Another Light Mod on the E46: Light in Driver's Compartment

[paris]

It was a nice thought from BMW to incorporate a compartment for small items next to the steering wheel (below the Light Module). But no light inside? Happened to look for small coins in the middle of the night just by touch and end up throwing them on the floor? It happened to me a few times so I decided to fix this issue by incorporating a light in there as well.

Principle is simple, with a push off / release on button and a genuine BMW footlight I did the job. Getting power is easy, just tap on the headunit switched line for ignition controlled power delivery or on the cigarette lighter for continuous power. Running wires from the compartment area to the middle of the dash is very easy as there's ample space in the steering column area.

Tools
Philips Screwdriver (BMW OEM will do fine)
Soldering iron
Wire stripper / cutter

Parts:
BMW Light
Push off / release on round button
Wires
Taps

First start by removing the compartment. 2 screws and pull it out
http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6759.JPG

The light assembly bought from eBay for $1.00
http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6760.JPG

http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6761.JPG

Push off / release on button
http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6762.JPG

Drill a 12mm hole right next to the rectangle cutout of the compartment. When the lid is closed the button will be pressed and power will be interrupted
http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6763.JPG

Closer
http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6764.JPG

Measure the dimensions of the light assembly
http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6765.JPG

Mark the area to be cut on the outside part of the compartment
http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6766.JPG

Using a jigsaw I cut the plastic. Pop the light assembly in place from inside to outside. If you cut the correct dimensions, the light will snap in place, allowing easy removal when the bulb goes out.
http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6767.JPG

http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6768.JPG

Outside view.
http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6769.JPG

Electrics 101: Current from car -> switch -> bulb -> ground. I could buy a plug for the light assembly but BMW didn't have it in stock so I soldered my wires straight on the light. Used heatshrink to avoid unpleasant things.
http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6770.JPG

To get power, I used the switched line that the headunit uses to tap onto. Simple and effective. If you want power even with ignition off, then use the cigarette lighter wires to tap onto. The bulb does not draw a significant amount of current so wherever you tap it will be fine.

And the result!

http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6771.JPG

http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6772.JPG

http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/lighting/compartment_mod/images/DSCF6773.JPG

No more hassle looking for small things in there!

[phat///M3]

Nice mod, did you find this somewhere or was it your own idea?

[Black Sabbath]

Thats a good little mod :cool: :cool: ,nice write up as well :)

[paris]

Nice mod, did you find this somewhere or was it your own idea?

My idea :)


Thats a good little mod ,nice write up as well

Thanks! At least it's something usefull. I was thinking of doing it with a LED array but I decided to go more OEM look.

[XKaLiBaR]

Muahaha, now i know where you keep your change :D

Nice mod :)

[Saqib]

Nice one. Smart little mod that, I like things like that.

Got a light mod of my own which will need posting up soon :)

[phat///M3]

My idea :)



Even better then :D