Dark spots on instrument cluster

[dsuraci]

I know someone had posted a thread recently, but I cannot find it! The dark spots are at the 1/2 mark on fuel gauge and around the 80 MPH on speedometer. I have replaced the bulbs in that area, but they are still "dim". Has anybody else experienced this? Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!

[Monolith]

Yes, it's caused by the face delaminating from the cluster. Only fix is to remove the face and reglue it back down. Requires removal of the gauge needles and 3M mount adhesive.

[dsuraci]

Grrrrrrrrrr! Was hoping for a somewhat easier fix. Any DIY's out there for that?

Yes, it's caused by the face delaminating from the cluster. Only fix is to remove the face and reglue it back down. Requires removal of the gauge needles and 3M mount adhesive.

[Monolith]

Grrrrrrrrrr! Was hoping for a somewhat easier fix. Any DIY's out there for that?

There was, but the poster got mad and removed everything. It was for the e36 cluster (same as on the Z3). Most of what I said in the prior post is all you need to know. As far as taking the cluster apart, I did a DIY for fixing the wacky fuel gauge which has links on how to take the cluster apart. You'll need to remove the short black pins that hold the needle position when idle. Those pull straight out. After that, mark the location of the needles at rest. You'll need to re-insert them at this position. The faceplate itself just peels off.

[Z-Thrizzle]

I seem to have the same issue. I replaced the 3 instrument cluster bulbs but still have the dark spot. Not sure if I want to deal with taking the whole thing apart.

[BlackjackM]

Weird, I had the same dark spot around 80 mph for a while but I swear it went away. NFC why.

[BimmerBreaker]

I was under the impression this problem occured due to a light being burnt out behind the cluster? And PS be careful with your gauge cluster, if your needles get out of sync they will not get back in sync...

-Graham

[dirtdevilnc]

Been looking for steps on how to remove the plastic overlay that covers the gauges. Mine has some kind of white gunk on the inside that has been driving me bonkers. Can someone post a link to one of the diys for disassembling the cluster ? I would be extremely appreciative as I can't find one !!

[Edev]

Weird, I had the same dark spot around 80 mph for a while but I swear it went away. NFC why.

My Z3 3.0i I had did the same thing. It was dim in the gas gauge and at 80 mph. Then, they all started to work again. I replaced every bulb just to be safe.

However, the M has the dimming in both of the spots mentioned above. BLAH. And they have not gone away by themselves haha. It looks identical to the picture posted above..without all those warning lights

[shogun]

here is a fix, I just did the same on my E36 cluster
E36 Cluster Dark Spot Fix - No Glue Method - More Vibrant than Before http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=395434

[Vintage42]

Another write up -
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...uster-write-up