BMW E36 Automatic shifter illumination light FIX!

Is your E36 automatic shift light not illuminating at night. Here is the FIX. You have to get another one from an E36. Over time the wire breaks causing you to lose the illumination feature. Ever put your car in 3rd gear because of it? I have! Hope this helps someone out. Thanks for watching. please subscribe to my channel as I slowly fix little problems these beautiful cars have as rhey age.

[@chrisrich1487]

Thanks, Frank. I didn't even know it illuminated! My E36 (Alpine White Vert!) has another problem in that area. My automatic shift lever is super-sloppy/lots of play front-to-back. Is there something that you found comes loose in that area or wears out like a seal or bushing? Curious if you have any ideas before I pull it apart. (Note: Transmission shifts fine and has no problem finding gears when shifting even manually so I suspect the lever connection and not something internal.)

[@frankmaggio4328]

you'll have to go under the car to see if the shift linkage needs adjustment or see if the shifter arm is wobbled out. FYI- the E36 is known to leak at this union "shifter seal" >its right where youd be checking for play. It comes with age you can't stop if from happening.

[@frankmaggio4328]

as far as the illumination yes after the original one blew out/broke apart I'd sometimes be in the 2nd gear. especially at night it sucked.

[@jimwirth405]

I just brought home a 1996 E36 and I can't figure out if the PNRD321 letters and numbers are supposed to be lit and night. Happen to know the answer?

[@frankmaggio4328]

Congrats on the E36!! They are WAY more reliable than anyother 3 series, made. I believe the light illuminates the red bar as an indicator only. I can't recall if the light shines enough to illuminate the letter itself or if the letters are luminescent on their own. I'd love to own another one. Thanks for watching!

[@jimwirth405]

@@frankmaggio4328 Thank you for the congrats - I'm enjoying driving the car and learning more about it. Thank you for your reply, I had been searching trying to find an answer since I was doing some work in the shifter and wanted to get everything set. Your video was very helpful!

[@fandykaryanto2141]

Where is illuminated lamp?

[@frankmaggio4328]

the bulb that tells you what gear you're in