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DISCUSSION => Electrical => Topic started by: RED IS 91 on April 13, 2006, 07:09:23 AM

Title: cluster chip
Post by: RED IS 91 on April 13, 2006, 07:09:23 AM

Will a instrument cluster from an 325I  work in an 318is .
I've heard that a chip needs to be changed cause the 325I is a 6 banger .
Is this  true and if it is what chip is it and how do you do it .
I need to change my cluster and want to make sure it will work correctly.
thanks:D

Title: cluster chip
Post by: Febi Guibo on April 13, 2006, 08:02:22 AM

Yes, the instrument cluster from the 325i will work (it has a 7000k tachometer). On the front right of the cluster in your 318is is a plastic plug, it holds the 'coding chip' and plugs into the computer board inside the cluster.

Swap the coding plug from your current cluster into the new cluster and you will be all set.

If you're swapping clusters, its also a good idea to put new SI batteries in.

Title: cluster chip
Post by: RED IS 91 on April 13, 2006, 11:12:01 AM

Thanks FG for the info.
My gas gauge is so funky that I've taken the cluster out twice .Of course I couldn't do that without breaking the top tabs.
I did do it with the steering wheel on though .
If I tap on the guage it works occasionally but couldn't find anything loose so I decided that it would be easier to replace the cluster with a used one .
Thanks again :)

Title: cluster chip
Post by: Febi Guibo on April 13, 2006, 11:37:40 AM

I too have had my cluster in and out about 9 million times...

taking the steering wheel off helps a lot, and it takes like.... 5 minutes, so I highly recommend it. Let me know if you need any more help.

Title: cluster chip
Post by: RED IS 91 on April 13, 2006, 01:33:39 PM

I thought it was a pain if you have an air bag??

Title: cluster chip
Post by: Febi Guibo on April 13, 2006, 01:48:18 PM

- disconnect the battery; have a smoke (wait 5 minutes)
- unscrew the little panel under the steering column, unplug the airbag
- behind the wheel, undo two torx t-30 screws that hold the airbag in place
- take the airbag off (wear a helmet.... kidding)
- take the wheel nut off, it's either a 21 or 22mm nut
- on the column and wheel, put corresponding marks with a pencil so you can get the wheel on straight later
- put the key in the ignition, turn one click
- take the wheel off

do not connect the battery until everything is put back together... otherwise, you get the ABS warning light

Title: cluster chip
Post by: RED IS 91 on April 13, 2006, 05:36:03 PM

Thanks
when i get the new cluster I'll let ya know how I make out with the steering
wheel.

Title: cluster chip
Post by: christophbmw on April 16, 2006, 12:54:56 AM

Quote from: RED IS 91

I decided that it would be easier to replace the cluster with a used one .
Thanks again :)

Wouldnt it be cheaper to just replace the gauge?

Quote from: Febi Guibo

- disconnect the battery; have a smoke (wait 5 minutes)

Dude thats kinda sketchy, i would wait at least 15 minutes. Ive seen an airbag go off unitetionaly (on a piece of shit jetta.....side airbag) and its ugly, slammed the tech into the side of a car rack. I wait like 20 min......but thats just me.

Title: cluster chip
Post by: RED IS 91 on April 16, 2006, 05:11:03 PM

I would think that it would be harder to get and replace the guage . It seems easier to get a used cluster of ebay and install it . I might wait as it seem the guage took the hint and decided to start working and has been working for the last 4 days .
GO FIGURE THE GREMLINS

Title: cluster chip
Post by: christophbmw on April 16, 2006, 11:58:30 PM

Quote from: RED IS 91

I would think that it would be harder to get and replace the guage . It seems easier to get a used cluster of ebay and install it . I might wait as it seem the guage took the hint and decided to start working and has been working for the last 4 days .
GO FIGURE THE GREMLINS

I replaced my temp gauge (just the gauge) and it wasnt to hard, i dont know but i think the fuel gauge would be the same.....i just dont trust used clusters. I would look into it and if the fuel gauge is cheaper i would just replace the gauge.