I have a 02 without the auto temp control so it's somewhat manual operating the fan/air direction. It seems there are 3 sets of lights behind this console and the light on the right side behind the "air direction" **** is out. How do you get behind there to change the bulb???

 

Tools required; flat blade screwdriver, philips screwdriver, T20 & T40 torx drivers

1

Ensure the ignition key is turned off.
If the car has a glove box, open it.
It the car has a knee bolster pull it down from the top. (It is held with a metal pop clip either side of the steerin column & can be very tight)
2

Remove 2 torx screws from the side of each dash pillar (Can be T20 or T40)
Push down on each pillar in turn and pull towards you (take care not to scratch the dash)Then you will see the screws to remove the switches and dials. Hope this helps

 

I did it a couple of months ago. It is somewhat involved because the ***** are connected to cables that physically operate the controls, and you have to take the panel apart.

Full instructions and photos here: http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-gen...rol-panel.html

 

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Thanks fellas...this is very helpful.

 

I hope you replaced those bulbs with leds . . . . . . .

 

I considered that, and would have tried it if I had some LEDs of that size to test. There are potential downsides. A replacement LED might not have the same brightness as the original bulb, which means its brightness would also mismatch with other lights on the dash. An LED also won't dim at the same rate when using the dimmer control.

The main reason to consider using LEDs is that they might last longer than standard bulbs. However, the original bulbs lasted over 6 years. I don't care if the new bulbs burn out 6 years from now. I very much doubt that I will keep the car for another 6 years.

 

That was what the fella who did the replacement writeup stated. The LED's are not as bright.