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left until it stops. Turn the steering wheel all the way back to the right until it stops. Turn the wheel back to center and your dash should look just right! :thumbup:

Thanks for posting this. I ordered my replacement lamps today. I found them online; a ten pack was $9.95 plus $5.50 shipping.

I got my replacement bulbs today. One question though, is a "fillister" head screw the same as a "Phillips" head screw. Can the same screwdriver be used for both?

The Fillister head is what would call a Torx head screw..#9 bit...NOT Phillips

Thanks again faxman14 for your post. I replaced the lamp today and it works great. Saved me a bunch of money (dealership wanted to replace entire dash for $750).

gax5, where did you get the bulbs so inexpensively? (Should have looked harder, at autohausaz for 95 cents each, thanks gax5)

doing this will enable to control the brightness of the display? Or is it something to do with the light censor?

and how many bulbs are there to be replaced? i thought there is only one.

I had this exact same issue when I first bought our X5. I made a DIY video guide to show you how to remove the cluster and replace the bulbs, hope it helps those searching in the future.

Great video. Do you know if I can cancel out the suspension light on the dash by removing the bulb on the far right top? I replaced my air suspension with springs , but there doesn't seem to be a way to turn off the suspension light. Your thoughts?
Thanks.