Computer light

[Sir-]

Hello everyone! I have a 1988 535i, and the light in the computer screen behind the wheel has gone dark. Anyone know how i can fix it? Can it be a fuse or something? I can see the text coming up when it's daylight, but not when it is dark. pretty damn annoying..

[csieminski]

I had this happen about three years ago in my '86 528e. I cannot remember whether or not you have to remove the steering wheel, but I don't think you do.

Use a philips screwdriver to unscrew the two screws that hold in the instrument cluster. They are at the top of the instrument cluster (on the bottom of the hood over the cluster), so you will be holding the screwdriver with the tip pointing up to unscrew them.

Hopefully you can pull the cluster far enough out that you can reach behind it to access the computer to the right side of the hole where the cluster was. If you can, use a pair of needlenose pliers to pull the "bulb tray" out of the computer. In other words, if you are looking at the display from the front, as normal, the white "tray" sits just behind the LED display and pulls out of the computer to the left. You will use the pliers to do this.

If you have gotten this far, you are set. Go to the BMW dealer and buy an entirely new "bulb tray" assembly--they charged me $27 in 2002. Not too cheap, but in my opinion better than soldering in new bulbs to the existing assembly, etc. Slide the new assembly in behind the computer display, slide the instrument cluster back in and secure it.

IF you need to remove the steering wheel (assuming your car does not have an air bag), pry off the enamel BMW emblem with a screwdriver and use a lug-nut type tool to remove the very large bolt that retains the steering wheel. Then you just lift off the wheel. It's quite simple.

Good luck!

[Sir-]

Thanks man, i have an idea of how i can fix it now. I pulled out the cluster yesterday and checked it out. I'll order the bulb tray right away.

[csieminski]

Sure, glad I could help.