Engine Compartiment (hood) light

[mitch2k]

Hey folks,

Some versions of the e34 come with a standard light in the hood (engine compartiment light), so you can look at your engine in the dark .

Mine doesn't had it standard, so I'm building it in. I had an light socket with bulb from a 3er.
I've found 2 plugs under the hood cover of my car, but there is no power on it when you open the hood, even with headlights on and engine running...
Maybe somebody knows how to get power on it? Maybe I'm missing a fuse or a relay..

The plugs under the cover are not matching with the light socket. But maybe this is beacause the socket is from a 3er...

In the worst case I can put an relay on the switch near the fusebox. But maybe I can do it easier...

Thanks!

[rps1072]

Those plugs might be for heated washer jets--an option you may not have. If you find a plug that fits, please let me know where you found it. I have been putting off this upgrade for that reason.

[Russell]

Anyone checked RealOem. It may show the correct parts?

[joshua43214]

Not really sure what all parts are in the system, it works pretty much the same way as your trunk light switch. There is a pin switch that mounts on the fender lip that kinda doubles as a hood bumper. Not sure if there is a relay, but I would doubt it. I also have no idea where the wiring would be tucked off, even if you have it. look along the fender lip for a round hole or knockout about 12mm accross next to a fender mounting screw.

Probably easiest to order a switch and pad from the dealer (I think the switch uses a different bumper pad), and just string the wiring in from scratch. I am pretty sure the light is on constant power like the trunk light.

[neil_004]

The light on my car is only on when the parking lights/headlights are on. Wiring one in to be always on wouldnt be a problem though.

[mitch2k]

The light on my car is only on when the parking lights/headlights are on. Wiring one in to be always on wouldnt be a problem though.

I was thinking of connecting the engine compartiment light directly to the headlights... But the problem is if the hood is down, the light is almost against an rubber hose... So maybe this isn't a good idea..

[neil_004]

mitch, I don't have a copy of the Bently with me so I am not sure how the wiring is run. I have a switch in front of the radiator that turns the light off when the hood is closed. I dont think this factory setup is tied directly to the parking or headlights but I am not positive.

[rps1072]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...48&hg=61&fg=35

#3 and #12 are the switch parts. I don't know which part the connector is.

[joshua43214]

Mid 90's 1/2ton chevy pickup trucks had a really cool under hood light as well. It was basicaly a round base that had a detachable light. the wire was on a long spool that rewound itself. It came on automaticaly when you detached the light from the base and could reach about anywhere under the hood of the truck.

When I worked on Saab's the boss had one, we installed one on his Saab, and it was so cool, we sold them to customers too. the part was under $35.00 and could be stuck almost anywhere. I actualy worked on a Saab at a different shop years later that had one installed, turned out to be handy testing a nostart in the lot. The BMW hood light is good for checking fluids, but doesnt supply much light besides that.

[Russell]

Items 5, 12 and 13 are the lighting parts. Now where is the wiring harness?

RealOEM.com Home => Select another car => LIGHTING => VARIOUS LAMPS

No. Description Supplement Qty From Up To Part Number Price Notes 01INTERIOR LIGHT AND READING LIGHT163311384963$96.26See EBA 978182001INTERIOR LIGHT AND READING LIGHTSCHWARZ163312259914$122.86+core02LENS16331138 4872ENDED03BULB12V 10W163311375003