DarthSid

I don't know about you, but the shifter bulb, Power and VSC switch lights are too dim and greenish for my taste. I decided to upgrade the incandescent bulbs to white LEDs. I wrote a tutorial for anyone interested and brave enough to take on this mod.

I also provided a picture with the Shift bulb and Power Switch LEDs installed and the VSC switch OEM incandescent bulb left in place as reference for you to judge.

The Power switch requires a 10mm T4 Neo Wedge LED and the VSC switch an 8mm T3 Neo Wedge SMD LED. The shifter light was replaced with Xenon White 3-SMD-1210 LED bulb. Refer to the pdf for details.

mrblister

Amazing DIY write up. I just saved it and printed it. I never thought to swap the lights for brighter ones.

Great work

DarthSid

Thanks

I first thought the light behind the switches were LEDs. When I took the shifter apart I discovered the change out was easier, and just bulbs in the shifter and switches with green membrane. The challenge was locating the correct LEDs, and I must include trying to figure out how to take the shifter apart without breaking parts. Ebay vendors sell the LEDs in pairs, six pieces, etc. the plus is the items are very reasonable, and if you are lucky, no tax or shipping charges.

DarthSid

Here is a comparison photo of the shifter and VSC switch LED bulbs vs the OEM bulbs. I excluded the Power switch bulb since is similar to the VSC bulb, but just 2mm wider.

416tt

iTrader: (1)

Awesome !! Great work darthsid! I thought you had to solder these on!! Looks like plug n play. How about the cluster? Was soldering involved there?

Thanks

DarthSid

The instrument cluster has SMD LEDs that are soldered to the circuit board and more complex to work on. The shifter, Power & VSC switches have bulbs which is not as challenging. The shifter bulb is a straight plug in type and both switches have cluster type bulbs. There is no soldering required on this mod. The greatest challenge for this mod is knowing how to dismantle the shifter and removing the switches to expose the bulb clusters. Thx

416tt

iTrader: (1)

lol ok I will stay away from the cluster then!! my shifter lights are faded too.. I will attemp this when its warmer here! Thank you again

SlvBullet

iTrader: (8)

Very nice - great job!

I had this area all torn down a bit ago when I installed a Parrot bluetooth so at least I know how to do that part.

DarthSid

Thank you.

Just order your parts in advance. One bit of advice. The VSC switch back base is much easier to remove than the Power switch. The VSC switch comes with a white backing. The Power switch has a black back and in order to replace the bulb you must remove the entire switch housing.

416tt

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Sid!

btw I wonder if these lights can be changed too ? (plug and play hopefully..) as well as the door switches.. hating the green!! be nice if that temperature display light could be change to something easier on the eyes

416tt

iTrader: (1)

ordered the led's! cant wait! lol as you can see not a fan of green lights at all.

Darthsid is there any way of changing those other ones (climate control area to be specific)? I mean only if plug and play, not sure if you have checked there.. I might check myself when i open it up.

Thank you

DarthSid

bimmer16, I have not had the opportunity to inspect the climate controller. I'm not sure the style of lights in the controller. PM if you require help with the shifter lights mod.

ShawnOk

iTrader: (1)

Great write up! Can you please give an itemized shopping list. I see you ordered some additional lights but what is the minimum required of each type of bulb and for which specific application? I got a little confused. Were the letters on switches clear or tinted green (specifically the "VSC Off"). Can you leave the green rubber off and get a white VSC Off? Thanks in advance.

DarthSid

Thanks ShawnOk. The OEM bulbs have a green membrane that can be removed to reveal a clear glass bulb. The OEM bulbs are approximately 4300K. The LED lights I installed are 6000K. The lettering on the switches is white. The shifter letters is closer to an opaque lettering for “P, 4-D, 3, 2-L.” The “R” is closer to an orange red with the “N” in green lettering. You choice! You can remove the membrane to see if the lighting is to your satisfaction. Here is a part list of the LEDs bulbs I purchased on Ebay. The quantity varies vendor to vendor. Some sell 2, others 4 or more. I hope the pdf will help guide you.

bb430

iTrader: (1)

Little hint on the power switch removal please...I tried last night and couldn't...I was afraid of breaking off the housing...Thanks.