Z3 Climate control bulb replacements

[Richardrix]

Hi,

2000 Z3 3.0i

I have a bulb out in behind my climate control and the other doesn;t seem to work that well. Having trouble finding replacements. I also wondered if anyone knows if there are LED replacements for these bulbs?

The air con button also does not light up when the headlights are on like the other buttons do. It does light up when I press it to switch on the air con. Is this normal or should the button also light up when the headlights are on.

Would appreciate part numbers of links to replacement blubs if anyone knows them and if anyone knows of LED replacements. Thanks.

 

[Richardrix]

Looks like the part number I need is 61138353797
These look to be selling for around £11-£12 each.

It would be cheaper to but the whole climate control dials from ebay that has the bulbs in than to buy the bulbs on their own.

If possible I would like to put LED replacements in as these may be brighter. (I hope)

 

[Dxbolton]

The bulbs have a particular holder and you have to buy the whole unit. They are bright enough when they both work,
You need to remove the radio and push your hand through the slot to get to the bulbs. Mine were hard to remove and I got lots of cuts and scars on the back of my hands changing them, but it’s worth it in the end

 

[Richardrix]

So I can get the bulbs on-line and from the dealer for around £11 each. on eBay you can but climate controls from breakers for around £20 which have the bulbs in. Not seen any LED replacements so far.

If anyone is interested, the part number is 61138353797

 

[Stevo7682]

No led replacement for them
Second hand unit could still have faulty bulb.

Aircon switch is not panel illuminated
Stephen.

 

[Richardrix]

No led replacement for them
Second hand unit could still have faulty bulb.

Aircon switch is not panel illuminated
Stephen.

Thanks for the confirmation on LED replacements.
2nd hand unit. Agree. They could be faulty. It is a risk.

Thanks for the confirmation on the Air Con button not illuminating. I know not to go in search of a replacement (as they are expensive).

Cheers,
Richard

 

[sierracierra]

I too had a burnt out bulb in the climate control on my Z3, I nearly fainted at the cost of the replacement bulbs. Being the cheap skate that I am, I removed the glass portion from the lamp, then pulled the two small wires out of the base, enlarged the holes made by the wires with a tiny drill bit and then inserted a 12V warm white LED. Here in Canada, they can be had for about $1 CDN (that’s about 50p in the UK). I found the 5MM size to fit quite well, the current draw is 1/8th of the incandescent bulb and LEDs are known for their longevity. So I managed to save a few bucks (beer money). Easy peasy if you have a few spare minutes. The work is getting access to the controller described in the thread above. I have added a few pictures, hopefully this might help someone else.

 

[99Bavarian$pit]

I too had a burnt out bulb in the climate control on my Z3, I nearly fainted at the cost of the replacement bulbs. Being the cheap skate that I am, I removed the glass portion from the lamp, then pulled the two small wires out of the base, enlarged the holes made by the wires with a tiny drill bit and then inserted a 12V warm white LED. Here in Canada, they can be had for about $1 CDN (that’s about 50p in the UK). I found the 5MM size to fit quite well, the current draw is 1/8th of the incandescent bulb and LEDs are known for their longevity. So I managed to save a few bucks (beer money). Easy peasy if you have a few spare minutes. The work is getting access to the controller described in the thread above. I have added a few pictures, hopefully this might help someone else.

Love this, can you explain how the heck you removed the bulb. I tried pulling, breaking and pushing the small tabs!?

 

[sierracierra]

I'm on the other side of 60 and my memory is not as good as I would like, it was over a year ago. From memory, I believe I disconnected the bulb from the car wiring, removed the glass portion, then either pulled the original bulb wires back through the connector end or forward out through the top of the broken bulb. With the glass portion and the original wires now removed, I enlarged the holes to accommodate the leads on the LED bulb. If memory serves, the leads on the LEDs I purchased were too long and needed to be shortened a bit so the LED sat in the same place as the glass portion did in an original bulb. Remember LEDs are diodes, so if it doesn't light up, reverse the position.
I hope this, along with the pictures in the post, help.
Cheers

 

[99Bavarian$pit]

Thank you!

 

[sierracierra]

Did I misread your question? Instead of taking the bulb apart, did you mean how did I disconnect the bulb from the car wiring? The pictures show the car wiring connector, I'm sure there's a small plastic tab that secures the bulb to the wiring connector. I don't remember exactly the bulb, but the pictures show the connector and the bulb separately. Again I hope that helps.

 

[sierracierra]

Thank you!

Most welcome!

 

[ExMX5owner]

Drat something else to fix, I never knew it was supposed to light up...

 

[Stevo7682]

My left side on my Orinoco remains in darkness even though i have the bulb as i how much of a pain to fit they can be do it some point when i feel inspired.
Stephen

 

[99Bavarian$pit]

Did I misread your question? Instead of taking the bulb apart, did you mean how did I disconnect the bulb from the car wiring? The pictures show the car wiring connector, I'm sure there's a small plastic tab that secures the bulb to the wiring connector. I don't remember exactly the bulb, but the pictures show the connector and the bulb separately. Again I hope that helps.

Nope, got the led fitted! Thanks

 

[Eddie-S]

I changed the heater control bulbs on both of my Z3. I can see why the previous owner's didn't replace them as it's literally a pain of a job. I removed radio head unit and went in through there, rather than take the centre console off. 2 bulbs light all 3 controls. Very fiddly, and bruised and scratched hands, but worth it. Yes the bulbs are stupid expensive but you only do it once.

 

[Silvergreen]

I changed the heater control bulbs on both of my Z3. I can see why the previous owner's didn't replace them as it's literally a pain of a job. I removed radio head unit and went in through there, rather than take the centre console off. 2 bulbs light all 3 controls. Very fiddly, and bruised and scratched hands, but worth it. Yes the bulbs are stupid expensive but you only do it once.

Hi there
I am in the process of trying to remove the bulb next to the fan control. I cannot see how the bulb pulls out, is there a tang or something that needs to be pressed first? Oh I should add I have a 2001 Z3 3.0 Roadster
Thank you

 

[Eddie-S]

One of mine was a 2001 3.0. However, it was 3 years ago so can't fully remember so try this https://zroadster.org/articles/categories/bmw-z3-maintenance-repair-and-overhaul.281/