Modern Lightbulb Equivalent...

[Rocan]

Hey there all... My flasher relay started to give out on me and since I now have a blown bulb I figured it was time to do a complete turn signal and running light fix. I have tried a search but could not come up with a consistant answer.

Anyone know what bulbs fit in squaretails? I know about the wattage and not melting out the lenses, but I don't know the actual size of the bulbs. Perhaps we can compile a useful list and I can make a writeup for the FAQ section?

Response needed ASAP... I'm doing this in the morning [/i]

[roadhog0]

The old light numbers are still active. I just go to the parts counter and they have em if theyre not on the rack, they can look em up too.

[c.d.iesel]

Hint : use only Silver Tip Bulbs (OSRAM) bmw german

bulbs - no oxidation of socket or bulbe tip, best quality, bright output,

you have a BMW - don't use krap bulbs

go out to the car- open trunk - unscrew lens securing plactic

nuts, inspect the bulbs in there now, and look at condition of the sockets.

CLEAN socket metal and treat with WURTH or simular "contact oil" to prevent oxidation

you'll find the fine rope seal and thick foam rubber gasket

are toast. Now you get to restore yer SQUARE lights.

Clean reflectors and paint with either WHITE or CHROME

rattle can paint. Throughly wash the lens. Get all the 40-year

grime out of the inside little crannies. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN

THE LENS PLASTIC NUTS!! - the lens studs will pull out of

the plactic and then your fuched!

[Napes]

This is a pretty good list: (And note: current OSRAM bulbs say "Made in China" - so much for good German bulbs.

parking light/front turn signal

1157

1157LL Long Life Upgrade: Up to twice the life of the standard lamp

Rear turn signal

1156

1156LL Long Life Upgrade: Up to twice the life of the standard lamp

Tail light

97

Stop light

1156

1156LL Long Life Upgrade: Up to twice the life of the standard lamp

Back up light

1003

1003LL Long Life Upgrade: Up to twice the life of the standard lamp

Front/rear sidemarker dont think I have these!?!

97

Dome light

1893

Instrument-general

194

194LL Long Life Upgrade: Up to twice the life of the standard lamp

Bob Napier

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[Rocan]

Thanks guys!

Yeah, restoring the tails is definitely in order. I have to find some new plastic covers for mine, since they are completely trashed.

I'm also all for good quality bulbs, but for the time being I'll have to settle for what the local store has just so that my car is "legal"

[Napes]

It's not like you're in the middle of Kansas or Nebraska - I'd think any national chain auto parts store (AutoZone, etc.) would have the Sylvania/Osram bulbs in the correct #s.

Bob Napier

[layers]

Hi--

Here is my list of bulbs for 2002's. Someday maybe Steve Kupper will put this in the FAQ area for easy user reference. While some US bulbs, such as 1156 and 1157, will work pretty well they draw more current than BMW planned and may provide less light. CD's comment about "silver tip" means that a nickel plated base does not oxidize so easily as a brass base, so it will provide fewer problems down the road; do not confuse the base with the black, blue or silver shield on the top end of most headlamp bulbs. Note that the European bulb types usually have a shorter life rating than US bulbs so carrying a spare is a good idea; order a few next time you get parts from a BMW supplier.

Appendix bulbs for 2002's expanded 130120.doc