odometer light replace - instrument cluster removal
 

Yesterday, I was trying to replace odometer light on the back-side of the instrument cluster for 96 318ti hatch-back, but I gave up.
I could remove the instrument cluster and 3 wire connectors by reaching my hands behind of it, but the instrument cluster did not come out from the space between the dash board and steering wheel.
I read in the web, someone actually removed the instrument cluster without removing the steering wheel, but I don’t see how?
Removing the steering wheel is easy?
I am afraid to do it because of Airbag.

You need to remove (6 or 8?) little star key screws in the back.....separate it in half and the top pops off (jsut plastic) take off the top piece then reach back in and take out rear section with gauges

WTF? I just did this yesterday, there are too many goddamn people giving out false information. There are only two (2) torx T20 screws at the top of the cluster on either side. Once removed you can use some sort of thin pry tool to grab one of the screw holes and gently pull it towards the wheel sliding it forward. There are the three (3) slide connectors on the back that are kinda hard to get at and must be removed. After that you've got to use some force and manipulate the wheel to where you can get the metal protrusion for the torx screw over and out of the way of the steering wheel, then its smooth sailing. I used lots of electric tape to protect the dash and what not. No matter what the dealer says the bulb is a 12v1.5 bulb with beige base not the 12v1.2 with black base. The dealer insisted they were right and I had to make a second trip down there to school the lazy mofo at the parts counter who wouldn't look up the bulb for me "because he was positive."

+1 on SlickmisterN's Procedure!

Sorry to bring up an old thread - bu it deserved a big thumbs up!

Worked like a charm. Not a hard job even for someone limited wrenching skills. No need to pull the wheel off. He was even right about the dealer doing his best to convince me that I had the wrong bulbs. Everything is working perfectly on my car now.

Thanks man!!!

Thanks!
 

There's nothing like good info being passed down to us newbies. I didn't have any trouble at all doing this. Thanks for keeping this thread around to help!

Whether you are replacing a broken steering wheel, or just planning to replace the old wheel with a brand new customized one, you will need to buy the new steering wheel even before you get into the task. At the time of purchasing the wheel, make sure you get one that fits the make and model of your vehicle. Keep tools like pliers, pullers and screwdrivers handy.