E36 Instrument Cluster Removal

[ssavage0]

I have read a few threads on Instrument cluster removal for BMW models other than the E36. I believe mine is due to be replaced on my 1992 325i. (Temp Guage, plus Tach reading always at 2500rpms). I would like to know how to remove it with the least amount of trouble.

[vull]

you just need to remove the 2 screws in front of the gauge. then the display might need a little push from the back, but if you can pull it out from the front, you're ok to go. there's just 3 wires at the back and gravity holding it in the dash if you remove the 2 screws :p

[ssavage0]

Thanks that seemed to do the trick. Appreciate the help

[palmspringstigr]

Hi. Look at the attached link:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/101-Projects-90-Gauges/101-Projects-90-Gauges.htm

Be VERY careful to protect the cluster, it scratches easy... I needed to replace a light bulb and ended up spending 10-hours polishing the plexyglass I scrached! Good luck!

[spoddy]

hi

the easiest way to do it is the following.

1. Remove the 2 screws in the cluster that attach it to the dash.
2. Push the bottom of the cluster in, while pulling the top of the dash up (over the cluster) to free the top, it is a little tight, but it allows the top of the cluster to pop down a little.
3. Using an old plastic credit card push it into the slight gap at the top, and push it down while again pushing the bottom in to get the cluster to pop out and for enough space to put your fingers into the top and 'pull' the cluster down.
4. Next the curved cluster top comes down and the bottom in, so you see the top of the cluster now.
5. What I do now is to put the ignition key in, if not all ready in, and to position where steering wheel can move without locking. do NOT switch on, as its very important not to have the airbag light on when removing the cluster.

If you do, then you will cause the computer to think there is an airbag fault and you will need to get the light reset £££ or $$$.

6. Ok next what I do is move the steering wheel so its straight with the BMW badge etc right way up.
This causes the space in the top of the wheel to be in right position to take cluster out through.
7. Next what I do is pull the cluster forward from the top, and then face it down just behind the steering wheel. remember to put a cloth over the back of the steering wheel to prevent scratching the cluster face.
8. Detach the plugs by gently pushing the retaining arm up, I push down on the grooved tab to make it easier. the plug should then come out.
9. I pull the cluster forward till the back which should be facing up at about 45 degrees comes out past the dash.
10. Next turn the cluster round and pull through the steering wheel.

Thats it out, seems tricky I know but if you get to points 6 & 7, you'll see what I mean and by wiggling the cluster about to get it out.

I do it regularily to fix the temp gauge problem, but hopefully not for much longer, when getting it fixed.

Good luck.

[dberch]

Well, that doesn't sound too tough, but I'm confused. Are you saying I can fix an intermittently(?) half-lit digital LED odometer by changing one bulb? That just doesn't seem right to me. It seems like the bulb would be to light the old style rotating mechanical odometers.

Am I wrong? Does a digital odometer work with one light bulb? Another thing: It's not burned out. It's intermittent. That tells me it's not the bulb - I think.... Please advise.

Thanks, for your replies! I really appreciate it.

David

[bobbobb]

just a thought this happens a lot if you have had mileage correction and if thats the case the cluster is shot but if not try the steps above

[KCAM328]

I had the same problem-dimly light and fading to the right lcd display on my milage and odometer. After reading many threads here I dove into it this morning. Replaced two bulbs and it works/looks like new. Took about an hour total. Use caution removing the wire harnesses. That was the trickiest part of the job. Who would have thought that two light bulbs would fix an lcd display problem????

[dberch]

Cool. I'll be trying it next week as soon as I get a couple bulbs.

[johnnybayonne]

Hey! check this out! Good Luck!!!!
http://www.unitedbimmer.com/kb-e36-silvergaugerings.php:)
http://www.bimmerdiy.com/e36:thumbup:

[vwvannut]

If your wheel doesn't tilt, i think you need to remove the steering wheel, I've done it about 4 times and I don't think i could do it without removing the steering wheel.

[dberch]

Hey! check this out! Good Luck!!!!
http://www.unitedbimmer.com/kb-e36-silvergaugerings.php:)
http://www.bimmerdiy.com/e36:thumbup:
Those links don't work for me.

[bmw316ti]

thanks for this post, helped me out alot with the removal of my cluster! couldn't work it out for so long!

cheers!