Author Topic: Instrument cluster coding plug question (Read 9367 times)

RudeBoy37 · « **on:** November 01, 2009, 03:02:54 PM »

I just put an instrument cluster from a 325i in to my 91 318i and am unsure what to do with the coding plugs.

The 318 cluster has this coding plug:

And the 325 cluster has this plug:

And the 325 cluster has this over where the 318 plug would go:

So I'm guessing that I knock out the cover on the 325 cluster and put in my 318 plug. My question is do I take out the 325 coding plug or leave it in the cluster. Thanks in advance.

Rich

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #1 on:** November 01, 2009, 06:52:31 PM »

Never seen a 318 with that style of coding plug... Mine (91 318is) has one like the 325 you have pictured there, but a different color. Definitely do not leave the 325 plug in there though, or it will use it. I'm afraid I am not much help here... lol sorry.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #2 on:** November 02, 2009, 10:45:56 AM »

I have the front plug too. I'd take the two clusters apart & check them. I'll bet it's all the same either way.

RudeBoy37 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 02, 2009, 11:01:48 AM »

Can either of you (or someone) hook me up with the part number off of the coding plug on the front of the cluster. I'm thinking that the cluster may have been replaced previously and that may be an M10 plug. I know I've seen that plug for the M10 clusters.

Rich

Edit - I pulled the part number 62111394321 off of realoem.com. Can anyone tell me if this is the correct number? They showing it going in the front for a 91 318i.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #4 on:** November 02, 2009, 11:10:49 AM »

I'll look today. I have to pull the front trim off to swap it anyway...

Having said that I'd just punch the slot out & try it. I'll bet both are equivalent.

RudeBoy37 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 17, 2009, 09:16:25 AM »

So I finally got some time to pull the cluster out of the car to swap the coding plugs and found out that they are not compatible. The newer clusters have a circuit board at the back of the cluster where the older coding plugs go in. So I guess now its time to buy a new coding plug.

longtallsally · « **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2009, 01:30:43 AM »

I've got a spare I pulled from a yard the other day that I thought would work in the 13 button OBC conversion I was doing, but alas found that they were different. I've not use for it, so PM me if you wanna give me a couple bucks for it...

DesktopDave · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2009, 12:05:13 PM »

Does anyone know when BMW swapped over the clusters? I'll bet it was a running change, had to be after my '90 build date.

Or maybe it's a market thing, i.e. Cali or Canadian cars, or the 318ic clusters?

long tall sally...I have a '87 325is cluster that uses the 13-button with the front-mount chip...I stole the green plug for my cruise install & it needs some bulbs...but I'll send it along if you need it. Say $40 shipped? PM me an offer.

Quote from: longtallsally;82131

I've got a spare I pulled from a yard the other day that I thought would work in the 13 button OBC conversion I was doing, but alas found that they were different. I've not use for it, so PM me if you wanna give me a couple bucks for it...

superj · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2010, 07:45:43 PM »

my 318 and my euro cluster from a 325i both have the front mount coding plug but are not able to be changed and work. i am sad to say.