Upgrading cluster in 98 528i

[MN2K740i]

What kind of process woukd one be looking at if I was wanting to upgrade the cluster in my car from the basic cluster to the nice cluster that has the BC stuff displayed on it. I have the one that has the picture of a car on it and with errors just lights up the picture and symbols...but was kinda wanting to swap up to the cluster that has the read out of everything like "key in ignition" and what not.

How big of a pain is this gonna be to do outside of trying to match up mileage?

[MrFlam]

There is an OEM adapter to convert from low OBC to high OBC from BMW. The cluster must be recoded though or else you get a tamper dot. Forum member blackknight530i does great work on recoding clusters.

[blackknight530i]

There is an OEM adapter to convert from low OBC to high OBC from BMW. The cluster must be recoded though or else you get a tamper dot. Blackknight530i does great work on recoding clusters

Yeah, I can help you out with a cluster, but as MrFlam said, you need the low to high harness from BMW. Once you have that, you also need a coolant temp sensor and the wiring run for it I believe.

Also, MrFlam, I fixed your spelling of my username :), in case anyone were to send a PM regarding it.

[Qsilver7]

You'll also need a high MID because that is the display for the OBC, AUDIO, CLOCK, DSP, PHONE...and the only way to set, reset, start, stop, adjust all of the components connected to it.

Unlike the OBC operation with the low cluster...the BC button on the turn indicator stalk only pulls up the OBC features that have been programmed into it...it (the turn stalk) can not change or reset any functions.

[Mach540]

You'll also need a high MID because that is the display for the OBC, AUDIO, CLOCK, DSP, PHONE...and the only way to set, reset, start, stop, adjust all of the components connected to it.

Unlike the OBC operation with the low cluster...the BC button on the turn indicator stalk only pulls up the OBC features that have been programmed into it...it (the turn stalk) can not change or reset any functions.

Ahhh...... So that's my problem..
I have a high OBC, but an aftermarket stereo installed.
I thought that might be why I couldn't do anything with my MPG, or stopwatch stuff on the gauges.

[Qsilver7]

Ahhh...... So that's my problem..
I have a high OBC, but an aftermarket stereo installed.
I thought that might be why I couldn't do anything with my MPG, or stopwatch stuff on the gauges.

Some have kept the ability to manipulate the OBC by keeping the HIGH MID wired up and installed in the glovebox. Or you can just run or keep the wires & connectors...then when you need to change or reset one of the OBC features...hook the MID back up temporarily.

[blackknight530i]

Some have kept the ability to manipulate the OBC by keeping the HIGH MID wired up and installed in the glovebox. Or you can just run or keep the wires & connectors...then when you need to change or reset one of the OBC features...hook the MID back up temporarily.
I relocated the plug to the glove box like that when I had my Pioneer AVIC-F90, and just hooked the MID up when I needed to reset MPG or set time. Now that I have NBT, it resets it properly, so I don't need it anymore.

[MN2K740i]

Sounds more like an if it aint broke dont fix it project to me lol.....i was hoping plug code n play :/.

Thanks for the info guys!

[Qsilver7]

No problem...and thanks for replying back. At least we know you got the info and if you did decide to do it...you are pointed in the direction you need to go. I hate it when threads like this start...and the OP just drops off the face of the earth with the thread unresolved. :)

[MN2K740i]

Yeah, i try not to be like that lol. God knowing there's plenty of threads like that around here. Right now im battling an oil filter gasket leak....replaced it last night and leaked just as bad as before i took it apart...good news is it only took me half hr to get back at it just to find nothing visually wrong..... :/