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Originally Posted by Phlem5
 Hi Volks, just had my stabilisers removed by the 'powers that be' and so can now post a message, my 1st.
I have just got a 1992' 3.8, it's taken me about 17 years to get one, due to, 1. age, 2.money. anyway I am hoping somebody can tell me how to change the bulb/s that illuminate my heater controls. I have had a good look on this board and haven't found anything, I have also checked out bmwe34m5.com but no joy so far. Also a mate with an M6 was saying his computer can display quantity of fuel in the tank, is this possible with e34 m5 computer. Other advice I am looking for is Engine oil reccomendation, I'm leaning towards castrol rs10w60, gearbox and final drive fluids, I'm thinking amsoil. 
Cheers,
Phil. |
Hello!
As it happens I have just done this on my car two weeks ago(changed the bulb behind the heater panel).
Firstly, go and buy a lightbulb. It`s a pain to do after you have dismantled the panel(this was what I had to do because I couldn`t find info on what kind of bulb is used) The lamp in question is a 12v/2w socketless stick in glassbulb (same type as the front parking light bulb,just a lot smaller).
Now to the job: Firstly, take of the stereo(disconnect it and take it away), then take of small plastic panels that cover the screws that hold the panel in place(vertically placed 2cm wide plastic bits at the ends of the heater(stereo panel), they come of by bending them of carefully with a small screwdriver. Unscrew.
Loosen the panel on the right of the center console(the one between heater/stereo panel and glove compartment, one screw that comes visible if you open the glove compartment. this gives you a bit more marginal when you start negotiating with the heater panel itself.
It takes a bit effort and patience to get the panel out,you have to wiggle it a bit :p .
Now you`ve got the panel out. Time to disconnect the heater vent cables(quite easy in theory but the lack of space is a little problem) , they are attached by coloured plastic clips that you can`t miss, red, blue and green from the top and downwards, after unclipping you have to bend the cables out of the holding pins.
Now you have more room and you can detach the wiring on the left side. after this you can pop out the sub panel with only the heater controls on it(you have to pull out the knobs also to be able to dismantle it further) You can see the outlines of the heater unit on the outside, the release lever is on the right side(seen from behind).
At this stage you pretty much have only the part with heater knobs and a little fan on it. You now have to unscrew 6? little screws on the backside to be able to get at the lamp(it is inbedded in the plastic "sandwich" and there is only 1!!! pcs of them.) You can locate the tiny lamp if you look closely at the clear plastic around the heater controls when the knobs are away, it is then clear where to unscrew, if in doubt.
Change the bulb.
Assemble in reverse order.
This sounds like a pain in the ***, and frankly, it is
Takes about 2-2,5 hours(first time, I think I could manage it in 1,5 now) for one lousy bulb.
But I think its worth it(stealer is going to bill you for a great deal of money if you let them do the job) and after 10years if you still have the car, you are able to do it again. Or alternatively advice some poor bastard who has the same problem.....
Hope this helps, I may have forgotten some minor bits, but you`ll easily figure it out...
About the oil(engine)
I`ll make it simple. 10-15W/40-60 high quality fully synthetic oil, the brand isn`t that important. There is as many opinions on the marque as there are members on this board. For daily use 10-15W/40 is enough, you don`t need the heat tolerance of 10w/60 oil in everyday use, if you are going to track the car(a lot of high rev use) or the climate is hot, then 10-15W/60 oil is in place.
Sakke
Hello M5 Board, answers required
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