Dash lights not working anymore

[MirrorImage]

Just recently, the dash lights in my '91 318is stopped working. When I pull the switch the exterior lights work fine but the dash doesn't illuminate. I've turned the knob but it's not a dim illumination thing. I've checked/moved all the 7.5A fuses to new positions with no effect.

The lights not working: main instrument cluster, heating controls, clock, rear demist button. The actual instruments, heater, clock, rear demist themselves work fine.

Any help gratefully received.

[Here in the UK we have speed cameras pretty much everywhere. So not being able to see the speedo is a real problem when driving at night.)

[snpower]

This happened to me a few years ago, I changed out the entire dimmer knob assembly and all was well...

[MirrorImage]

Thanks - I'm taking your advice and have just found an assembly on ebay. What did we used to do before helpful forums & eBay to fix these problems? Once again, many thanks.

[snpower]

I hope this is what you got ?
eBay Motors: BMW E30 HEADLIGHT SWITCH 84-91 318 325 M3 92 CONV (item 230113993670 end time Apr-10-07 17:31:33 PDT)

[MirrorImage]

Man, that is so helpful. As it happens, I found this one on eBay UK:
eBay.co.uk: bmw e30 light switch with surround (item 110112355219 end time 14-Apr-07 12:44:09 BST)

I hope it's the right one, 'cos the US ad suggests there may be differences after 1988 & I've got a '91 318is.

[snpower]

Check out this link, and try to find the correct part number before you bid:
Select your BMW model

It's an online parts catalog. Very good.

If I remember correctly there is also a relay for the interior lights; in my case it tested o.k. - you may want to make sure the relay is good first. Your symptoms matched mine exactly though.

[MirrorImage]

Wow, that's an incredible resource. I now know correct part no. & will confirm before bidding. Good idea to check the relay - I haven't a clue about this - where would I find it & what am I looking for! Sorry to be so dumb.

[snpower]

No problem! I was just as dumb two years ago when I bought my '90 325ic.

I just checked my notes and I mis-spoke. The relay I'm thinking of works the hazzard lights only. There is, however, a control unit relay for the interior lights. I could not find it's location though. It's $80.00. I'd definitely try a new rheostat switch like we discussed above.

[wayneo325IC]

The interior light relay is behind the front speakers. Changed mine a few weeks ago and now i have interior lights when i open my door!!!
and my dash lights stoped working a few months back and changed the
rheostat switch and all is good!!!

[MirrorImage]

My hazzards and interior (door switched) lights are OK - it's strictly dashboard/front console that's the problem when I pull that little knob! I'm gonna change the light switch/dimmer assembly unit - sounds like that will resolve the issue. Thanks guys especially snpower for your time & advice - much appreciated.

[snpower]

Any updates ?