Instrument Panel Lights

[sean100473]

Inorder for my instrument panel lights to come on I must twist the headlight switch left and right (or "fiddle with it") until they come on. When they do come on, the appear very dim to me. I was wondering what the problem may be.

Any suggestions on where to look or what might be causing these issues?

 

[jrt67ss350]

It's most likely the headlight switch. There is a rheostat in the headlight switch that adjusts the brightness of the dash lights. It sounds like the rheostat in your headlight switch is bad.

 

[Doughnut]

I also have the same problem, but when i turn the switch back and forth the dash lights come to full life, i only really drive my beemer in the dark on weekends which is when i use the lights.
is it possible that the "rheostat" may just have a little corrosion on the terminals causing it to be faulty? is it possible to pull the switch itself apart and fix it yourself?

Thanks

 

[echothreezero]

Its easy enough to pull the switch out - just remove the trim panel by your knees and eyeball the rear of the switch - removing it is more or less self explanatory.

 

[sean100473]

I also have the same problem, but when i turn the switch back and forth the dash lights come to full life, i only really drive my beemer in the dark on weekends which is when i use the lights.
is it possible that the "rheostat" may just have a little corrosion on the terminals causing it to be faulty? is it possible to pull the switch itself apart and fix it yourself?

Thanks

I talked to a pro BMW mechanic about replacing the headlight swith the other day. He suggested grounding a part of the circuit to bypass the rheostat. Maybe someone did that to your switch already? I'm not sure, just thought I'd throw that out there.

Oh, and I found my switch to be a pain in the rear trying to get out because one of the screws holding it in is tough to get a wrench around. I still haven't gotten in out. Anyone else have to deal with getting the headlight switch out? Do you know what tool you used for this?

 

[Doughnut]

would grounding that particular circuit leave the instrument panel lights on full brightness? any more information on that would be awsome,

Cheers sean

 

[sean100473]

would grounding that particular circuit leave the instrument panel lights on full brightness? any more information on that would be awsome,

Cheers sean

According to the mechanic, YES, if would leave it on full brightness.