DIY: E36 Automatic/Manual Switch Bulb Replacement

.

APPLIES TO E36 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS ONLY:

The following DIY is for bulb replacement in Part #61-31-1-387-858 (also known as the A/M switch). Retail pricing for a new A/M switch is $83.25 and discount pricing is $67 (at www.bmwpartzdirect.com plus $9.50 shipping). This makes replacing the switch just for a burned out bulb cost prohibitive.

Proper light operation for the switch is for the “A” or the “M” to be lit when Automatic or Manual mode is selected. Since the “A” mode is typically selected 100% of the time, the bulb for the “A” mode burns out years before the “M” mode bulb. Most second or third owners do not even realize that the “A” position is supposed to be lit.

Example of properly lit "A" mode:







The below link goes to a complete write-up on how to replace the internal bulb to the A/M switch:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...&highlight=diy

.