Cluster size comparison

[Mic10is]

Does anyone know if the 318ti gauge cluster is the same size as other E36 clusters?

are they interchangeable?

[1996 328ti]

Everyone here will probably prove me wrong, but yes, they are interchangeable to a degree. RPMS will be off if you use a 6 cylinder cluster. Odometer will be wrong. Might depend on the year.

[zoner]

Only difference I've found between the ti cluster and other E36 clusters is the lack of a vacuum (MPG) gauge. You can use other non-ti clusters in the ti, but the vacuum gauge will not be functional.

I've also heard that the RPM's will be a little off between 4 and 6 cyl. clusters, but I'm not aware of the odometer difference- doesn't the odometer read off of the same sensor as the speedo and therefore is a function of the final drive, regardless of what's under the hood?


EDIT: I misunderstood Steven's comment about the odometer- yes, the odometer reading will not match on a different cluster, but I don't believe that the odometer's ability to accurately log miles will be affected with a different cluster (unless, of course, you've changed the stock wheel diameter- then both odometer and MPH will be slightly off).

[cooljess76]

Physically, all e36 and Z3 clusters are the same shape, size and fitment. However, as mentioned the engine RPM's will be way off if you install a 6cyl cluster on a 4cyl car or vice versa. Another thing to consider is OBDI and OBDII. If you have a '95 318ti, it's OBDI so you'll need an OBDI cluster. If it's '96 or newer, it's OBDII and you'll need an OBDII cluster. Then there's the issue with mileage. When you swap in a used cluster, it already has a mileage reading stored in it which likely will not match the mileage of your car. Therefore, to prevent shady people from trying to cheat the system, BMW incorporated a manipulation dot. This is a tiny orange dot that illuminates on the odometer display. You can go into the cluster "test mode" and reset the manipulation dot, but this will take on the higher reading of either the cluster or the vehicle's mileage. As for the MPG gauge, there's a few writeups online that explain how to make it functional on cars not equipped. It's just a matter of running a vacuum line.

So to answer your question, yes they are interchangeable. Depending on the year of your car, you'll want to get one from the same OBD generation. Unless you have a 6 cyl swap, you'll want to get one from a 4cyl 318i, 318is, 318ci, 318ti or 1.9L Z3.

[Mic10is]

thanks for answering the question, This was the answer I was hoping for.

I have been in the process of rebuilding the dash in my 318IS and the TI has the Cluster shroud that is easier to integrate into the new dash build.

So I will still be using the OEM cluster,just needed to know if it would fit phsyically.