E39 M5 Cluster Swap for 740?

[Kiyoskia]

My friend owns a speedometer repair shop. He bought an M5 cluster at a good price, hoping he'd need it some day, but that day never came. Now he's willing to give it to me...AND install it in my car.

What does he need to know to swap it out. He said he's sure he won't have any problem with the tamper dot, as he can program it out, but he's mainly worried about the 140/160mph speedometer and consumption/oil temp gauges.

What does he need to know? Are there any write-ups about this?

[Edwin NL]

it will work but all functions from the M5 will not work. (no oil, no LEDs)

Also the tamper dot can be turned off with PA soft

[IcemanBHE]

Im still trying to figure out the thread title...

[Kiyoskia]

it will work but all functions from the M5 will not work. (no oil, no LEDs)

Aww...those LEDs are the best part about the M5 cluster! The oil temperature I can do without, but hate the idea of having non-functional needles just sitting there...

Why won't these items work, anyway? Also, is it otherwise just a direct swap?

Also the tamper dot can be turned off with PA soft

I believe he said he'll be using PAsoft to remove the tamper dot, so that's good.

Im still trying to figure out the thread title...

It's "E39 something5 Cluster Swap"...

[IcemanBHE]

So I think Ill edit the title...in case some other sap wants to try this and searches for it.

[Kiyoskia]

Cool. Keep up the good work, sheriff!

So how do the LED's in an M5 work? Or rather, from which component do they receive their signal?

[cdh]

Cool. Keep up the good work, sheriff!

So how do the LED's in an M5 work? Or rather, from which component do they receive their signal?

Signal is from DME via the CAN bus. Basically the oil temperature shown in the instrument cluster is the result of the DME doing some math (mean value) with the oil temperature value measured at the oil level transmitter and the value of the dual coolant temperature sensor. As the temperature value increases, and each pre set temperature is reached, signal is sent to chip on PCB containing LED's to switch off appropriate LED. Chip is on back of PCB.

[Kiyoskia]

So other than the reprogramming, is it a direct swap?

[cdh]

Yes. Change cluster, recode and perhaps reset steering angle sensor for DSC. Once recoded all functions will work other than the oil temp guage and the tach led's. Only the last stage of led's will light. So you will have a 6500 rpm redline IIRC. Tamper dot will be lit, but your friend has a method to turn that off.

[Kiyoskia]

...and the speedometer works just fine even though it tops out at 160mph instead of 140mph?

Also, that chip on the back of the PCB that controls the LED's...do you think it can be reflashed to run off the engine temperature gauge alone?

[cdh]

...and the speedometer works just fine even though it tops out at 160mph instead of 140mph?

Speedo will be fine.

Also, that chip on the back of the PCB that controls the LED's...do you think it can be reflashed to run off the engine temperature gauge alone?

Chip on the back of the PCB is simply a ground gate switch. It simply reacts to signal provided to it. LED's have constant power. Instruct switch to send pin to ground (close circuit) and LED goes on. You can use the engine temperature from the iBus to drive a PIC to control the LED's. You can also pick up the value from the oil level transmitter to use as well.

[austinholloman]

...and the speedometer works just fine even though it tops out at 160mph instead of 140mph?

Also, that chip on the back of the PCB that controls the LED's...do you think it can be reflashed to run off the engine temperature gauge alone?

I would like some pictures please. Once this has been done of course. See how fly it looks and what not.

[Kiyoskia]

I'd say check out Auraraptor's pictures, but they're of night-time illumination. CDH, would you mind doing us this favor...pleeeaaase?

Why do all the M5 clusters I see online go up to 180mph, yet the one I'm offered only goes to 160mph?

[austinholloman]

Might be the off brand? Hytop E39 M5 cluster?

[Edwin NL]

didn't I mention all this??

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IiUUEnl4-4[/ame]

[Kiyoskia]

Why do all the M5 clusters I see online go up to 180mph, yet the one I'm offered only goes to 160mph?

didn't I mention all this??

You mentioned that the LED's and oil temp gauge wouldn't work. Afterwards, I asked why the cluster I'm offered only goes to 160mph when all the other ones I've seen go to 180mph, and the only response I've gotten from anyone was:

Might be the off brand? Hytop E39 M5 cluster?

Why do you think this M5 cluster only goes to 160mph, Edwin?

[km911]

My friend swap e39 M5 instrument cluster in e30 M3 and e34 M5 and all was working,also s62 under hood

cant find a picture right now with e34..

[Kiyoskia]

Something else I remember about the cluster is that it has italicized numbers...is this a sign of a knock-off brand?

[Edwin NL]

160 is low for a M5 cluser

[cdh]

160 is low for a M5 cluser

+1
Post the part number from the cluster. That will get you an answer to your questions on top speed and funky lettering.

[Auraraptor]

+1 On Craig's Post. There "May" have been an early to late change over, but I rather doubt it. All Clusters I have seen (early black background and late gray background) were 180 Speedos with wonderful fine needles.

BTW, Craig, did the fellow in Toronto ever send over (another) M5 steering box?

[cdh]

BTW, Craig, did the fellow in Toronto ever send over (another) M5 steering box?

Omar, I have another one coming in. Will be in touch.
Craig

[Kiyoskia]

I'll post the part number and pictures of the cluster on Monday when the shop is open.

What's the difference between the servotronic E38 steering box and the M5 steering box?

[cdh]

What's the difference between the servotronic E38 steering box and the M5 steering box?

If I remeber the numbers right, e38 is 3.7 turns lock to lock and a ratio of 17.9. e39 M5 is 2.9 turns lock to lock and a ratio of 14.7.
Suggest before asking the next question on this subject, check the links below were I documented the process so see what is involved. It is not an easy DIY.

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/585339/

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/594287/

[Kiyoskia]

Why does this only go up to 160mph?