DIY Cluster & Instrument Panel Removal and cluster bulb replacement

[Zoso]

http://zoso.no-ip.org/318i-dash.html

A lot of people claim they can remove the cluster without taking the steering wheel off.  I couldn't do it without breaking some plastic parts... and it was tight without the wheel in place.

[TomO2UT]

Excellent instructions, Zoso! Regarding this step of yours:

"I could not get the top steering wheel trim off, but I managed to pull it out of the way and get the trim piece behind the wheel off."

At first I couldn't remove either the steering column top trim or the flat trim piece behind the wheel (i.e., behind the steering column top trim piece and below the cluster trim piece). I called a BMWCCA TSA rep (Thanks Carl!) and he said the airbag cars are very difficult, and people often break the trim piece during removal. I removed the signal and wiper stalks (4 screws) and still couldn't get the trim pieces off, so I moved the top column trim piece as far as it would go and then bent the flat piece enough to expose and remove the 4 screws along the bottom of the cluster (one side at a time). Next I removed the 2 screws on top of the cluster trim piece, and with the cluster trim loose I was able to remove both it and the flat trim piece.

The top of the cluster snagged on the underside of the dashboard until I used a small screwdriver to carefully pry and lift the edge of the dash for clearance. The towel I had on the steering column moved as I jostled the cluster out and it looks like I might have made a small scratch on the face. Next time I'll secure the towel with string or tape.

Now I need to decide where to send my cluster for speedo repair. Once fixed I need to repeat the procedure with our other 318is.

[D. Clay]

I put duct tape over the column trim and left the wheel on. You can get it in and out without removing all that stuff if you're careful and hold your mouth right. I had mine in and out three times in a two week period. Now it takes about fifteen minutes. Pull the under dash trim, knee bolster, and the trim piece with the round nuts on the back. Remove the bezel and cluster screws and pull the cluster out far enough to pull the wiring plugs. Wiggle it out the rest of the way.

[RedHoodRidah]

Did this today and yes it is a pain in the ass to take off. I broke one of the clips for the cluster while taking it out and once I put my euro one on I broke a clip off that. It sucked but oh well it was worth it lol. I have to take the steering wheel off to make things a little easier.

[BlackBMWs]

I've done it both ways.  Way easier with the steering wheel off.  Getting the top steering wheel trim off is a PITA.  Did it today to swap instrument clusters while I fix my Odometer.

Removed the steering wheel, which i was replacing anyway.  I disengaged the Column lock switch and wiggled the top steering column trim off.   After that it was easy.  If you remove the steering wheel, nothing should break...  :cool: