Abstract: A luminous element 1 is provided for illuminating functional symbols or for signaling of functions in a motor vehicle application. The luminous element 1 includes a housing 3 adapted to receive at least one light-producing element 7 having terminal contacts 5a and a pair of contact elements 5 defining longitudinal slots adapted to selectively receive the terminal contacts of the light-producing element and to selectively receive terminal members of an associated electronic component. A first set of longitudinal slots formed by the contact elements extend to a first extent to carry the terminal contacts of the light-producing element in a first plane relative to the housing. A second set of longitudinal slots formed in the contact elements extend to a second extent to carry the terminal members of the associated electronic component in a second plane relative to the housing.