97 318i lighting help

Hi, I could really use some help and advise!! for some reason my dash lights started going out,, the guages work, and so does the odometer, but the cluster lights, ,,window and hazard button illumination will all go out. The radio and climate control will all stay illuminated. Sometimes i can hit around the top of the dash and it will all come back on, only to go back out a few minutes later.. I have already tried replacing the headlight switch, but that was not the problem.
Any help and suggestions would greatly be appreciated!!!

You need to pull the instrument cluster and check the connectors on the rear side and the wiring to the connectors. There's also a pc board on the back side of the cluster and you should look at it closely to see if there's any cracked or broken traces or cracked solder joints on the components.

ok, THANK YOU!! come to think about it, this seems to have started after i put it in the shop after having the bulb behind the fuel guage changed.. i have also noticed sometime the odometer pixels would quit coming on. but would after lightly tapping on the face of the clutster..

The connectors on the back of the instrument cluster can be a bit tricky to get seated and locked down properly. If you had a shop do the initial bulb replacement have you been back to them yet with this issue?

No, the shop i deal with is more less a domestic car repair and service facility. they are known to work on some imports including vw's benz, volvo ect. they are by no means bmw experts.

also, i noticed earlier you said to check for cracked boards or solder joints....So is it for certain that the circuitry for the window and hazard switch passes through the cluster?