Illumination On Computer

[OldGuy]

The clock/date display on my 96's computer is pretty much dead. The main screen is still nice and bright. Is the computer an enclosed unit like a car stereo or is it open behind the panel? Can the backlight be replaced? Also, "input date" comes up everytime I start the car. When I put the date in and hit the SET/RES it wipes the characters. Same with setting the clock. All other functions on the computer work fine...

[thekid]

yes it can. I do not think it is different than my 95, if so some on correct me. It is held in by friction, so take a small screw driver, sturdy credit card, pocket knife (careful if using knife),multi-tool whatever, and insert it beneath the OBC and pry up and bit and then pull it right out. Behinde it you should see two bulbs. You will most likely have to replace both at the same time. Everyone I know of that has tried to replace one (including myself) had to end up replacing both for some reason. Just make sure you get the right bulbs from the dealership, they are like $3 a piece or maybe a bit less. It's no problem though at all.

[OldGuy]

Originally posted by thekid@Feb 21 2005, 04:03 PM
yes it can. I do not think it is different than my 95, if so some on correct me. It is held in by friction, so take a small screw driver, sturdy credit card, pocket knife (careful if using knife),multi-tool whatever, and insert it beneath the OBC and pry up and bit and then pull it right out. Behinde it you should see two bulbs. You will most likely have to replace both at the same time. Everyone I know of that has tried to replace one (including myself) had to end up replacing both for some reason. Just make sure you get the right bulbs from the dealership, they are like $3 a piece or maybe a bit less. It's no problem though at all.

[snapback]296526[/snapback]

Thanks! Mine actually had 4 bulbs. 3 for the main display and 1 for the clock/date. There is an access hole in the tray beneath the unit so all you have to do is pop it out from underneath instead of prying it out from the face. I bought two bulbs for a whopping 4.50!!! I don't think the next fix on the list for wheel bearings will be quite so cheap

Thanks again!!!

[AdoreGSX]

Yea, I just replaced my lights there as well, probably the easiest of all the bmws to fix that on. If I were you, while you remember, replace all of the bulbs so that you wont have that problem for a while.