ODOMETER Help - 1/2 lit

[afelipe]

New to the forum.
I have a 1997 318I sedan.

I recently replaced the bulbs on the cluster. My mileage and trip were only half lit. The fix was good for about a day. It sometimes comes back on on occasion, so I do not believe it is the bulb, maybe the board?

If I replace the cluster with another used cluster from ebay, let's say. Will my mileage remain the same? do I need to get it set by the dealer? Will any cluster work with mine?

I read that there is a chip or something that needs to come from the old cluster to be placed on the donor cluster? Is that correct?

Any help would be appreciated.

How much would it be to get this repaired?

Thank you in advance.

[jarozila]

Welcome to the forum.

With your 97 cluster the mileage is stored in a coding plug that goes into a slot in the rear of the cluster. Plugs are either white or black. You can't just use any cluster it has to be compatable. Check the numbers on the back to be sure. If you get the right replacement cluster you can just plug in your coding plug and all should be well.

Just so you know, there are often quite a few posts about similar problems on this site. The search function can be really helpfull to find other posts that might answer a question.

Good luck solving the problem.