M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Interior => Topic started by: arcter on April 15, 2010, 12:13:43 AM

Title: How do I get the cluster back in?
Post by: arcter on April 15, 2010, 12:13:43 AM

Hey guys. Shit, I broke one of the tabs holding the cluster in place. The thing wasn't fitting properly at all, even after I got it in the hole. I attached both tabs, but when I put the surrounding trim over the cluster, there was a ton of space between the cluster and the trim at the bottom. So I tried starting over and broke the left tab. Right tab looks cracked. Any way to rig it? And how the hell do I get it fitting right? :(

Thanks.

Title: How do I get the cluster back in?
Post by: BlueBMW on April 15, 2010, 06:18:30 AM

For some reason.. the cluster on the 318is seems to fit much tighter and harder than other E30s.  Maybe its just me, but is the 318 dash slightly different than older E30s?  

In answer to your question.... you can probably find someone to sell you just the front cover of the cluster so you can replace the broken mount tabs.

Title: How do I get the cluster back in?
Post by: monty23psk on April 15, 2010, 11:01:19 AM

To do it right, you need to get a cover from someone as it is too expensive for it new. Check local junkyards or for sale section. It should sit a certain way for everyting to line up. You have to fidget with it.

Title: How do I get the cluster back in?
Post by: arcter on April 15, 2010, 07:09:29 PM

Hey guys, it was dark last night so I couldn't see. Figured out what I was doing wrong this morning. Got it together and in spite of the broken tab(s), it looks fine and doesn't rattle. I'll replace the cover if it goes bad later. Thanks!

Title: How do I get the cluster back in?
Post by: DesktopDave on April 15, 2010, 08:17:16 PM

It is a PITA to get that in.  I usually push the bottom and rotate the top in.  The airbag really gets in the way too, my non-airbag cars are far easier to get it in & out.

I have a high-mileage parts cluster with perfect tabs if you really need one, the clear cover is a bit scratched.  OEM would be a small fortune.  PM me if you need it.

Title: How do I get the cluster back in?
Post by: arcter on April 15, 2010, 10:26:05 PM

Thanks for the offer Dave! For the time being it seems to be fitting well enough. But I'll get back to you if things change!

Title: How do I get the cluster back in?
Post by: Jorgeconrico on April 16, 2010, 03:00:07 PM

I have the same problem with my cluster. When I took it out to replace the bulbs one of the tabs broke and there is a gap just as you described. What did you do to get rid of the gap???

Title: How do I get the cluster back in?
Post by: arcter on April 16, 2010, 06:29:54 PM

Quote from: Jorgeconrico;90973

I have the same problem with my cluster. When I took it out to replace the bulbs one of the tabs broke and there is a gap just as you described. What did you do to get rid of the gap???

Hey Jorge,
The gap I was describing was huge because it was dark when I got to the point of putting the cluster back in and couldn't see very well. It may be different than what you're describing: I had the two bottom corners of the cluster behind the little screw holes that the trim piece screws into.