gauge cluster problem?

[muz1c]

Hey guys i have a 2000 bmw z3 roadster 2.8....

My problem in the beginning was that my gauges weren't lighting up at night for some reason, so i had a buddy of mine(who claimed he new bmws inside out) who tried to fix this problem.....he fixed the light problem but the thing is that now my speedometer, odometer, and gas meter all does not work.....nothing is working!

i was wondering what the problem now might be? My car shop guy thinks it might be a blown fuse....do i need a new complete gauge cluster assembly? Or is there an alternate solution...

PLease let me know what you guys think! thanks! i am currently driving not knowing how fast or how much fuel i have -______-

I called bavarian auto recycling parts and they said the part is approximately going to be around $220....i didn't know it was going to be this costly...

[SNR727]

Can't you just ask your buddy who knows BMWs inside out what he thinks of the new problem?

[Luftwaffe1O1]

Hey guys i have a 2000 bmw z3 roadster 2.8....

My problem in the beginning was that my gauges weren't lighting up at night for some reason, so i had a buddy of mine(who claimed he new bmws inside out) who tried to fix this problem.....he fixed the light problem but the thing is that now my speedometer, odometer, and gas meter all does not work.....nothing is working!

i was wondering what the problem now might be? My car shop guy thinks it might be a blown fuse....do i need a new complete gauge cluster assembly? Or is there an alternate solution...

PLease let me know what you guys think! thanks! i am currently driving not knowing how fast or how much fuel i have -______-

I called bavarian auto recycling parts and they said the part is approximately going to be around $220....i didn't know it was going to be this costly...

Likely its just a fuse. The speedo however should not be malfunctioning.... when your buddy was fixing the lighting issue, he might have disconnected something maybe?

[io14]

u check the fuse box ? I seriously doubt all the dashboard lamps are blown unless your " friend" shorted something that is causing the problem. per Bentley wiring diagram it appears to be a 15amp fuse or a 5amp fuse, start there 1st !

[fmcfad01]

The cause of the initial problem is the illuminated shift knob wires shorting out on the metal shifter rod. You have to disconnect those wires so it doesn't happen again and then replace the headlight pull/dimmer knob.

Not sure how your buddy fixed this issue without doing this or why it caused you more problems. Always come here first! We know all the problems. This is a super common one!

[Luftwaffe1O1]

The cause of the initial problem is the illuminated shift knob wires shorting out on the metal shifter rod. You have to disconnect those wires so it doesn't happen again and then replace the headlight pull/dimmer knob.

Not sure how your buddy fixed this issue without doing this or why it caused you more problems. Always come here first! We know all the problems. This is a super common one!

He has an automatic car, i doubt he has an illuminated shift knob.

[fmcfad01]

He has an automatic car, i doubt he has an illuminated shift knob.

Didn't catch that, but ok, then what I said isn't your problem.

[muz1c]

Can't you just ask your buddy who knows BMWs inside out what he thinks of the new problem?

after he fucked it up.....i dont trust that "he knows a bmw inside out" ahaha

[BlackjackM]

Check the plugs in the back of the cluster to make sure they are clipped in properly...there is a locking mechanism that must be pushed down. Did he remove the cluster to fix the first problem?

[Scarceas]

The cause of the initial problem is the illuminated shift knob wires shorting out on the metal shifter rod...

From my reading, though the illuminated shift knob is what gets many, any short in the interior lighting controlled by the dimmer switch will likely blow the switch.

Shift knob is what got mine... fortunately I found instructions on these forums and it wasn't too difficult to solder a jumper wire to bypass the dimmer. Essentially, a $0 fix.

[Z3racer701]

Check the plugs in the back of the cluster to make sure they are clipped in properly...there is a locking mechanism that must be pushed down. Did he remove the cluster to fix the first problem?

Agreed, best bet is to pull the cluster and confirm that the small plug is installed, and the locking arm is pulled up and locked.

The speed and fuel gauge work through the smaller black plug next to the larger white plug known as x-16, x-17 is the larger green plug on the other side of the cluster. If I remember correctly, the small plug would be on the left side of the cluster as you look at it from the drivers seat, when you pull it out. The three wires from this plug are brown/black, brown/red, and black/yellow.

Guess who's be rewiring a stock cluster....

[muz1c]

Check the plugs in the back of the cluster to make sure they are clipped in properly...there is a locking mechanism that must be pushed down. Did he remove the cluster to fix the first problem?

yes he did

[Luftwaffe1O1]

yes he did

Then it is very likely he forgot to connect something back properly.

[Chadddada]

In relation to the illuminated shifter knob, should I expect to see that in my 2000 M roadster? I don't have an illuminated one so I am wondering if someone did something to possibly eliminate it and it may be causing some issues w/ some electrical gremlins popping up.