SI instrument cluster/board/bulb

[montokboy]

Since my gauages are all screwy, it seems as though I need to replace the nicad batteries in the SI board. I have heard it's a good idea to replace the cluster light bulbs while you have the thing out. I have looked for the bulbs but on one photo it's reddish orange while the parts catalog the bulb looks clear and there are 3 makes Jahn, Osram, and Sylvania. Would anyone happen to know which is the right one? I would like to keep the intensity and color consistent. And if anyone advises on replacing anything else while the board is out I'd appreciate it.

 

[pjgonwa]

It looks reddish-orange because it's under a reddish-orange cover. The bulb is clear. I have a 1986 325 and the second time I took the instrument cluster out it only took 15 minutes. I would not worry about light bulbs and go ahead with the battery replacement. One thing I did when I changed the batteries was get a battery holder with long leads (from Radio Shack). I soldered the leads to the board and mounted the battery holder down in an accessable location. Next time I need batteries, I'll just pop them in.

 

[KC Ron Carter]

Some SI information

SI reset and batteries

With the ignition switch at (position two) and the engine not running, grounding pin seven #7 of the diagnostic connector to pin one #1 for approximately three (3) seconds will reset the oil service lights. Grounding pin seven #7 to pin one #1 for approximately twelve (12) seconds will do an inspection service reset.

More information.

http://www.specialistcarsbmw.co.uk/stevenage/service/service_lights.htm

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/reset1.gif


1. Ground
4. Temperature sensor
7. Reset
8. TDC sensor yellow
9. TDC sensor shield
10.TDC sensor black
11.Start signal
12.Alternator charging excitation voltage
13.Ignition coil
14.Alternator charging supply current
15.Oxygen Heater

It will signal an oil change need between 5k and 7k depending on your indicated speed since the last reset. It will signal stealer inspections at all the predesignated miles.



http://www.eskimo.com/~dalus/bmw/e36/electrical/e36_reset_service_lights.html

SI Board Swap Out

Last but not least - the SI Board. Above is a new SI Board with lithium batteries and below is the old one. Note the blown battery on the old SI Board (green circle). The light blue rectangle shows the actual service indicator LED's which appear on your dash display. These LED's are mounted on a separate circuit board which must be pulled out of the old SI Board and plugged into the new one. This is an easy task. The purple arrow shows the orientation of the SI Board relative to the driver.


If it fails to reset then you need batteries.

Varta battery 500RST OE part.

Radio Shack: part number 23-191: $6.49 for set of two; they come w/solder tabs on them.

1.2 volts / 700mAh

Charge fully B4 installation on SI board.

Consider mounting batteries "remotely" under dash, etc. in separate holder for easy removal in future (i.e. not pulling the console out and apart); you can buy a plastic holder at RS. Run leadwires from holder to SI board connections. Makes life easy if you ever need to replace batteries again.

From Radio Shack, get:
1) You'll need a twin AA battery holder ($3)
2) 2 AA NiCAD rechargeable batteries ($6)

Later,