Howto Remove 318ti Headlight switch

zboot · 12-10-2009, 02:33 AM

Unfortunately, the Bentley manual only has how to do this for the other e36s. It took me several attempts to figure this out, not to mention having to lie upside down so that my head was under the dash, but here it goes:

1. Remove driver side lower dash panel. There should be three screws holding it in place, two under the dash, one on the side of the car - requires opening the driver's door to access.

2. Remove knee bolster - its the weird hard foam looking thing behind the panel. Has three bolts that attach it (I used a 10mm socket).

3. Remove headlight switch knob by turning it counter clockwise. Once you have rotated through the "acceptable" positions, keep turning, it will then screw off.

4. From a vantage point that puts your upper body under the dash, shine a light upwards so that you see the switch assembly. Disconnect the wiring connector by applying gentle pressure on the plastic retaining clip and use a flathead screw driver to work the connector loose.

5. If you look at the switch assembly, along the cylindrical portion leading towards the knob you will see a slot with a slight tab sticking out. Use your flathead to push in the tab, then in a little. This will pop the switch out of the housing and allow you to remove it either with your screwdriver (or if you have removed your cluster, you can just reach in and pull it out.

6. Installation is the reverse of these instructions.

I hope I save someone some aggravation

MacUser · 12-10-2009, 09:57 AM

I recently replaced the faceplate for the headlight switch. When I bought the car, there was a piece of electrical tape covering the hole where the headlight icon used to be. I consulted Bentley and, IIRC, it told me just to pull the knob off. This didn't work. I noticed a small hole in the metal shaft that the knob is attached to. I placed a small screwdriver in the hole to prevent the shaft from turning and I unscrewed the knob easily.

What Bentley manual are people using? I think mine is a generic 90s 3-series. For changing out the cabin microfilters, it told me to remove the glovebox. Thank goodness for the tutorial on 318ti.org!

zboot · 12-10-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacUser

What Bentley manual are people using? I think mine is a generic 90s 3-series. For changing out the cabin microfilters, it told me to remove the glovebox. Thank goodness for the tutorial on 318ti.org!

In defense of the manual, it does say that it only covers the sedan, coupe, and convertible models leaving us out in the wind. Unfortunately, I've not yet run into anything that is as complete and is ti specific other than the collective brains of us here

tiFreak · 12-10-2009, 07:40 PM

we should write to Bentley or Haynes and demand a ti-specific manual

MacUser · 12-10-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zboot

In defense of the manual, it does say that it only covers the sedan, coupe, and convertible models leaving us out in the wind. Unfortunately, I've not yet run into anything that is as complete and is ti specific other than the collective brains of us here

So, you use the same version I do. I didn't know whether or not a ti-specific edition existed. I couldn't believe BMW didn't use the exact same switch for all the 3-series. Probably some issue I'm not aware of.

tiFreak · 12-10-2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacUser

So, you use the same version I do. I didn't know whether or not a ti-specific edition existed. I couldn't believe BMW didn't use the exact same switch for all the 3-series. Probably some issue I'm not aware of.

they actually changed the entire interior for the ti, I'm guessing they made everything cheaper to manufacture since the ti is their entry-level car

MPWR · 12-10-2009, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zboot

Unfortunately, the Bentley manual only has how to do this for the other e36s. It took me several attempts to figure this out, not to mention having to lie upside down so that my head was under the dash, but here it goes:

I hope I save someone some aggravation

You definitely did save some aggravation- I'll look forward to trying it myself soon.

Any idea how to remove cruise control components?

zboot · 12-10-2009, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPWR

You definitely did save some aggravation- I'll look forward to trying it myself soon.

Any idea how to remove cruise control components?

I have a pretty good idea. Right now my stalk is exposed, so I figure all that needs doing is disconnecting electrical connectors and unscrewing switches and figuring out how to pull things out. If you're willing to wait a couple days, I could do a write up on that as well.

tsop siht no desab ekoj a ekam ot enoemos sekat ti gnol woh rednow i

MacUser · 12-10-2009, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zboot

I have a pretty good idea. Right now my stalk is exposed, so I figure all that needs doing is disconnecting electrical connectors and unscrewing switches and figuring out how to pull things out. If you're willing to wait a couple days, I could do a write up on that as well.
i

Cruise control, my kingdom for cruise control. Any chance there's an easy retrofit?

Quote:

Originally Posted by zboot

tsop siht no desab ekoj a ekam ot enoemos sekat ti gnol woh rednow i

ycarT kciD, gnol oot ton gnisseug m'I

tiFreak · 12-11-2009, 03:56 AM

damn, put your stalk away, it's too cold outside

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