Results 1 to 24 of 24

Thread: My attempt at a cluster repair

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mobile, AL
    Posts
    228
    My Cars
    1993 325i

    My attempt at a cluster repair

    Well the cluster in my e23 was pretty much non-functional besides the fuel gauge so I decided to try my hand at fixing it. First I took apart the e28 cluster I grabbed at the junkyard. Upon removing the speedometer, I found a sticker that indicated the odometer had been repaired already, so I swapped that speedo into my cluster. After completely disassembling both clusters, I discovered that the batteries were the ultimate demise of my cluster, so I'm going to have to deal with that. Here are some pics of my e23 SI board and where the batteries rotted:





    So how do I go about removing that crap and replacing it?

    The only problem I encountered while disassembling my e23 cluster was that when I removed this black piece from the back of the tachometer a pin was bent, will this affect the functionality of the tach?





    Here is a rundown of what I did to disassemble the clusters...Up first is the e28 cluster

    First remove the 8 Phillips head screws from around the edge of cluster, these screws hold the cluster itself to the "casing"


    Here's what you should have after removing those...


    Next remove the four screws from the back of the speedometer, I forgot to take a picture of the screws still in the cluster, but you can see the location of them here...


    Here is the sticker I was referring to earlier...


    To remove the fuel/temp gauges, take a pair of needle nose pliers and remove the two small nuts that are vertical of each other located on the rear of the cluster. After that the gauges should come right out. As for the tachometer, there is a small white clip located on the back of the cluster. Release the clip and push the tach out. This is what you should have...




    And here is the battery set-up the e28 cluster had...


    The e23 cluster is a very similar process to the e28, so I won't go through it again, but if anyone has any questions feel free to ask and I'll try to help as much as I can. Right now I'm going to have to wait until I can repair my cluster before I can reassemble and install it. Any help on accomplishing this would be greatly appreciated.
    1993 325i 5mt

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Illesheim, DE
    Posts
    354
    My Cars
    750i, 280ZXT
    ProGrama has rebuilt boards for reasonable prices. I have a spare main board if you need one. I'll look for a part number on lunch

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mobile, AL
    Posts
    228
    My Cars
    1993 325i
    How much for the main board, I might end up needing it.
    1993 325i 5mt

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mobile, AL
    Posts
    228
    My Cars
    1993 325i
    Anyone have some advice? I can't start the car until this is reassembled and installed.
    1993 325i 5mt

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    SD, Cali, USA
    Posts
    11,707
    My Cars
    1995 M3, 1985 745i , S13 240sx sr20det
    Pretty sure car still drives without gauge cluster, i thought i did that before. Not all the parts are interchangeable there are differences even for same part. Send it to pro to rebuild it imo.


    95 BMW M3 Alpine-
    <GO...JIC Cross Coilovers- UUC RCAB, AKG FCAB, Rogue Engineering TM bushings- AA Gen3 Exhaust- Dinan F&R Strut Bars- Dinan F&R Sway Bars- X-Brace- Mishimoto Rad- BBS RK 17x8"- TRM Chip- Dinan BBTB- DIY CAI- JP Performance Headers- 21.5 injectors- JB Racing Flywheel- Bimmerworld TB boot- 540i MAF><SHOW...OE euro clear exterior lights- Depo w/ HID- Hurricane Alcantara interior- Stereo (Kenwood,Sony,MB Quart,Rockford Fosgate,JL Audio)- Black kidneys- Euro 3 Spoke- ZHP Knob- AutoDim Mirror>

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mobile, AL
    Posts
    228
    My Cars
    1993 325i
    I may end up having to do that, I was hoping I could just replace the main circuit board and leave the SI board out or get a battery less one. I think all I really need are the circuit boards, my brother-in-law can solder whatever needs to be soldered. I'm just hoping the bent pin I posted a picture of won't affect the tach, if so I'm going to need another tach, other than that I should be fine.
    Last edited by SHOoff11; 10-14-2014 at 10:16 AM.
    1993 325i 5mt

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Illesheim, DE
    Posts
    354
    My Cars
    750i, 280ZXT
    SHOoff11, the main board I have has PN: 1 369 986 62 11 by the BMW logo in the corner, and PN: (X16-120/7556) 992 644 898 by the VDO logo at the top. Shoot me an offer if you want it.
    Last edited by 750i; 10-14-2014 at 12:16 PM.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mobile, AL
    Posts
    228
    My Cars
    1993 325i
    Awesome, I'll check the numbers and let you know. I honestly don't know what these are worth so shoot me a price, I hate low balling people. If it ends up being on the pricier I may have to wait until next pay day, but we can discuss all the details in PM. If I am able to replace the main board, can I run without and SI board and still have functions gauges? Also, how do I remove the needles from these clusters? I bent the one on my tach, but I have a spare from the e28 cluster.
    1993 325i 5mt

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    SD, Cali, USA
    Posts
    11,707
    My Cars
    1995 M3, 1985 745i , S13 240sx sr20det
    If i am not mistaken you have frankensteined an e23 and e28 cluster and you have a bent pin and bent needle, and you still haven't replaced si board? I would be surprised if everything works if you install it.


    95 BMW M3 Alpine-
    <GO...JIC Cross Coilovers- UUC RCAB, AKG FCAB, Rogue Engineering TM bushings- AA Gen3 Exhaust- Dinan F&R Strut Bars- Dinan F&R Sway Bars- X-Brace- Mishimoto Rad- BBS RK 17x8"- TRM Chip- Dinan BBTB- DIY CAI- JP Performance Headers- 21.5 injectors- JB Racing Flywheel- Bimmerworld TB boot- 540i MAF><SHOW...OE euro clear exterior lights- Depo w/ HID- Hurricane Alcantara interior- Stereo (Kenwood,Sony,MB Quart,Rockford Fosgate,JL Audio)- Black kidneys- Euro 3 Spoke- ZHP Knob- AutoDim Mirror>

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mobile, AL
    Posts
    228
    My Cars
    1993 325i
    All I've done so far is just swap the speedo, I've left everything else alone. I bent the needle trying the remove the black piece from the back of the tach so I could get the circuit board out. I guess I need to source a tach and and SI board then, I'm sure I look like an idiot at this point lol
    Last edited by SHOoff11; 10-14-2014 at 02:14 PM.
    1993 325i 5mt

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    TX
    Posts
    4,487
    My Cars
    1983/84/85 745i

    Thumbs up

    Someone on mye28 posted how to bypass the SI board as seen on an early 528e car.

    I also always remove those batteries and just disconnect the ribbon to the service lights, I know when to service my vehicle.

    This is the guy that built me new SI boards for $100 - http://www.ebay.com/sch/euro-electric/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=



    EUROPEAN ELECTRIC
    2004 ADAMS ST.
    TULLAHOMA, TN 37388

    1-866-281-2414 OR 615-330-8279 after 9am CST

    Last edited by Hit Man X; 10-14-2014 at 07:46 PM.
    I make E23 parts.
    09/1983 745i (stolen spring '13 around Houston, TX Achatgruen on nutria buffalo. 8481080)
    10/1984 745i
    11/1984 745i
    11/1984 735i (10:1-265/6)
    Ford, MB, and GM round out the pack.



  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    SD, Cali, USA
    Posts
    11,707
    My Cars
    1995 M3, 1985 745i , S13 240sx sr20det
    Off tangent but back in the day they used to just solder wires to the battery contacts and run a remote 9v battery that could easily be replaced. Anybody ever dug up some threads about that?


    95 BMW M3 Alpine-
    <GO...JIC Cross Coilovers- UUC RCAB, AKG FCAB, Rogue Engineering TM bushings- AA Gen3 Exhaust- Dinan F&R Strut Bars- Dinan F&R Sway Bars- X-Brace- Mishimoto Rad- BBS RK 17x8"- TRM Chip- Dinan BBTB- DIY CAI- JP Performance Headers- 21.5 injectors- JB Racing Flywheel- Bimmerworld TB boot- 540i MAF><SHOW...OE euro clear exterior lights- Depo w/ HID- Hurricane Alcantara interior- Stereo (Kenwood,Sony,MB Quart,Rockford Fosgate,JL Audio)- Black kidneys- Euro 3 Spoke- ZHP Knob- AutoDim Mirror>

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Illesheim, DE
    Posts
    354
    My Cars
    750i, 280ZXT
    Quote Originally Posted by CMG View Post
    Off tangent but back in the day they used to just solder wires to the battery contacts and run a remote 9v battery that could easily be replaced. Anybody ever dug up some threads about that?
    Bunch of write-ups on that on r3vlimted and the E30 sites, their stuff tends to be better documented.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mobile, AL
    Posts
    228
    My Cars
    1993 325i
    Quote Originally Posted by Hit Man X View Post
    Someone on mye28 posted how to bypass the SI board as seen on an early 528e car.

    I also always remove those batteries and just disconnect the ribbon to the service lights, I know when to service my vehicle.

    This is the guy that built me new SI boards for $100 - http://www.ebay.com/sch/euro-electric/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=



    EUROPEAN ELECTRIC
    2004 ADAMS ST.
    TULLAHOMA, TN 37388

    1-866-281-2414 OR 615-330-8279 after 9am CST

    Thanks for the link, I'll be in touch with them soon. You said you usually unplug the ribbon behind the temp/fuel gauges for the lights, is there a special way to get the plug loose? I've tried but I don't want to break anything else.

    Quote Originally Posted by CMG View Post
    Off tangent but back in the day they used to just solder wires to the battery contacts and run a remote 9v battery that could easily be replaced. Anybody ever dug up some threads about that?
    I'll look into researching that, thanks for the heads up!

    Quote Originally Posted by 750i View Post
    Bunch of write-ups on that on r3vlimted and the E30 sites, their stuff tends to be better documented.
    Awesome, I'll try searching on there and see what I can come up with!
    1993 325i 5mt

  15. #15
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mobile, AL
    Posts
    228
    My Cars
    1993 325i
    750i, did my PM regarding the circuit board go through?
    1993 325i 5mt

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    886
    My Cars
    2000 M5, 2001 330i
    Quote Originally Posted by CMG View Post
    Off tangent but back in the day they used to just solder wires to the battery contacts and run a remote 9v battery that could easily be replaced. Anybody ever dug up some threads about that?

    Stupid question, but I assume the point of the batteries is to keep the service reminder alive so it doesn't reset back to full green everytime the car is turned off right?

    Has anyone ever just wired the battery contacts to a 12v constant on, in the same way the radio has a 12v constant to keep the clock and presets saved?
    2000 BMW M5 Evolve Alpha-N Tune, Evolve Carbon Fiber CAI's, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Dinan Front STB, Dinan Rear Sway Bar
    2001 BMW 330i ​Dynavin N7 Pro

    1985 BMW 745i 18" Style 37's, Team745i Chip, Getrag 265/6, Clutchmasters FX-300, UUC Short Throw Shifter, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's ("Build" Thread")(SOLD)
    1986 BMW 735i Getrag 265/6 Swap, Strut Tower Bar, Bilstein HD's, Euro F/R Conversion, 3.46 L/S Diff (Scrapped)

    2016 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Stock
    2004 Mercury Marauder
    Eaton M112, 3.4 Billetflow upper, Accufab SBTB + Plenum, 4.10's, Stainless Works LT's, 2.5" Exhaust, Borla Stingers, FX-R projectors, Addco F/R swaybars
    2003 Mercury Marauder JLT CAI, SCT Xcal4, Stainless Works LT's, SW 2.5" Catback
    1996 Ford Bronco
    4" lift, 35" BFG A/T's, MH1 projectors

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    TX
    Posts
    4,487
    My Cars
    1983/84/85 745i
    Pretty sure the batts are 3V.
    I make E23 parts.
    09/1983 745i (stolen spring '13 around Houston, TX Achatgruen on nutria buffalo. 8481080)
    10/1984 745i
    11/1984 745i
    11/1984 735i (10:1-265/6)
    Ford, MB, and GM round out the pack.



  18. #18
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    SD, Cali, USA
    Posts
    11,707
    My Cars
    1995 M3, 1985 745i , S13 240sx sr20det
    Quote Originally Posted by Hit Man X View Post
    Pretty sure the batts are 3V.
    If that is true then an inline converter would work. I bet u could find a9v battery box with converter and wiring all in one, or at least make it.


    95 BMW M3 Alpine-
    <GO...JIC Cross Coilovers- UUC RCAB, AKG FCAB, Rogue Engineering TM bushings- AA Gen3 Exhaust- Dinan F&R Strut Bars- Dinan F&R Sway Bars- X-Brace- Mishimoto Rad- BBS RK 17x8"- TRM Chip- Dinan BBTB- DIY CAI- JP Performance Headers- 21.5 injectors- JB Racing Flywheel- Bimmerworld TB boot- 540i MAF><SHOW...OE euro clear exterior lights- Depo w/ HID- Hurricane Alcantara interior- Stereo (Kenwood,Sony,MB Quart,Rockford Fosgate,JL Audio)- Black kidneys- Euro 3 Spoke- ZHP Knob- AutoDim Mirror>

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Quadratechtown, PA
    Posts
    741
    My Cars
    5, 7, 4x4
    I think there are two battery type SSI units. One uses standard 1.5V NiCd batteries to hold the information when the car is off. If the batteries are dead, the default is to you need service not all green. I have read about 3V batteries in some later units but never seen this.

    I have replaced the batteries a few times and have a nearly working SII, well working like it did since new. I just like the lights.

    Using remote batteries is as simple as attaching a battery holder to the board with appropriate wire length and installing fully charged NiCd pair in the holder and put the holder somewhere more convenient. I haven't done this, yet.

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    SD, Cali, USA
    Posts
    11,707
    My Cars
    1995 M3, 1985 745i , S13 240sx sr20det
    My e23 is cluster already was refreshed years ago but my e30 cluster needs full refresh so i'll see what i can do about doing remote set up. Pretty sure i can find something online for doing that.


    95 BMW M3 Alpine-
    <GO...JIC Cross Coilovers- UUC RCAB, AKG FCAB, Rogue Engineering TM bushings- AA Gen3 Exhaust- Dinan F&R Strut Bars- Dinan F&R Sway Bars- X-Brace- Mishimoto Rad- BBS RK 17x8"- TRM Chip- Dinan BBTB- DIY CAI- JP Performance Headers- 21.5 injectors- JB Racing Flywheel- Bimmerworld TB boot- 540i MAF><SHOW...OE euro clear exterior lights- Depo w/ HID- Hurricane Alcantara interior- Stereo (Kenwood,Sony,MB Quart,Rockford Fosgate,JL Audio)- Black kidneys- Euro 3 Spoke- ZHP Knob- AutoDim Mirror>

  21. #21
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Galveston Texas
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    1985 BMW 635 csi
    North Hollywod clock and speedo is a great place to have your cluster refurbed
    They did an awesome job on my E28

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    havertown pa
    Posts
    234
    My Cars
    1985 745i
    My car has a battery-less si board and has about 10 Jumper wires on it. I bought it as a parts cluster from a guy who didn't know that it worked.

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Marblehead, MA
    Posts
    33
    My Cars
    Isetta, 735i, 280sl
    When I leave my E23 sitting for a few days, the OBC will go to default language settings and loose its date and time memory...

    Is the memory of this unit supported by the batteries on the main board behind the spedo or do I have a different issue?

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Quadratechtown, PA
    Posts
    741
    My Cars
    5, 7, 4x4
    This ? is probably answered with the ETM for your car. Check out www.e38.org/e23 and scroll down to the middle of the left column and dl the ETM for your year.


    I believe it is a hot at all times connection to the battery but I haven't looked at the ETM.

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
  •