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Re: 2002 R1150R speedo backlight
Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2021 8:23 am
by sweatmark
beemerfan wrote: ↑Mon Nov 15, 2021 6:38 pm
After almost 20 years and 35K one of my back lights went out on the speedo. Has anyone replaced these? How much of the cluster do I have to tear into? Consider myself fairly handy, so it shouldn't be a problem. Thanks in advance
Changed instrument lights on my 1st Rockster in 2010 but not on my original Roadster. Nonetheless the process should be similar, and the following links were useful back then:
https://advrider.com/f/threads/r1100gs- ... ns.710657/
https://www.bmwlt.com/threads/2002-r115 ... lb.118057/
https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.ph ... n-a-R1100R
Re: 2002 R1150R speedo backlight
Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2021 6:03 am
by towerworker
I changed mine many years ago and actually fashioned a replacement LED from the existing burnt bulb. It wasn't difficult as I remember. I think a single hex screw from the back of each tach/speedo and the instrument pulled out, giving easy access to the bulbs. I'm going from memory here so forgive me if I forget a detail or two. I had a pack of inexpensive 12v dash light led's from eBay on hand and thought I'd make replacements using the existing bulb base after breaking the glass out of it. Worked pretty darn well as they're still burning.
Re: 2002 R1150R speedo backlight
Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2021 11:33 am
by riceburner
towerworker wrote: ↑Thu Nov 18, 2021 6:03 am
I changed mine many years ago and actually fashioned a replacement LED from the existing burnt bulb. It wasn't difficult as I remember. I think a single hex screw from the back of each tach/speedo and the instrument pulled out, giving easy access to the bulbs. I'm going from memory here so forgive me if I forget a detail or two. I had a pack of inexpensive 12v dash light led's from eBay on hand and thought I'd make replacements using the existing bulb base after breaking the glass out of it. Worked pretty darn well as they're still burning.
Sounds like a good idea. Did you solder the led legs to the unburnt ends of the bulb filaments?
Re: 2002 R1150R speedo backlight
Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2021 9:34 am
by Tundra Dweller
There are plug in LED’s available.
I replaced my bulbs mainly due to the stock incandescent bulbs were so dim.
Here is a comparison with the stock bulb on the right in the tach housing.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LZWHYFNqchqxFybY8
This is the after photo.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Vr3z3esgnsoDHkgp8
Re: 2002 R1150R speedo backlight
Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2021 5:38 am
by towerworker
Riceburner....actually I was able to solder directly to the brass case of the old bulb as well as the +tip of the case which I think was lead.
Re: 2002 R1150R speedo backlight
Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2021 2:50 pm
by riceburner
towerworker wrote: ↑Sat Nov 20, 2021 5:38 am
Riceburner....actually I was able to solder directly to the brass case of the old bulb as well as the +tip of the case which I think was lead.
Sounds good
Re: 2002 R1150R speedo backlight
Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2021 3:53 pm
by Tundra Dweller
Nice! I went with blue for the analog clock to go with the Atlanta blue paint.