Author Topic: Instrument Clusters (Read 5559 times)

nicknikolovski · « **on:** July 10, 2010, 04:40:44 AM »

Hi, any one know if you can swap in different instument clusters into an 1993 E36 318is from say a 318i or 320i. Only visual difference on my cluster and the other cluster is the speedo reads 260km/h on mine and the other reads 240km/h. Both are of the Motometer brand.

Currently all functions work except the speedometer and tachometer.
Both are delayed in operation. The speedometer needle doesn't really move after 40km/h unless I tap the cluster screen or bang on the cluster. The tachometer does work better though as it operates but is delayed in its operation. The engine speed is already up and then the needle moves to catch up. I have recently replaced the crank/rpm sensor with no change to it.

Any ideas? Someone suggested a bad earth, or is the cluster circuitary failing?
Thanks

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2010, 07:22:04 AM »

I'm sure you can swap clusters in the e36. The gauges can be swapped too, though you'll have to pull the gauge needles carefully before you do that IIRC.

I found this article (long read, seems like a common problem on the e36 M3) at Bimmerfest that points to broken wires in the steering column, broken wires in the trunk, the typical wet DME problem or corroded wiring in under the seats. There was also trouble from fuel senders that seem incompatible (you have two senders? Crazy Bavarians).

If you replace the cluster with a higher mileage cluster, it'll drop right in but you'll have the higher mileage. You can get a BMW dealer to synch them properly, but it'll likely be expensive.

I replaced a few capacitors in my old e34, but I suspect the e36 doesn't have that trouble. A few have tried to repair the clusters that way but I haven't seen a high rate of success.

nicknikolovski · « **Reply #2 on:** July 11, 2010, 12:43:45 AM »

Thanks for the info. I will swap in another cluster and report back.

nicknikolovski · « **Reply #3 on:** August 17, 2010, 07:24:08 AM »

Swapped in a 220km/h cluster (from a 93 318i of VDO brand) and removed my 260km/h cluster (93 318is but MotoMeter brand). The VDO cluster has the same rear connections of 1 big blue, 1 big white and 1 small black connectors. Road tested vehicle and I now have a working tacho and speedometer. So the original cluster was at fault.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #4 on:** August 17, 2010, 09:10:30 AM »

Good to hear. I suspect they could be repaired by a competent electronics tech, but spares are still easy to find and relatively cheap...

IIRC, the MotoMeter and VDO in my e30 are a direct swap as well, but I'm unsure if the individual gauges can be traded between the two. Maybe I'll try that some day to see if it works, I suspect it does.