On Board Computer - replace Light bar

[Fleming]

BMW light bar 65811375461 has again burned out. Just a few years ago I took the dash apart to get into the 13 button OBC to replace this pricey little light bar. I remember it was a real pain in the butt.

Went to the write up that Wayne has done here on Pelican and it covers all of the info in a very good fashion. Easy.

With the exception of getting all four of the little screws back in - especially the two into the side cavity next to the glove box. After a few attempts with the OBC in place and the screw on the end of the phillips magnetic screw driver it was getting frustrating getting them started.

Moved the OBC off to the side and started both of the right screws. It's obvious that the "Y"ed OBC side mounts can be slid onto those right side screws. The left side can be seen with the radio out. Getting both hands, a flashlight, a mirror and the screwdriver into a few inches of space is challenging. Felt to get the screw driver started into the heads back behind the dash and finished tightening all four screws back into place. Took maybe 5 min - another 10 and the dash was back together.

Followed the instructions for soldering in LED lights. Which I did for the recent burned out bulbs and the other light bar that has been sitting on the shelf with the previous burned out bulbs. Of the two units that I changed out to LED lamps I put one back into the 1989 325IS - it matches the dash light just right - and the other is for sale over on the BMW classifieds.

Dealer wants over $100 for this little guy, and there are rebuilds out there but with shipping are about half that. Ouch!

We have to keep these aging cars in good working order.

[Yurick]

I replaced my bulbs with LED's about sever years ago and they are still running like a champ.