DIY: Chrome Ring Install with pics...

[abradic]

Hi all. I just installed the chrome rings in my 99 M3, and I figured it was such a pain in the you know what to figure out that I may as well share it. A couple things...yes, the cluster comes out without having to remove the steering wheel...no, you do not have to remove the plastic housing. If you look closely on some photos, I have put red arrows and circles for location points. Also, you will need a torx screw driver #T10 and T20. These are what torx screws look like http://www.aaronstorxscrews.com/

These are rings I bought on ebay off of ebay member Goodstuffs4U0904. He has other items, but more importantly he stands by his product. The original rings I received had fitment issues with the glue epoxy. I sent them back and was mailed a new set which were even better because they just snap in and the fitment was perfect. He can be trusted when making a puchase. If interested I am sure he would gladly take an email and I highly recommend asking him about the chrome rings that snap in place. Store link http://stores.ebay.com/Good-Stuffs-4-U

My rings: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/abradi...e2.jpg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/abradi...nm=a9dbre2.jpg

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/abradi...e2.jpg&.src=ph

Note: This is simply a procedure for how to remove and install chrome rings on an E36 BMW and exactly how I did it. I am not responsible for your work or any carelessness, damage, or problems that may arise from your work.

Step 1 is to remove the 2 screws attaching the cluster to the dash (size T20 screwdriver). Have good upward pressure and turn slowly so the screws are not stripped. http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=a1a7.jpg

Step 2 is to remove the connectors from the back. You must pull the cluster forward and lean it forward on the wheel. http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=2fc2.jpg There are 3 connectors-1 black, 1 blue, and 1 white. **Warning** Please, be sure at this point to have the key in the position that allows you to turn the steering wheel without locking it, but has no other power to the car. No radio or anything. This will ensure not getting any fault lights when finished** To remove the connector, you must move the locking device from the lock position here http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=8145.jpgto the unlock position here http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=7db4.jpg You move the locking device by depressing the release in front of it and moving it up. The connectors will then pull off.

Step 3 You now must gently get the cluster in a position where you can slide it left, and turning the wheel to the left will help. BE GENTLE! PATIENT! AND DO IT SLOWLY! It will take some work just make sure you have the cluster in position not to crack anything as you slide it out. There will be pressure on the plastic, and luckily the dash and plastic have give, but like with anything just be cautious. Once out just leave the wheel in position. http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=8686.jpg

Step 4 Find a good work area to remove the 5 torx screws from the back of the cluster. BEWARE, there is a tamper sticker back there you may want to peel back slowly. http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=21ed.jpg Heating it with a blow dryer will help it peel easier and stay intact so you can put it back. I obviously took it for granted and thought it would peel back easily...it didn't Here are the 5 screw locations (size T10) http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=a8b7.jpg once the 5 screws are out, just carefully pull it apart. Pull it evenly from all sides so it comes apart nicely.

Step 5 You must now remove the guages. There are 3 plastic locking devices holding it to the cluster which must be turned. http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=5d9d.jpg They can be difficult so you may carefully and gently use a common screw driver to aid you. Once the plastic locking devices have turned off the guages, remove them. BEWARE to be careful with them, and don't just put them anywhere. Don't get anything dirty, or anything get on the connector plug ins from the dash. Just put it aside safely. This is how it should look now http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=4890.jpg

Step 6 You are now ready to put your chrome rings on to the plastic cluster. Depending on your type, they may either snap in or have some type of glue epoxy. Either will work fine, but the snap in are far better I think. Just slide the rings through the hole in the back and put them on. Here is a picture of the snap in ones from the back. Notice how the lip nicely snaps over the back giving a tight fit, and when the guages go back on it will not have anywhere to go http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=103c.jpg and a front view http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=1dc9.jpg

Step 7 Now that you have put the chrome rings in place, it's time to go in reverse and put the guages back on. Make sure to secure all 3 of the white plastic locking devices. http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=5d9d.jpg

Step 8 With the guages secured, we can now put together the 2 cluster halves. NOTE if you have peeled back your sticker, just make sure to move it away so it doesn't accidentally get caught up or sticks somewhere in an unwanted place. Again, be gentle and careful. There are prongs that are going to plug back in so be conscious of this and keep an eye. Once you have put the 2 halves together, tighten the 5 torx screws (size T10) http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=a8b7.jpg

Step 9 Almost there. You are now ready to put the cluster back into the dash! With the steering wheel in the position it was in when you took it out, now comes the tricky part of sliding the cluster back in the way it slid out. As always, be gentle and cautious, yet a little force/pressure will be necessary to get the cluster in position to be able to push it up and over to the right. Turning the wheel sloooooowly will help. Get the cluster back to this position http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z...rrent=8686.jpg and then http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=2fc2.jpg I know it's easier said than done, and it will be a bit of a pain!

Step 10 With the cluster leaning over the wheel http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=2fc2.jpg connect the 3 connectors (1 blue, 1 white, 1 black) and make sure after you connect each one to slide down the locking mechanism from this position http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=7db4.jpg to this position http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=8145.jpg Failure to do this will eventually result in the connector coming off...probably even immediately while you put the cluster back in the dash, so make sure to have that secured.

Step 11 Slide the cluster guage back into it's position in the dash and secure it with the 2 torx screws (T20 driver) http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z70/jetmech_ord/Chrome%20Ring%20Install/?action=view&current=a1a7.jpg they are a little off angle, so have a little pressure pushing in and turn slowly as not to strip the screws.

Enjoy, that should be it!

[Kevlar]

I put this up on our important posts page ... http://www.bimmerforums.com/articles.php

[abradic]

I put this up on our important posts page ... http://www.bimmerforums.com/articles.php

Excellent, thank you. It literally took a couple hours to figure it out. Hope this helps some of you!

[Bav///Man]

great job!

But have you driven the car yet? It looks like the tach needle is on the wrong side of its rester needle which would block it from functioning.

Rings look great.

[rcM3]

great job!

But have you driven the car yet? It looks like the tach needle is on the wrong side of its rester needle which would block it from functioning.

Rings look great.

Good eye! Thats a bummer.

[Hugo]

While you're at it, remove the ugly ass «unleaded fuel only» sticker and the other one there. I believe we ALL know that our cars do not use leaded fuel...

[Bav///Man]

While you're at it, remove the ugly ass «unleaded fuel only» sticker and the other one there. I believe we ALL know that our cars do not use leaded fuel...

-1

Stock stickers FTW.

[jasonknezo]

did it work with the tach like that?

[Mr.M]

[Graffix000]

Nice write up. Def bookmarked for me.

[///Mundr]

great job!

But have you driven the car yet? It looks like the tach needle is on the wrong side of its rester needle which would block it from functioning.

Rings look great.

Good eye, I would have never noticed that

[hc1001]

very embarassing...

[abradic]

Yes , I noticed! I have no idea how the hell that happened. I got in to go for a ride and was like, WTF? No RPMs, yet at shutdown I saw the needle move down slightly. Closer inspection and bam...out it came again. LOL. Still wondering how it got on the wrong side, but oh well, it's fixed now!

[JonF]

Great writeup. Maybe upload this to bimmerdiy?

[Sadiq]

subscribed

[raoke]

Where do you get the snap in bezel rings?

[raoke]

nvm i picked some up from ebay

[Daved]

-1

Stock stickers FTW.

My car doesn't have those stickers. Euro?

[fisherbln]

Great writeup! I was just wondering if there was a something on this since I ordered some silver rings.

[ChipM]

My car doesn't have those stickers. Euro?

Came from the factory on US cars.

[Rory]

My car doesn't have those stickers. Euro?

My Euro does. 'Use only 98 unleaded' or something to that effect. (you would have thought i could remember what it says after doing 60k in it, lol)

[raoke]

Can you post up the seller of the rings you got. The rings I bought dont fit my m3. The m3 cluster hole is angled inwards while the rings have a flat inside surface, they are a bit too small too and never did snap in. I spent almost 1 hr on the rings, and only 20 min taking off the whole cluster unit.

[pioneer416]

Can you post up the seller of the rings you got. The rings I bought dont fit my m3. The m3 cluster hole is angled inwards while the rings have a flat inside surface, they are a bit too small too and never did snap in. I spent almost 1 hr on the rings, and only 20 min taking off the whole cluster unit.

u got to use some sort of adhesion...mine came with a black sticky lining on the back which sucked and is the reason mine are sagging

[raoke]

u got to use some sort of adhesion...mine came with a black sticky lining on the back which sucked and is the reason mine are sagging

the rings dont even fit into the hole. they are supposed to be snap in, but i have to hold the edges with almost all my fingers and use the rest to try to pop it into place. mine came with no sticky lining.

if i used glue then only part of the ring would touch the edges of the hole because the rings are just a bit too small/not thick enough.

[JPs325i]

-1

Stock stickers FTW.

+1 !!!! I noticed that too...I thought I was the only one left