Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 48

Thread: E46 Cluster not working fully

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    1999 BMW 323ci

    E46 Cluster not working fully

    BMW e46 instrument cluster 1999 323ci, hi my brother jump started my car direct from battery.

    Since then ALL my cluster dials/gauges (fuel, speedo, rev, temp) have stopped working, my digital display and lights work only gauges on cluster do not work....help??

    I have checked all fuses and in particular 10, 34, and 43, but still no joy!

    Please help
    Richard

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    West Palm Beach
    Posts
    1,825
    My Cars
    F31 MSport
    Have you tried simply unpluggping and re-plugging back in?
    2016 328ix | Wagon | M-Sport | Alpine White | Black | iND | 513M | AC Schnizter | MPerformance |
    2005 330CiC | Sparkling Graphite | Black | 6MT | ZHP
    2004///M3 | Individual Sterling Gray | Imola Red | 6MT | Eisenmann | Style 163M | SOLD
    2011 X5 35d | Black Sapphire | Nevada Brown Cinnamon | Sports Package |
    Totaled
    2009///M3
    | Interlagos Blue | Pallidum Silver | DINAN | MPerformance | DCT | SOLD
    2002///M3 | Steel Gray Metallic | Imola Red | 6MT | Convertible| SOLD
    2006 X5 4.8iS | LeMans Blue Metallic | Creme Beige | SOLD
    2006 ///M3 | Silver Gray | Black | Competition Package (ZCP) | 6MT | SOLD
    2000 ///M5 | Oxford Green Metallic II | Caramel Nappa Leather | BMW Individual Black Birch Trim | SOLD
    2003 X5 4.6iS | Black Saphhire Metallic | Black Sport | SOLD
    2006 X3 3.0i M-Sport | Silver Gray | Terracotta | SOLD

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    1999 BMW 323ci
    Yes I have tried unplugging and re-pluggin back in no joy

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    West Palm Beach
    Posts
    1,825
    My Cars
    F31 MSport
    You said you checked the fuses, but have you tried replaceing any of them to see if that works?
    2016 328ix | Wagon | M-Sport | Alpine White | Black | iND | 513M | AC Schnizter | MPerformance |
    2005 330CiC | Sparkling Graphite | Black | 6MT | ZHP
    2004///M3 | Individual Sterling Gray | Imola Red | 6MT | Eisenmann | Style 163M | SOLD
    2011 X5 35d | Black Sapphire | Nevada Brown Cinnamon | Sports Package |
    Totaled
    2009///M3
    | Interlagos Blue | Pallidum Silver | DINAN | MPerformance | DCT | SOLD
    2002///M3 | Steel Gray Metallic | Imola Red | 6MT | Convertible| SOLD
    2006 X5 4.8iS | LeMans Blue Metallic | Creme Beige | SOLD
    2006 ///M3 | Silver Gray | Black | Competition Package (ZCP) | 6MT | SOLD
    2000 ///M5 | Oxford Green Metallic II | Caramel Nappa Leather | BMW Individual Black Birch Trim | SOLD
    2003 X5 4.6iS | Black Saphhire Metallic | Black Sport | SOLD
    2006 X3 3.0i M-Sport | Silver Gray | Terracotta | SOLD

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    1999 BMW 323ci
    yes I have checked fuses with meter plugged in and out, also used the spare fuses which are in the glove box, still no joy

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    West Palm Beach
    Posts
    1,825
    My Cars
    F31 MSport
    got this off another forum:
    1. Turn off the car.
    2. Remove fuse 10, 34, 43
    3. Start your car back on.
    4. Turn it off again.
    5. Put in all the fuses, turn on again and see if it works.
    6. If not, turn on the car, remove fuse 43 and note response and functionality.
    7. Do the same for fuse 34.
    8. If my guess is correct fuse 10 disables the entire cluster.

    If its a firmware state problem the above should help, if its a hardware related problem then it won't.
    2016 328ix | Wagon | M-Sport | Alpine White | Black | iND | 513M | AC Schnizter | MPerformance |
    2005 330CiC | Sparkling Graphite | Black | 6MT | ZHP
    2004///M3 | Individual Sterling Gray | Imola Red | 6MT | Eisenmann | Style 163M | SOLD
    2011 X5 35d | Black Sapphire | Nevada Brown Cinnamon | Sports Package |
    Totaled
    2009///M3
    | Interlagos Blue | Pallidum Silver | DINAN | MPerformance | DCT | SOLD
    2002///M3 | Steel Gray Metallic | Imola Red | 6MT | Convertible| SOLD
    2006 X5 4.8iS | LeMans Blue Metallic | Creme Beige | SOLD
    2006 ///M3 | Silver Gray | Black | Competition Package (ZCP) | 6MT | SOLD
    2000 ///M5 | Oxford Green Metallic II | Caramel Nappa Leather | BMW Individual Black Birch Trim | SOLD
    2003 X5 4.6iS | Black Saphhire Metallic | Black Sport | SOLD
    2006 X3 3.0i M-Sport | Silver Gray | Terracotta | SOLD

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    1999 BMW 323ci
    ok will give that a go in the morning, and report back, going on te assupmtion that it is a harware related problem what are options?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Saint Petersburg, FL
    Posts
    4,559
    My Cars
    2001 330i Sport
    Have you tried the cluster test?

    1. Hold Trip Reset while turning ignition key to on position
    2. OBC should show "Test"
    3. Repeatedly press Trip Reset to select function 19.0 to unlock all of the features
    3. Wait for display to show "Off"
    4. Depress Trip Reset for 1/4 second and release it
    5. With no delay press Trip Reset repeatedly until 2, or 2.0 maybe, is shown and stop. All the gauges should go through their full range of motion. Pulled from ZHP Mafia list: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showt...C-Access-Codes

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    1999 BMW 323ci
    thanks telijah.... I have tried the test 2 function, all my lights on the cluster come up however the gauges DO NOT go through their full range of motion, any other suggestions?

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    1,413
    My Cars
    BMW 328i
    How many miles where on the car?

    Might of shortage the gauge cluster.

    I had one come in, the owner did the same thing.

    The GAUGE CLUSTER WAS THROWING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT even tho their was none.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    1999 BMW 323ci
    Quote Originally Posted by jdauria View Post
    got this off another forum:
    1. Turn off the car.
    2. Remove fuse 10, 34, 43
    3. Start your car back on.
    4. Turn it off again.
    5. Put in all the fuses, turn on again and see if it works.
    6. If not, turn on the car, remove fuse 43 and note response and functionality.
    7. Do the same for fuse 34.
    8. If my guess is correct fuse 10 disables the entire cluster.

    If its a firmware state problem the above should help, if its a hardware related problem then it won't.
    I have tried this but still no joy, any suggestions for cluster itself to check for?

    Quote Originally Posted by Cablekid View Post
    How many miles where on the car?

    Might of shortage the gauge cluster.

    I had one come in, the owner did the same thing.

    The GAUGE CLUSTER WAS THROWING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT even tho their was none.
    The car has done 69K miles .....any suggestions?

    All Fuses checked in fuse box located in glove box, especially fuses 10, 34, 43. – the are fine
    I have also checked the power wires at the cluster pins and especially at pins 4, 5, and 6 at connector 11175, power is coming fine to cluster.
    Tried simply unplugging and re-plugging back in – no joy!
    Cluster test 2.0 carried out all lights come on, however gauges DO NOT go through their full range of motion.
    Can anyone suggest anything further to check or test?
    Could it be a hardware, cluster fault? Can this be repaired or, do I need a new cluster?

    All Fuses checked in fuse box located in glove box, especially fuses 10, 34, 43. – the are fine
    I have also checked the power wires at the cluster pins and especially at pins 4, 5, and 6 at connector 11175, power is coming fine to cluster.
    Tried simply unplugging and re-plugging back in – no joy!
    Cluster test 2.0 carried out all lights come on, however gauges DO NOT go through their full range of motion.
    Can anyone suggest anything further to check or test?
    Could it be a hardware, cluster fault? Can this be repaired or, do I need a new cluster?

    All Fuses checked in fuse box located in glove box, especially fuses 10, 34, 43. – the are fine

    I have also checked the power wires at the cluster pins and especially at pins 4, 5, and 6 at connector 11175, power is coming fine to cluster.

    Tried simply unplugging and re-plugging back in – no joy!

    Cluster test 2.0 carried out all lights come on, however gauges DO NOT go through their full range of motion.

    Can anyone suggest anything further to check or test?

    Could it be a hardware, cluster fault? Can this be repaired or, do I need a new cluster?
    Last edited by Richard1980; 01-30-2013 at 09:53 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    West Palm Beach
    Posts
    1,825
    My Cars
    F31 MSport
    you got me man, I gave all my suggestions and possible solutions. Maybe someone else can chime in and help you. I would try as many things as possible before getting a new cluster. They are expensive

    Try the stealership?
    2016 328ix | Wagon | M-Sport | Alpine White | Black | iND | 513M | AC Schnizter | MPerformance |
    2005 330CiC | Sparkling Graphite | Black | 6MT | ZHP
    2004///M3 | Individual Sterling Gray | Imola Red | 6MT | Eisenmann | Style 163M | SOLD
    2011 X5 35d | Black Sapphire | Nevada Brown Cinnamon | Sports Package |
    Totaled
    2009///M3
    | Interlagos Blue | Pallidum Silver | DINAN | MPerformance | DCT | SOLD
    2002///M3 | Steel Gray Metallic | Imola Red | 6MT | Convertible| SOLD
    2006 X5 4.8iS | LeMans Blue Metallic | Creme Beige | SOLD
    2006 ///M3 | Silver Gray | Black | Competition Package (ZCP) | 6MT | SOLD
    2000 ///M5 | Oxford Green Metallic II | Caramel Nappa Leather | BMW Individual Black Birch Trim | SOLD
    2003 X5 4.6iS | Black Saphhire Metallic | Black Sport | SOLD
    2006 X3 3.0i M-Sport | Silver Gray | Terracotta | SOLD

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Saint Petersburg, FL
    Posts
    4,559
    My Cars
    2001 330i Sport
    If the test two failed, then you've probably fried the mechanics of the gauges. Aside from taking the cluster out and doing a probe on everything, it may be shot. If I remember correctly, you may be able to bring the cluster itself to a indy shop or dealership and they should be able to confirm for you if it is dead or not.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    West Palm Beach
    Posts
    1,825
    My Cars
    F31 MSport
    Quote Originally Posted by telijah View Post
    If the test two failed, then you've probably fried the mechanics of the gauges. Aside from taking the cluster out and doing a probe on everything, it may be shot. If I remember correctly, you may be able to bring the cluster itself to a indy shop or dealership and they should be able to confirm for you if it is dead or not.
    But wouldnt a re-programmed (new) cluster be $$$$?
    2016 328ix | Wagon | M-Sport | Alpine White | Black | iND | 513M | AC Schnizter | MPerformance |
    2005 330CiC | Sparkling Graphite | Black | 6MT | ZHP
    2004///M3 | Individual Sterling Gray | Imola Red | 6MT | Eisenmann | Style 163M | SOLD
    2011 X5 35d | Black Sapphire | Nevada Brown Cinnamon | Sports Package |
    Totaled
    2009///M3
    | Interlagos Blue | Pallidum Silver | DINAN | MPerformance | DCT | SOLD
    2002///M3 | Steel Gray Metallic | Imola Red | 6MT | Convertible| SOLD
    2006 X5 4.8iS | LeMans Blue Metallic | Creme Beige | SOLD
    2006 ///M3 | Silver Gray | Black | Competition Package (ZCP) | 6MT | SOLD
    2000 ///M5 | Oxford Green Metallic II | Caramel Nappa Leather | BMW Individual Black Birch Trim | SOLD
    2003 X5 4.6iS | Black Saphhire Metallic | Black Sport | SOLD
    2006 X3 3.0i M-Sport | Silver Gray | Terracotta | SOLD

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Saint Petersburg, FL
    Posts
    4,559
    My Cars
    2001 330i Sport
    Yes, but what are you're options if the cluster is bad...? Maybe, MAYBE, you can source a cluster from a junk lot, and if you are able to, transplant to specific mechanical gauges over? But why go through that if you for sure do not know the root cause? You've done a lot more than most would have already before deciding to get another cluster, so I think for peace of mind, have a dealer run the cluster is not a bad idea at this point.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    West Palm Beach
    Posts
    1,825
    My Cars
    F31 MSport
    Quote Originally Posted by telijah View Post
    Yes, but what are you're options if the cluster is bad...? Maybe, MAYBE, you can source a cluster from a junk lot, and if you are able to, transplant to specific mechanical gauges over? But why go through that if you for sure do not know the root cause? You've done a lot more than most would have already before deciding to get another cluster, so I think for peace of mind, have a dealer run the cluster is not a bad idea at this point.
    True. If it were mean and my car had a lot of miles on it, I would just source any cluster and drop it in. I wouldnt care if the mileage tamper light came on. (Also meaning the car was mine for life LOL)
    2016 328ix | Wagon | M-Sport | Alpine White | Black | iND | 513M | AC Schnizter | MPerformance |
    2005 330CiC | Sparkling Graphite | Black | 6MT | ZHP
    2004///M3 | Individual Sterling Gray | Imola Red | 6MT | Eisenmann | Style 163M | SOLD
    2011 X5 35d | Black Sapphire | Nevada Brown Cinnamon | Sports Package |
    Totaled
    2009///M3
    | Interlagos Blue | Pallidum Silver | DINAN | MPerformance | DCT | SOLD
    2002///M3 | Steel Gray Metallic | Imola Red | 6MT | Convertible| SOLD
    2006 X5 4.8iS | LeMans Blue Metallic | Creme Beige | SOLD
    2006 ///M3 | Silver Gray | Black | Competition Package (ZCP) | 6MT | SOLD
    2000 ///M5 | Oxford Green Metallic II | Caramel Nappa Leather | BMW Individual Black Birch Trim | SOLD
    2003 X5 4.6iS | Black Saphhire Metallic | Black Sport | SOLD
    2006 X3 3.0i M-Sport | Silver Gray | Terracotta | SOLD

  17. #17
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    10
    My Cars
    1999 BMW 323i
    Sorry to bring up old thread but did you manage to fix the problem with the cluster ? How did you fix it ?

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    1999 BMW 323ci
    Hi I sourced a 2nd hand replacement cluster from a BMW brakers yard, as a brand new one from BMW with coding was looking at £900. (You could also check ebay)

    You will need to make sure you match the “motometer” number (e.g. 0 263 606 230) and BMW part no number (e.g. 6 910 279) info found on the sticker on your cluster, and ensure the cluster came out of a petrol or diesel, manual or auto what matched your existing spec.

    By doing this it should therefore simply plug and play the only thing required will be the mileage will need correction unless it’s a close match and will cost you around £50.

    I manage to get mine sourced and mileage corrected for £140 and saved £760 had I gone to the BMW dealer direct.

    Hope that helps Magicman0027

    Regards
    Richard

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    E46 330d
    Apologies for replying to old thread but

    *******************Fixed my instrument cluster and here's how................******************

    So hadn't driven my car for a couple of days, started it up yesterday and the instrument cluster failed, all other car functions work perfectly including seat belt and battery light.

    I had no speedo, rev counter, trip computer, fuel or temp guage and most warning indicators had failed. I looked to these forums that all said faulty cluster bit of a known issue either repair for £250 or new £450+ inc fitting.

    Now i am no expert and i am sure i will have a few nay sayers but all i can tell you i am not afraid to try a bit of DIY and my instrument cluster is now working.

    Before i went through these next steps i individually checked every single fuse just in case i was missing something when reading the fuse map, but still no joy.

    Step 1 Unplugged Battery (Located in the boot, for those that are not sure)
    2 Removed instrument cluster (2 torque screws located on the top infrom of the Speed and rev counters)
    3 Unplugged connectors from rear of cluster (one white and one black) will need a flat head screw driver to push done the tab and release the clasp)
    (you may also need to drop the steering wheel down to slide it out)
    4 now this is the funny bit........ removed the back housing panel (a number of smaller torque screws possibly 6 or 7
    5 Took out the dials and placed unit on the ...............warm Radiator for 20 minutes (the unit wasn't damp and i don't know why i done this)
    6 whilst taking it apart a couple of the silver dial frames fell out which was a paint to super glue back in.
    7 Put unit back together and re inserted in the car
    8 re-connected the battery.
    9 Crossed my fingers and started the car........ (hay presto unit came back to life with a couple of warning lights and dsc light on for a bit longer than normal but after driving about 100 yards every looked normal. and has been fine since. all in all took about an hour, but as i said i am no expert. and can't tell you which of these steps was responsible. but saved me a few hundred quid.

    let me know how you get on?

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Belgium
    Posts
    5
    My Cars
    2004 BMW 330xi
    Hey, sorry for replying to an old thread, but i have a similiar problem..
    Cluster is acting all crazy.. speedo and average mileage are working fine, temperature and RPM are acting weird - temp is to the max and no red light, even though car temp if fine. Random lights come on and off, temperature on the heater keeps changing from C to F and back...
    I've tried couple of things:

    Tried the 10, 34 and 43 fuses thing, worked for a mile drive, then turned off the car and same problem came back.
    Tried disconnecting the battery, taking out the cluster, checked if there's anything funny or burned, everything seemed fine. Put it back in, connected the battery, still the same.
    Tried the cluster test, all lights fine, gauges move fine.
    Did the voltage test: with the motor on, it's 13.8 and it goes to 14 eventually. with the motor off it's about 12.7 after a drive, but after about 15 minutes staying in one spot with the radio on, it drops to 12.2V.

    The thing is, this happened first when i drove for hours in the rain and i thought maybe it's moisture. Turned off the car and back on and it was fine for a month. And yesterday also after a long drive (8 hrs) it started doing this again, but now it's going crazy ALL the time. It's even more weird, if i hit on the dash with my hand, it works for some time, for example until i use indicator lights..

    Now it's like this most of the time:
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/ezdee3xr4f...%2016.jpg?dl=0


    Any help would be appreciated.

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    Glenwood, MN
    Posts
    524
    My Cars
    2003 BMW 325I
    Try removing the cluster, disassembling, and let it dry out for 24 hours. If there is moisture trapped in it, this should take care of it. Others have tried putting the cluster in the oven at low temperature for a couple hours with success.

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Belgium
    Posts
    5
    My Cars
    2004 BMW 330xi
    Tried drying it on a radiator for a day, no change. Soon as i put it back it and turn on the indicator light, right or left, it goes back to zombie mode.

    I'm reading this thread and suspecting the battery... http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...en-won-t-start (but why would it help hitting on the dash above the cluster?)

    In the winter i had the radio on for less than an hour and did some diagnostics on my LPG system with my laptop hooked up to it for about half an hour and after that it wouldn't start. Had to call the service and the guy jump started the car next morning.
    Last edited by oposum; 04-14-2015 at 01:59 AM.

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Belgium
    Posts
    5
    My Cars
    2004 BMW 330xi
    Any ideas?

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Belgium
    Posts
    5
    My Cars
    2004 BMW 330xi
    Found out i have a 120A alternator and the battery was just 85Ah. Replaced the battery with a 100Ah one and everything is back to normal!

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Belgium
    Posts
    5
    My Cars
    2004 BMW 330xi

    Post

    Was good for about 5 days, now the gremlins are back

    This is how it looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_mlgoAIfSc

    When i turn off the lights and hit on the dash (above the cluster), things go back to normal.
    And on the end of the video you can see about 1 sec delay of lights turning off when i remove the key from the ignition.

    I ordered a new ignition switch, hoping it will solve all this bulls***!

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •