'96 328is Instrument cluster removal - any hints?

[foaxaca]

Apparently, the bulb for the CEL on my daughter's '96 328is is loose or failing. It went on recently as I described in another post when the connector to the intake manifold air temp sensor came off. She reported that it went on for a few minutes and then turned off. I reconnected the air temp sensor, checked codes and cleared the temp sensor code but came up with a code for "check engine lamp".

I figured the bulb had gone out so I ordered several bulbs thinking I would change the ones that get lots of use while I had the cluster out. Tried to pull the cluster out with no success last night. Got the two screws out and was able to pull it out partially but cannot get it past the steering wheel.

I understand that it is possible to get it out even if the wheel does not tilt. I reinstalled it while I come up with a better approach and found that the CEL light was working again! I cleared the check engine lamp code but I still want to get in there and change/tighten bulbs.

Any hints for how to get the cluster out without pulling the steering wheel off would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[96bmftw]

Just wiggle it out towards the right side of the steering wheel. It will be tight, but it will come out. Hope this helps!

[randomy]

I remove the steering wheel. It makes it much easier, it only take 5 minutes to take the steering wheel off, and it gives you more clearance to reach behind the cluster to unplug it for the final removal.

[Brashland]

I remove the steering wheel. It makes it much easier, it only take 5 minutes to take the steering wheel off, and it gives you more clearance to reach behind the cluster to unplug it for the final removal.

I've never done it by taking the steering wheel off, but I swear every time I do take out my cluster I'M GOING TO DO IT WITHOUT THE STEERING WHEEL NEXT TIME!!!:mad

I have pretty small hands and can can maneuver the cluster out, but it's a major pain in the but. And then reconnecting those slide clips in the back is a big headache as well.

[90turbo1]

YOU CAN wiggle it out the left side of the steering wheel opening but.... you risk damaging the dash pad, steering wheel or breaking soemthing on the cluster.
remove the wheel, sit in drivers seat and enjoy how easy it is to work on with wheel off.

when you pull the wheel off under the 16mm head bolt holding wheel on you will see two marks that line up. jsut put it back on that way and all will be fine, also do not turn key on whith wheel removed to prevent air bag lamp.

[slocar]

Having removed it with the steering wheel in place on a e36 before, I'd suggest taking the wheel off ... just make sure you disconnect the battery before you disconnect the airbag; it takes 2 minutes to do.

As for removal without removing the steering wheel: disconnect the battery, get the cluster on top of the wheel (with the wheel centered), then put the key in the ignition to unlock the wheel and turn the wheel along with the cluster ... maybe 30 degrees if I remember correctly to the right and you should be able to pull it out. I have pulled it out without turning the wheel before but you will scuff the dash pad with the back of the cluster.

ps. Disconnecting and re-connecting the plugs on the back is also not for the faint of heart if you've never seen how they function before, especially if the steering wheel is blocking access as well.

[ECSTuning]

HERE (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=337504) is a diy on the gauge cluster removal in the e36