Removing consol side panel

[Silvergreen]

Hi there

I have a 2001 Z3 3.0. I need to change two bulbs behind the fan and temp clocks in the lower consol. I have been told that the easy way to change these bulbs is to remove one of the lower consol side panels and then reach inside to find the bulbs. I am stuck on how to remove the panel however. The panel is shown in my attached photo. I can see two places on the upper panel edge where screws might be but I cannot see the screws themselves. Are those just screw covers that will pry out? I have had a gentle go at that but it is not happeing easily, so I thought I would check with the experts first before any costly damage! Can someone please throw some light on this for me please. Also are the bulbs BMW specific, and if so does anyone know the part number please?

Thank you so much

 

[Rudyrov]

I think its better to go in from the front, not sure there is good access to all of it from the side.
Check this video out.

View: https://youtu.be/wse605NE2_c?si=cwBsbQACtGt-9hcd

 

[Silvergreen]

Thank you for that. It's real interesting, and it was the first suggestion when I asked this before. However as an alternative can anyone tell me how to remove the side panel and what the part number might be for the bulbs please?

Thank you

 

[mwpe]

Those are screw caps which you can see just prize them off gently. Try not to lose them, they cost a fortune. I don't know the bulb part numbers but I am sure someone will be along soon.

 

[Silvergreen]

Thank you, I figured that that might be the way but was reluctant to break something in the process of discovery! I see now that there is a screw at the rear of the panel just behind the seat back. I imagine with those three screws removed the panel might slide down and out?

 

[petecossie]

From what I recall the last time I changed bulbs with console in situ (about 6 years ago) it was after taking the front screws out I eased back the side panel on driver's side being careful not to bend it too far and crease it to gain access to the back of the gauges etc. It's a bit of a struggle but I used some long nosed pliers to help in removing bulb. For outside temperature gauge bulb P/N is :-

(12V 1,2W ) (63217167000) from BMW online £7.87

for the other two gauges for some reason the bulb P/N is :-

(12V 2W ) (62132695218) from BMW online £9.28

The details of the bulb behind control knobs is below.

Bulb socket with bulb (61138353797) £20.35

Good luck with changing bulbs.

 

[Scooblitz]

Having just done this, I can confirm it’s a right pain in the arse.

I pulled out the headunit and replaced from above. However, be sure to insert the bulbs back in absolutely correctly or you will find the knobs will foul on the bulb holder.

Had everything buttoned back up and found the heating adjuster clipped the bulb holder by 1mm.

Access via the side panel can also help.

 

[Silvergreen]

Thank you all for your replies, I know how to tackle this task now and the part numbers for the replacements.

 

[Silvergreen]

Ah just one other thing. The bulb seems to be in two parts, a connector which just puuls off and the bulb which is inserted into the dash. Can anyone please tell me how the bulb is fixed, is it a strong pull out or do I have to twist the bulb first and pull of maybe there is a tang that has to be pressed first?? I do not want to break anything and moving the side panel out of the way does not give much access. Thank you in anticipation.

 

[Silvergreen]

Hi there

I am still struggling with this, maybe these pictures from the web will make things clearer. You can see the hole that the bulb goes through and the protruding molding around the bulb holder. Does anyone know how the bulb is held in place. There is not room to twist the holder as the moulding is tight against the bulb holder, I have tried just pulling the bulb holder out but it will not budge. Any ideas please?