M45 clock help needed

[poppa]

Hi all. I have a 03 M45 and would like to find out how to change the bulb for my clock. Does the whole console have to come out or is there a way to just pop it out?? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[Frog]

Just by New clock. I thing there one unit. The dealer stocks them

[MaxBolus]

Pop the center instrument panel off (use a plastic putty knife or something that won't mar the dash), and the top of the clock will be visible. Remove the two screws in the top of the clock and you will be able to pull the clock up from behind the dash.

[poppa]

Frog , I'm sorry. I wrote a response but it apparently didn't go. The clock works ,the light doesn't and now on the way home from work it's dark.

Frog , MaxBolus , Thanks for the replies. It sounds fairly straight forward. I will tackle this weekend. Thanks again and don't eat too much this weekend.

[Frog]

I understand that the clock and light are one unit. U can't replace one one with out the other. That's what the stealer aka dealer told me!!! So just replace the clock that will fix the light.

[MaxBolus]

There are two incandescent bulbs in the clock that can be replaced- you may want to get new bulbs before you tackle the job. (Only available at the dealer, as far as I know.)
Make sure you get the new bulbs in tightly, you don't want them falling out into the dark recesses of the center console ;-)

[poppa]

I just pulled this apart. I have no bulbs....I have no sockets either. Where do the clock light wires go to? I will have to buy bulbs/sockets. Hopefully the sockets have the wires too.

[poppa]

Ok , I have the small sockets with no long wires. I found one. If I take out the ash tray , would I be able to see the floor or ???? How does it come out ? I thought I had it but it seemed like if I went anymore I would break it. Thanks

[MaxBolus]

I don't think we're on the same page here- Are you talking about the center console analog clock in an '03 M45 (Y34)?? Access to the clock is different on newer models. There is no need to remove the ashtray.

In my car, the clock is removed from above (as described in my earlier post). There is one connector in the top of the clock that you will need to disconnect. Once you have the clock out, there are two bulb sockets in the back. Use a small screwdriver to turn the bulb approx 1/4 turn counter-clockwise and it should fall out.

[poppa]

That's the problem...they fell out. I found one on top of the cd player ,I was hoping to find the other on the floor behind the ash tray.

[MaxBolus]

aha!

well, then, if you want to try and find the bulb, be prepared for this :



I did this because my new replacement bulbs had fallen out, and the dealer was telling me 5-7 days for new ones. My advice is to see if you can get replacements, and let the lost bulb free.

**When you put the new bulbs in, you have to be sure to get them twisted in securely. They will seem more difficult than it should because you have to form the small wires on the bulb base to the contacts. The "X" on the back should be in line with the horizontal/vertical dimensions of the clock when the bulb is seated properly.

Then after this- put some duct tape or something over the bulb holes to trap the bulbs if they fall out again. The job is a PITA out of proportion to how simple it seems.

[poppa]

Thank you sir. I think I will call a dealer. If I order the bulb is that all you get? I'll need the yellow/orange cover thing and the socket too.

[kp1]

I put tape on the entries of these bulbs lost 2 already also