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Re: Window Switch Bulb Burn

Harvey Chao asked if anyone knew of the miniature bulb used in BMW window
switches.  I do not know for sure about the window switches, but the
following information about lights in the seat heater switches of the E30
may be helpful.

The bulb used in those switches is, for all intents and purposes, identical
to a Radio Shack bulb #272-1092.

The following is for E30 seat heater switch lights.
Bulb replacement:  The bulbs are soldered to a circuit board at points that
cannot be readily accessed, but it is possible to replace them. Remove the
switch by prying up at front and back ends simultaneously with two flat
blade screwdrivers. Disassemble by inserting two thin, flat-blade
screwdrivers between the switch sides and base far enough to release the
four locking tabs.  With the switch upside down, lever the innards up out
of the case.  Watch out for a loose spring, brass tube, and steel ball on
the switch operating lever that can easily fall out.  With the switch
internals removed, carefully crush the bulb glass with pliers until all
glass is removed, exposing the existing leads. Remove any remaining
filament.  Wrap the leads of the replacement bulbs (Radio Shack #272-1092)
around these leads and solder carefully.  Make certain not to short the
bulb leads, as this creates a direct short from fuse 16 to ground that
could fry the switch circuit board. Don't use excessive heat when
soldering, to avoid unsoldering the original bulb leads on the circuit
board.  When reassembling, position the bulbs so they fit inside the
recesses in the switch case.

Hope this helps.

Paul Reitz
BMWCCA #1167