DIY: OBC Light Bulbs - Make your own

[stilljester]

Hi Everyone - Well the OBC in my wagon didn't work when I bought it. It became quickly obvious that all it needed were new bulbs. So I called BMW and nearly fell out of my chair when they told me $5.10 a piece. So I made my own.

You will need:
Soldering Gun
Cutting Pliers
Small Awl
2721 1.2W Bulbs

Step 1 – Pickup these bulbs at your local parts place – These were $1.98 for the set of two. Bulb # 2721 is the correct size and wattage.


Step 2 – Remove your old blown bulbs


Step 3 – Use the small awl and push down and forward on the two small tabs which secure the bulb to the housing.


Step 4 – Your removed bulb will look like this

[stilljester]

Step 5 – Take your cutting pliers and remove the metal tabs which you will reuse with the new bulbs.


Step 6 – Remove the other tab


Step 7 – Take your new bulb and carefully bend the two leads out as shown


Step 8 – Insert the Bulb into the black plastic housing first – Then slide the metal tabs in.

[stilljester]

Step 9 – Resolder the two leads to the metal tabs.


Step 10 – Sit back and enjoy your money saving work


Hope this helps someone else out….If anyone has any questions let me know

[Alexlind123]

Nice writeup, but why not just order them from BMA?

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

but they didn't diffuse the light quite right for the key pad.

[stilljester]

Nice writeup, but why not just order them from BMA?

This was several dollars cheaper and I didn't have to wait for the parts - Plus why not?

[HIe34]

but all the same, i just picked up 3 at a local parts shop for $5.

[andmd]

Thanks for the info. Just thought I'd mention, not sure if it makes too much of a difference, that the bulb number on the package isn't the same as the number you give in your post -- for all those looking to go out and do this. Just ignore me if I'm being anal.

[stilljester]

Thanks for the info. Just thought I'd mention, not sure if it makes too much of a difference, that the bulb number on the package isn't the same as the number you give in your post -- for all those looking to go out and do this. Just ignore me if I'm being anal.

Thanks and Sorry about the PN mistake just my dyslexia getting the best of me– I’ve corrected the part number

[attack eagle]

Actually, the part number is wrong... the $5 ones are 6v bulbs, the correct ones are only about $1 a pop, and are listed for the clock... and must be used on somethign else because my local dealer, who NEVER has any e34 stuff, had them in stock.

It's a great write up though if BMW ever stops making/keeping those in stock.