So today I decided to replace all the burnt bulbs in my car. Being proactive, I disassembled the radio, hvac, and onboard computer (bad idea in case parts are not in stock). In the process, I had to address the non-illuminating gear selector.

After calling 3 dealerships, 1 finally had the bulb for the Hvac controls. I bought 3 (all that was in stock) since it was 30 mins highway drive.

Replaced the gear selector light. Light works fine but the plastic illumination assembly attached to light housing that are U-shaped have 3-4 broken ends. The result is, when I select D, "1" lights up but the orange indicator is on D. At the top end of the selector N, R, P, no illunination for the gear selected is visible.

I went on realoem but cant seem to find the part. Its plastic and worn from all the years of use.

And for the record, I WASTED my time replacing the HVAC roller bulb. NO VISIBLE IMPROVEMENT.

Mine is also broken, from moment of purchase to date. I also looked on realoem.com, but could not find the "cheap plastic" parts for replacement. Mine broke while I fiddled around with it. Now the plastic housing that holds the A/M button down and all the gear shifting equipment is worn and will not snap down. I have black electrical tape holding it in place as I shift with no light indicator whats so ever (valet parkers probably get a chuckle from this). Very sad times for my 8 this week....especially when the tensioner pully/bearings snapped off on Friday after my summer oil change. :( Justs didn't get to them in time considering other maintence that needs to be done as well. $513 including tow.

gault has the center console for like $48 i just replaced mine. that pin that moves the gear selector is on back order at my stealership, going to have that pin, the climate control bulb done while they replace the MID.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EG23&mospid=47335&btnr=51_2746&hg=51&fg=35
#19 is what you're looking for - all one piece. They don't sell the individual bits...

you'll need # 28 as well for the gear selector... its the pin that moves the orange piece!

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EG23&mospid=47335&btnr=51_2746&hg=51&fg=35
#19 is what you're looking for - all one piece. They don't sell the individual bits...

Thanks. I however dont see the selector bulb holder, and the U-shaped illumination panel. These are all encased in a beige plastic housing that also houses the wheel with teeth that moves the pieces attached underneath #19.

I will just take a picture of what I am looking for tomorrow. Description might be a bit confusing.

It's all there in one piece, I've bought one before...

....

And for the record, I WASTED my time replacing the HVAC roller bulb. NO VISIBLE IMPROVEMENT.

I'm not 100% sure what the HVAC rollers are, but I guess you're talking about the wheels controlling the air vents as well as AC control. If so replacing the bulbs is useless (unless they are burnt out). The problem is, that the fiber optics inside are getting bad. I removed the bulb on mine and put in individual Micro LEDs. Quite a job but a great result.

It's all there in one piece, I've bought one before...
Ok thanks.

@Wokke,
Part 4, and 5 were not illuminated so I replaced that 1 bulb. No visible improvement. I just need all LED upgrades.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/f/g/12.png

Ok thanks.

@Wokke,
Part 4, and 5 were not illuminated so I replaced that 1 bulb. No visible improvement. I just need all LED upgrades.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/f/g/12.png


Yep, that has been my problem as well PLUS on the upper vents in the dashboard. I bought a bunch of 1.8mm LEDs and now I have the nice cockpit look again :stickoutt
But before I went this route I also bought the expensive special bulb which is a bit longer than those standard instrument bulbs. So you may want to check 1st if the bulb you've got is the correct length.

Yep, that has been my problem as well PLUS on the upper vents in the dashboard. I bought a bunch of 1.8mm LEDs and now I have the nice cockpit look again :stickoutt
But before I went this route I also bought the expensive special bulb which is a bit longer than those standard instrument bulbs. So you may want to check 1st if the bulb you've got is the correct length.

The new bulb was considerably shorter but the right part according the the part number. What is the part number for the extended bulbs. Also, how involving in replacing the upper vents with LED?

The new bulb was considerably shorter but the right part according the the part number. What is the part number for the extended bulbs. Also, how involving in replacing the upper vents with LED?

The correct bulb has the part# 62 11 1 391 777 (http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/62111391777/) and cost about US$7,- !!!!
Doing the upper vents wasn't more effort than the AC control unit. Both is a PITA :stickoutt Just kidding, it's actually not that bad at all.

The correct bulb has the part# 62 11 1 391 777 (http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/62111391777/) and cost about US$7,- !!!!
Doing the upper vents wasn't more effort than the AC control unit. Both is a PITA :stickoutt Just kidding, it's actually not that bad at all.

That is the bulb I got. I guess LED is next. I got 3 for $40 Cad

in regard to the HVAC Controls, I've been talking to Martin from 8er.org who made the plug and play HVAC lighting upgrade. The price is about 52$ (he uses sfr which changes daily), pretty cheap considering how much of an improvement it is and shipping. I'm trying to work out a group buy with him, when I have more information I will start a thread.

in regard to the HVAC Controls, I've been talking to Martin from 8er.org who made the plug and play HVAC lighting upgrade. The price is about 52$ (he uses sfr which changes daily), pretty cheap considering how much of an improvement it is and shipping. I'm trying to work out a group buy with him, when I have more information I will start a thread.

Thanks. Keep me in the loop

^^Keep me in the loop, too :D

of course bro, I got you :).