Dust in Front Panel Dash Support Glass

[Roku35]

Has anyone had a problem with dust in the Front Glass Panel Instrument Cluster. I just noticed it while driving around in my 628 today. It actually looked like wax dust (white), the kind that you find stuck on an old car cover, but smaller. I thought those instrument clusters were sealed pretty good from dust and the elements. Anyone have the same problem with dust? How hard is it to take off and clean-up? I'm looking at RealOEM.com and it doesn't look good for a simple job.

[sixseries]

Youre screwed!!

[Layne]

Can't you just take the cluster out and remove the gauges from the back?

[HayekFan]

I've had ongoing instrument cluster woes and have had the cluster out at least five times. It really is not so bad. If you're quick about it, you can get it in or out in about 20 minutes.

First you remove the knee panel under the driver side dash. That's four screws -- no biggie.

Then you drop the steering column, which is three screws to remove its lower cover and then the two bolts that hold it in place.

Then you remove the check light panel -- carefully pry off the front panel, then a couple screws. Easy.

Finally remove the cluster -- four screws, then disconnect the electrical connectors in the back and it slides right out.

To get inside the cluster you just unscrew some screws and the gauge panel lifts right off the rear. You then have access through the tach and speedo holes to get a cloth in there or compressed air or whatever to clean things up.

If you do it, just be sure to use a low-lint cloth and be meticulous about avoiding fingerprints, because they are surprisingly evident when light hits the clear front panel just right. Otherwise you'll have it all back together and you'll notice them and want to wipe them off but they'll be on the back side of the glass where you can't get to them which will cause you let out a primal AAARRRGGGGHHHH!!

And you don't want that.:)

[sixseries]

those steering column bolts...i couldn't find which ones they were. any good pics of them?

[HayekFan]

I'll bet realoem.com has a drawing that shows them. They're on either side of the column about a third of the way down. They take a 13mm socket.

[HayekFan]

And I think they might be concealed behind the lower steering column cover. If you don't take it off, I don't think you can see them.

[jmenacker]

those steering column bolts...i couldn't find which ones they were. any good pics of them?

Pic of steering column support bolt here: Step by step e24 instrument cluster removal (http://www.z3bimmer.com/OffTopic/E24Bimmer/OdoGear/)

Be sure to secure the steering column upward when removing the 2nd bolt. Otherwise the column will come knocking on your noggin.

Joe M in WV

[Roku35]

Pic of steering column support bolt here: Step by step e24 instrument cluster removal (http://www.z3bimmer.com/OffTopic/E24Bimmer/OdoGear/)

Be sure to secure the steering column upward when removing the 2nd bolt. Otherwise the column will come knocking on your noggin.

Joe M in WV

Joe,

Thanks for the great reference. Thats a lot of work to get in there. I guess we're not supposed to be in there in the first place. I'll have to live with my dusty glass until I can find some time to take this "cleaning" project on. Seems like a lot can go wrong when putting everything back together again. Crossed fingers to make sure all systems are still running and working.

Aloha,
Carl

[dm635]

Removing the Inst. cluster is not bad at all. After the 1st time you can do it in no time. Actually quite easy after a couple times.

Doing it the 1st time, mark every wire & connection. Behind the speedo there are 2 conectors that are white plastic. Get those plugged in correctly or you'll lose cruise & some OBC functions. They are marked in german: white = wiess & blue = blau.

If you're feeling brave, the front panel will separate from the housing. But they can also crack during the procedure.