BMW E36 Blog

I know that I’ve been so slow on posting this week and maybe last week too. I want to apologize for that. I’m working for a software company and we had to release a product. This is a very hard and time consuming task that stops you from doing the very basic things in life (It actually stops your life). I’m sure there are some software developers here who know the feeling.

The good news is that we’re finished (well, almost) and that will give me some free time to pay more attention to the blog again. I have some great posts and ideas that I will be publishing in the next couple days. So, I hope you forgive me for not posting as fast and rich as usual. This is going to change…. I promise you that.

BMW E36 Blog: The ultimate E36 information source.

This DIY (Do It Yourself) is for you BMW E36 owners with automatic gearbox. It was contributed by Bernard Gutnick (thanks Bernard). The procedure shows in very simple steps how you can fix the light inside your A/M gearbox switch. I think this same procedure can be used to replace the bulb inside your window switches as well, but I’m not sure if it’s the same bulb. Have fun…

Disclaimer: Use this info at your own risk!! I’m not responsible if this didn’t work for you :-).

If the A light bulb is burned out due to constantly being on, you can replace it rather than spending $70 on a new switch.

1. Gently pry up the window/window lock/window button carefully from the top with a tiny screwdriver.

2. Put hand in and push AM button up until it pops up. Disconnect yellow connector.

3. Put small screwdriver in switch and gently pry up the two side clips. Leave in screwdriver and do same for other side.

4. Light and switch unit can be removed. Gently pull up circuit board.

5. You’ll see the black burned out bulb ( A or M or both ).

6. Now the tricky part. You have to cut the bulb out but only one at a time. Replace it with a Radio Shack RS 272-1092 12vt Micro lamp

7. It’s important to try to get the wires to be the same length as the original and with the lamp in the same position. Take your time. When soldering, only put on a very small drop as it has to fit back into the black housing. 1/16 inch of solder is enough. Use pliers to protect the bulb. Try to get the wire length and shape to be equal to the other one.

8. When you are done, carefully put the wire into the slots of the black housing, and put the cover back on.

9. Reconnect yellow connector. Light will appear when car is started. Congratulations! You just saved $68 in 30 minutes!!

Note: the car will still work with the switch removed. I think it defaults to Automatic, but I am not certain.

Are you looking for more do it yourself procedures (DIY) ? I recommend the Bentley BMW 3 series service manual for you. I got it and I think it’s a gold mine for us -BMW E36 Owners-. If you didn’t grab your copy yet, get it right now! I’m sure you’ll find this book worth every penny you’ve paid for. Get the Bentley BMW 3 series service manual

BMW E36 Blog: The ultimate BMW E36 information source.

Take a look at these videos for BMW E36 drifting in the Forza Motorsport 2.

I hope you like them.

BMW E36 Blog: The Ultimate E36 Information Source.

Scott, a reader of the BMW E36 Blog, has sent me some info about a project that he’s working on. The project is actually a carputer (Car Computer) that will be installed in his 1997 318is and will be handling the GPS, music, phone calls (Freehand) and reverse camera. The idea is really cool and I think Scott has accomplished most of the project. Here’s a video of the touch screen installed in the car:

For more details about the project and the components used, please refer to Scott’s website
here. Thanks Scott for the great info.

BMW E36 Blog: The Ultimate E36 Information Source.

Hi Guys,

I’ve found some photos of carbon fiber hoods that fit perfectly in the BMW E36 cars. So, I thought I should share this with you and see if you like it or not? I think the carbon fiber hoods will look great on black BMW E36 cars, and maybe white cars too, but I’m not sure about the rest especially if they’re not painted. For painted ones, I didn’t see any examples yet to judge, but I think it will look cool too. Pay special attention to the vents. They would look awesome with some side air vents. What do you think?

Take a look at the photos and let’s hear your opinions…

BMW E36 Blog: The ultimate E36 information source.