Light in gauge

[Marv17]

Hey can anyone help me out sometime this week to change the light in my gauge cluster since i dont know how to?? Its bugging me that i cant see my odometer during the day or night. Im off tomorrow if someone is free.

[1996 328ti]

Two torx screws hold the cluster in place.
You can slide it out and by turning the steering wheel can manage to get the cluster out. But the easiest way is to remove the steering wheel. Disconnect the battery first and be sure to use the correct bulb. It's a higher wattage than the others. The harnesses come out by sliding a lever.

While you are doing it, be sure the light behind the headlight and foglight switches are working. They are on all the time.

Searching 'instrument cluster removal' came across these links.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...12&hg=62&fg=05
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/...usterbulbs.htm

[ATF]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

While you are doing it, be sure the light behind the headlight and foglight switches are working. They are on all the time.

You mean it's actually suppose to be lit? Whoops. Replacing that bulb I'm assuming requires removing the cluster as well?

[adamud]

Steven,
Would it be possible to post a video of how to do it the "easy" way. I was going to take a video when I did it, but I felt I should ask you before.

But back to the subject. I took out the two torx screws. Took off the top of the steering wheel. One philips screw there. Then unscrewed the headlight knob. It comes off by twisting it to the left. Make the turn indicator go down as if you were turning left.
Pull out the cluster. I used the suction cups from my radar detector. There are 3 connection on the back. Two on the left, one on the right. Don't break them. I think you press down a tab and move the bracket that was held by the tab. Put your key in the ignition and turn it so you can turn your steering wheel.
I then held the cluster with both hands on the steering wheel at 10 and 2. Slowly turn to the left and it should almost fall right out!

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by ATF

You mean it's actually suppose to be lit? Whoops. Replacing that bulb I'm assuming requires removing the cluster as well?

Yup.

Originally Posted by adamud

Steven,
Would it be possible to post a video of how to do it the "easy" way. I was going to take a video when I did it, but I felt I should ask you before.

The best thing to do would be to upload it to You Tube. Or I can upload it to You Tube for you and then embed it in a post. Video consumes a lot of bandwidth. I'd rather have You Tube host it.

[ATF]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

The best thing to do would be to upload it to You Tube. Or I can upload it to You Tube for you and then embed it in a post. Video consumes a lot of bandwidth. I'd rather have You Tube host it.

You could YouTube it for the stream and stick it on megaupload or filefront for a higher res file available for download. FileFront is meant for games but they don't really care. MegaUpload will expire if the download goes inactive.

[adamud]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

While you are doing it, be sure the light behind the headlight and foglight switches are working. They are on all the time.

Guess I have a reason to take it out and record it.