DIY: Guage cluster removal

**old skool** · 03-31-2005, 06:23 PM

Well this is a very easy one, but I see questions on it fairly frequently so here goes:

Look at the dash cowl that shades the top of the guage cluster from below. You will see two torx screws at approx. 10 and 2. These take a T15 torx bit. It is a tight fit and the easiest way to access them is with a torx bit socket and a small wratchet. These are the only thing holding the guage cluster in.
You can see the location here:

**old skool** · 03-31-2005, 06:27 PM

Take these screws out and push the bottom of the cluster and pull at the top to wiggle it free. If you have one of your side vents removed, you can simply push from the back of the cluster. Pull the cluster forward and you will find it has three cables attached in the back. You will have to release these to get the cluster out. They all use slide clasps. You push down on the release button and pull the slide arm at the same time.

**old skool** · 03-31-2005, 06:30 PM

you have to put the key into the ignition so that your steering wheel doesn't lock on you and as you wiggle the cluster, rotate the wheel and it will slide out the side.

**old skool** · 03-31-2005, 06:31 PM

It is now out of the car.

**old skool** · 03-31-2005, 06:31 PM

P.S. What do these non-M clusters sell for?

**dmurray14** · 03-31-2005, 06:49 PM

I would not reccomend putting the key in the ignition. If the ignition is on with the cluster out, you will get a SRS error that needs to be reset by the dealer. Ask me how I know...

**old skool** · 03-31-2005, 06:50 PM

not to the acc position, just so that the steering wheel doesn't lock. You need to rotate the steering wheel to get the cluster out.

**Spennie** · 03-31-2005, 08:19 PM

On my car the cluster is in w/ two philips head screws, I believe.

**ICTBMW** · 03-31-2005, 09:06 PM

Just a precaution to disconnect the battery if you don't want SRS light warning.

**newt3no** · 04-07-2006, 01:54 PM

someplaces say if you dont have the tilt wheel the wheel most be removed and i do believe that

**old skool** · 04-07-2006, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by newt3no

someplaces say if you dont have the tilt wheel the wheel most be removed and i do believe that

I don't have a tilt wheel and I have successfully removed several without removing the wheel. It isn't easy but it is possible.

**polishracing95** · 04-07-2006, 04:25 PM

if you take this cluster out would it be possible to but in the M3 one. and if so what would have to be done to this? rewiring and what not???

**LuvMy328is** · 04-07-2006, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by polishracing95

if you take this cluster out would it be possible to but in the M3 one. and if so what would have to be done to this? rewiring and what not???

Def

And no rewiring is needed. Some1 just posted this info about 1 week ago. OBD2 cars should even automatically adjust mileage on its own.
~Phil

**bonoz** · 04-07-2006, 05:56 PM

do M3 clusters have the oil temp or the mpg?

**SpeedTheory** · 04-07-2006, 07:08 PM

Why would you need the dealer to reset the SRS? Couldn't you just do it with a Peake tool? I'm just curious, because I'm interested in installing the Bimmian gauge rings, and taking the cluster out is required for that.

**old skool** · 04-07-2006, 08:09 PM

There are several options for resetting the SRS. You don't need to go to the dealer.

**SpeedTheory** · 04-07-2006, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by old skool

There are several options for resetting the SRS. You don't need to go to the dealer.

Thats what I thought. BTW, where in NOVA are you? Shoot me a PM, I've never seen you at a meet or anything.

**mikey36m3** · 04-07-2006, 08:57 PM

Ryan, pulling the gauge cluster out will not trigger an srs light unless you turn the car on.

**SpeedTheory** · 04-07-2006, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by mikey36m3

Ryan, pulling the gauge cluster out will not trigger an srs light unless you turn the car on.

I'm aware of that, I was just curious as to why he thought it would a dealer-only SRS reset.

**mikey36m3** · 04-07-2006, 09:12 PM

Originally Posted by dougmoney

I'm aware of that, I was just curious as to why he thought it would a dealer-only SRS reset.

Most likely because people don't have the proper tools. I have the oil/inspection reset and the srs for the e36 and e46.

**shellback** · 04-08-2006, 03:26 PM

Are these the same procedures for a 97 M3/4/5?

I want to remove the cluster in order to replace some burnt out light bulbs.
Anyone done that?
Gracias,
Chris

**old skool** · 04-08-2006, 03:27 PM

Cluster removal is the same procedure.

**shellback** · 04-08-2006, 10:52 PM

Excellent - thanks!

Oh, one more...
Please bare w/ me:
Once I'm done w/ my project and put everything back together (cluster connected, secured, and car battery reconnected), does my mileage (odometer) stay the same? I hope so.
Chris

**EEEEeeee36** · 04-08-2006, 10:58 PM

Originally Posted by newt3no

someplaces say if you dont have the tilt wheel the wheel most be removed and i do believe that

I have literally pulled out my cluster 20 times without removing the steering wheel. It is tight, but all you have to do is turn the wheel to the right as you slide the cluster out.

I am on my 3rd gauge cluster!

**EEEEeeee36** · 04-08-2006, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by LuvMy328is

Def

And no rewiring is needed. Some1 just posted this info about 1 week ago. OBD2 cars should even automatically adjust mileage on its own.
~Phil

Not quite...If you swap in another cluster OBD II to OBD II you need to pull the mileage plug from the old cluster and put it in the new. Also you NEED to make sure the cluster you are putting in has less miles than your chassis, or you will have an error that only the dealership can correct. I swapped in a Euro M3 cluster into my 328i. I took the coding plug out and put it in the new; my 3 had 130k and the M3 had 90k, so when I synchronized the cluster to the plug it took the plugs info because it was higher. Synchronizing it is one of the cluster "Test Mode" sequences.

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