Instrument cluster bulbs

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Shuttleman

Instrument cluster bulbs

Post by Shuttleman »

Has anyone had a bad experience with installing 5 watt bulbs into their instrument cluster? Overheating maybe? Trying to decide while I'm changing the odometer gears.

LEDs might be cool, but maybe too much trouble.
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BA in CT
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I've not had the best of luck with 5W

Post by BA in CT »

I've melted a few circuit boards using the 5W bulbs but it sure is nice and bright for a while....
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Shuttleman

Post by Shuttleman »

....that's what I was thinking. :o
GripGreg
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Post by GripGreg »

Also, I think I read that LED's don't go brighter or dimmer.
Why make life harder?? Just my opinion.
Hit the apex
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rap633
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Post by rap633 »

I have run 5 watt Sylvania bulbs in just the two main cluster lights in my 633 for about 5 years without any issues.
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Brucey
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Post by Brucey »

GripGreg wrote:Also, I think I read that LED's don't go brighter or dimmer.
Why make life harder?? Just my opinion.
somewhere on my (incredibly extensive...) list of outstanding jobs for my 6er is the idea of making the dimmer drive LEDs in the instrument panel. I'm sure it can be done, it'll just take a little.... 'electrickery'

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jps635
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Post by jps635 »

I did the 5W upgrade ages ago. A little better but I still find difficult to read.

Also running STACK ancillary gauges with LED's, which are way to bright and can't be dimmed (yet).

Am building a complete replacement dash running all STACK and have bought one of these LED dimmers to fit.

http://www.autometer.com/cat_accessorie ... px?vid=185

They connect in series, pre-set to desired lighting level with fine tuning by stock dash dimmer.

Chris
'85 635csi JPS (RA2-66)
Shuttleman

Post by Shuttleman »

Brucey, you can find circuit designs to dim LEDs but getting the dash dimmer to control both that and the dash lights might be a bit tough.
Tommys 89 635
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Post by Tommys 89 635 »

i've upgraded to the 5 watt bulbs for years, big difference
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OldGringo
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use LEDs

Post by OldGringo »

I do not remember exactly what I used but 12 volt direct fit LED replacements are available. Just have to get the polarity right. The one you want will have six or eight LED's on a single unit and does actually have a narrow range of dimability... Look on superbrightleds.com
Might want to replace the turn signal bulbs with a brighter LED unit while you are at it.
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