so i was planning on replacing all the lights inside my instrument cluster since at least half of them are heavily dimmed or not working..
I started doing some research on here and some say that its impossible to remove the cluster without removing the steering wheel others say it is possible. Now i drive a 323is without the tilt wheel.
I dont really want to remove the steering wheel just to replace a few bulbs i dont really need to replace.
So does anyone without the tilt wheel have first hand experience removing the instrument cluster without removing the steering wheel and if you did how'd you do it.
Thanks in advance
Jason
You can remove it without removing the steering wheel.I've done it to replace all my bulbs.The hardest part is releasing those clamps in the back of the cluster but I have big hands.The cluster will come out,it's a little snug though.My steering wheel doesn't tilt either.
^ same
Just keep the steering wheel unlocked and turn it while pulling the cluster out...
Just a word of warning: unlock the steering wheel after you disconnect the battery ... you do not want to have the ignition on when you disconnect the cluster, or you will be stuck with the pregnant lady (otherwise known as SRS) light for the rest of time.
thanks for the info so it is doable. ill make sure not to do that last thing i want is another light joining my abs light thats been on for two years
fyi - the steering wheel takes less than 10 minutes to remove.
Really i never looked into it just figured it would take a while. To be honest i dont do alot of diy's, this is my first car and im still learning alot. Maybe ill have to try it out if the cluster wont slide out.
Another question how many bulbs are there in the cluster since most of mine are on their way out Im going to replace all of them. Can someone tell me what bulbs to get and how many of them?
Thanks again you guys are great help
Definitely just remove the steering wheel. I removed the cluster once with the steering wheel attached - it's definitely the stupid way to do it. A couple screws and a nut and the wheel is off.
'99 323is=hardest working 170hp ever
E36 DICE MediaBridge BT and iPod support Photo location of the cabrio drain holes. Custom heated seats and lumbar support retrofit. Glovebox charging sockets and cupholders. E36 PDF Schematics UK Aftermarket E36 OBC bulbs Convert rear lights from non check-control to check-control DIY BMW E36 MFSW retrofit pictoral DIY All BMWs UK cheaper source for electrical connectors, Farnell, RS BMW INPA success E46/E39 onwards E36 vert mood lighting DIY BMW E36 puddle light and inner handle illumination DIY. E36 convertible flat bungee tension strap fix DIY BMW E36 PDF manualBMW E36 vert water in motor of tonneau area fix.
I've taken the cluster out at least 4 times. Never removed steering wheel.
E36 NON Vanos and Misc Parts for Sale
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Your best bet on the small cluster lights is the dealer. They should have them in stock. I couldn't find a store that had them. They each have their own holder and you cant remove the bulb from the holder. Its one unit. Save yourself a lot of driving around and go to the dealer. I think I paid $3 each for the bulbs. The larger ones are a different story. You can pick those up at any parts store but you'll be going to the dealer anyway sooooooo.......
Replacing all the bulbs is not as cheap as you might think. If I recall there are about 15-20 of the small ones.
Pelican parts might have good prices on the bulbs.
E36 NON Vanos and Misc Parts for Sale
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My sig has the OSRAM part number of the bulbs.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...8#post21053968
E36 DICE MediaBridge BT and iPod support Photo location of the cabrio drain holes. Custom heated seats and lumbar support retrofit. Glovebox charging sockets and cupholders. E36 PDF Schematics UK Aftermarket E36 OBC bulbs Convert rear lights from non check-control to check-control DIY BMW E36 MFSW retrofit pictoral DIY All BMWs UK cheaper source for electrical connectors, Farnell, RS BMW INPA success E46/E39 onwards E36 vert mood lighting DIY BMW E36 puddle light and inner handle illumination DIY. E36 convertible flat bungee tension strap fix DIY BMW E36 PDF manualBMW E36 vert water in motor of tonneau area fix.
wow seriously 15-20 i thought there might be ten at the most well thanks for letting me know.
From what I understand there are only two different bulbs right? Small ones and larger ones thats it? Any idea how many of each ones? I'd hate to take my cluster out only to find i need to put it back in to get more bulbs.
Now these bulbs plug right into the back of the cluster without me taking it apart right?
There are three large ones that illuminate the gauge cluster and all the small ones are for individual warning lights. They twist/lock into place. Just get 10 of the small ones and use all of them then use the older ones to fill in the rest. You'll end up with a few used spares
Bleed your cooling system http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1709482The ULTIMATE OEM Alarm/Keyless thread http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1792200
alright thanks for the insight I think im just going to remove the steering wheel.. that way i dont have to risk damaging my steering wheel or the surrounding material when im squeezing the cluster out. i appreciate all you guys' help
Smart move. Just DON'T turn the key in the ignition till you get everything back in and hooked up or you'll set an SRS code
Bleed your cooling system http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1709482The ULTIMATE OEM Alarm/Keyless thread http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1792200
You can spend 30 minutes failing to get the cluster out, or 3 minutes removing the steering wheel and taking the cluster out. Take your pick.
Only funky thing is figuring out the connectors. Also, you don't have to put the cluster screws on the top back in. It won't move when its in there.
Tried this yesterday, needed to get the ASC-T bulb out. My tilt wheel didn't help, still not enough room to get the cluster out. Used a 6mm deep socket to get the bulb and socket out. Anyone know how to get the plugs disconnected? Squeeze and pull or what?
You have to rotate the steering wheel 90 degrees counterclockwise with the cluster sticking out through the steering wheel, then wiggle it out. The 9oclock and 3 oclock position should be at 6oclock and 12oclock when you wiggle out the cluster. It's easy if you know this, it took me like 20 minutes to figure it out. You don't have to remove the steering wheel, I saw my mechanic do it without removing the wheel, and I've done it twice now, I have the 3 spoke M3 steering wheel.
Last edited by beem3; 06-04-2011 at 06:10 AM.
Here you go
http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...es/Pic2-01.jpg
Push the white notch in and pull the clasp up ... damn near impossible to do behind there unless you have tiny little hands.
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