1998 BMW 323 dashboard lights

1998 BMW 323
140,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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RED3736
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the my odometer light is very very light and i can barely make out the numbers any longer. I was wondering how i could possibly replace it. Also on the clock/mutli-information display light is burned out as well. Any suggestions on how to replace the bulb for that? Thanks so much for your help!
Mar 16, 2009 at 7:53 PM
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JAMES W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
All of the bulbs for ilumination on the dash are only accessable from the backside of the instrument panel. That's unless you pull the the whole dash panel out but, you don't want to do that.
If you remove the under dash panels on both sides of the steering wheel you should be able to reach the sockets that hold the bulbs you want to change. The sockets are round and about the size of a nickel. They turn 1/4 turn counter clockwise to remove, and reinstall in reverse. Hope this helps, it's never an easy job.
Mar 16, 2009 at 10:45 PM
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DOCHAGERTY
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 9,606 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Actually the instrument cluster is quite easy to remove, just the two Torx screws from the top of the cluster and the clock/display is popped out from under the clock, just put two fingers in under the clock and feel for the holes. The bulbs for the cluster and clock may have to be sourced from BMW.
Mar 17, 2009 at 2:40 PM
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JAMES W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 2,394 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If you take a bulb out, you should be able to match them in the aftermarket.
Mar 17, 2009 at 3:10 PM
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