The vent we are talking about is this one:

You need to remove the screw underneath with a phillips head screw driver.

You should be able to pull the bottom out towards you.

Then pull down and away from the steering wheel to release the plastic catch at the upper right corner of the vent.

Twist the connector going to the light switch to release it.
The disconnect the fog light cable.

This is what it looks like removed:

Quick question..and the reason for the removal? Just asking...

I am taking the entire interior out of my car....
But for anyone else the reasons may vary...

You might need to remove the vent in order to replace the headlight or fog light switch, replace the tiny bulb that illuminates the switch, or install one of these:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=284363

I need to replace the bulb behind that switch.

wats the bulb #?

I will have to take a look at it and see

I am taking the entire interior out of my car....
But for anyone else the reasons may vary...
I see I just thought you had something neat like a gauge mounted in the vent, etc...otherwise keep on dissasemblin'

nice writeup. keep them coming old skool. i just removed my vent yesterday to mount an aftermarket water temp gauge like G. P. Burdell and other's have done.

Apprarently I need to replace the bulb inside my switch because it doesn't light up...I ordered the bulb through my mechanic....so it is possible that people will need this writeup after all.

it really is a great place to throw a gauge into if you don't want to get a sunglasses gauge kit.

Just run down to Bumper to Bumper and pick up the bulb. They have the one you need.

what is bumper to bumper?

like an autozone or checkers or pepboys

I need to replace the bulb behind that switch.

wats the bulb #?

I just took the bulb to the local car-parts store. They gave me one bulb, didn't fit, they have me another bulb, it fit and worked.

wheres the bulb at? its not an LED?

mike

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BG13&mospid=47485&prod=19970700&btnr=61_0063&hg=61&fg=35

Part #18

I had no promlem removing swich, but was looking for build in light.
Problem now solved, thanks

Glad to hear it.

where is the bulb ? is it inside the switch it self ? i took the vent and switch out but cant see where is the bulb it self unless i have to take the switch apart !

Check the link in post #21. It is inside the switch. You just pull it out.

#2721 1.2Watt at any auto supply seems to work fine and not too hot.