Ron et al: Instrument light dimmer shorting out?

Ron, I know you've got a bunch of experience with the electrical systems of these cars, so I thought I'd ask you...

The headlight switch/interior light dimmer (rheostat?) in my M Coupe is shorting out, I believe. When I turn it all the way to the right, i.e. 100% brightness, all of the instrument lights go out. If I turn it a hair back to the left, they come back on...

Any ideas what it could be? My only guess is that the rheostat is shot.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Ben Carufel

Ron, I know you've got a bunch of experience with the electrical systems of these cars, so I thought I'd ask you...

The headlight switch/interior light dimmer (rheostat?) in my M Coupe is shorting out, I believe. When I turn it all the way to the right, i.e. 100% brightness, all of the instrument lights go out. If I turn it a hair back to the left, they come back on...

Any ideas what it could be? My only guess is that the rheostat is shot.

Thanks!

Probably opening up. Rheostat is part of the headlight switch.

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/ele...ht_switch.html

Thanks Ron. It couldn't just be a simple few screws, could it?

Is it enough of a time consumer/special tool require-er that I should just take it to the stealer and pay to have it done CPO?

After more research it seems like something to let them do CPO.