Hinged Compartment (AKA Secret compartment) Light Mod

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

The light assembly bought from eBay for $1.00

Push off / release on button

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

Closer

Measure the dimensions of the light assembly

Mark the area to be cut on the outside part of the compartment

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.

Outside view.

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.

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!