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View Full Version : 1994 e34 530i Blue Backed instrument cluster glitch - any serviceable parts in there?



dwkestell
10-11-2017, 05:57 PM
I bought a 1994 e34 530i 6 months ago, and have been working through some issues, but one I can't seem to track down is the LCD portion of my Instrument Cluster almost never shows the Odometer or anything else - typically just gibberish.

I've read other posts about Gen I (grey backed) and Gen II (white backed) having capacitors fail, but when I removed and opened my Gen III (blue backed) I didn't see any capacitors, and the board is a fixed to the plastic shroud with a few melt points around the perimeter.

Here is a link to some more information about the cluster Generations: http://www.exx.se/maintenance/instrument_cluster_e34/index.shtml

So - if anyone has links, pictures, suggestion, I'd love to hear them. I hate tthe idea of buying a used mother board on-line and it doing the same thing some time in the future.

Oh - and before you unplug the cluster from the harness - disconnect the battery. I didn't and now have a SRS (Airbag)) warning light that turns on when I start the car and goes out after I drive a mile or so.

Thanks

m735is
10-11-2017, 10:21 PM
I can't help with fixing your cluster, but I do happen to have a white backed one on Ebay, if it will even work in your car:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/282690253686?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

Bench self test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neD62JZ44ZY&feature=youtu.be

shogun
10-11-2017, 10:36 PM
what you need is a pixelfix = repair ribbon cable kit, like this one for example
http://www.diyspareparts.net/bmw.html
http://www.pixelfix.net/automotive/bmw-speedo-62.11-8359355.html
example repair https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOiU1HP2_uI
google for Ribbon Cable For BMW E34 Dashboard Pixel Failure