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Thread: Swapping instrument cluster, question

  1. #1
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    Swapping instrument cluster, question

    I have a 2002 325 i that the pixels are shot on my cluster. I can 't even read the mileage, lol. I got a used cluster but when I installed it, the dsc light and brake light is on. I really don't care about the red dot, but the other two bug me. Any feedback? I know, I should get a new one and have the dealer program it, but I am not spending that kind of money on this old car. Any advice? Thx.

  2. #2
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    Is the part number of each cluster the same as the other cluster? It seems BMW changed the design of the E46 cluster several times during the chassis’s production.

  3. #3
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    Agreed make sure they are truly the same as you should only have a tamper dot lit on the display.

  4. #4
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    And the tamper dot can be gotten rid of via proper programming the cluster so it matches the miles data stored in the lighting control module (LKM).

  5. #5
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    The light control module has been changed in the past, so I really don't care about the tamper dot. I am concerned about the yellow traction control light and the red brake light. Any way to get these off? Here are the numbers on the back of the clusters. Which numbers need to match in order for it to work?

    IMG_1778.jpgIMG_1779.jpgIMG_1780.jpgIMG_1781.jpg

  6. #6
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    The part numbers are different. Replace the cluster with the same part number.

  7. #7
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    which number is the part number?

  8. #8
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    11-11-1-111-111 is an example of a BMW part #. I think the part # (it should have the same format as the example) of the original cluster needs to match the part # of the replacement cluster.

  9. #9
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    The DSC checks against the VIN in the cluster. If it's mismatched to DSC, it will trigger those lights.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  10. #10
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    Even if the new cluster is the same part number?

  11. #11
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    In this case, it's all about the VIN; the ABS/DSC communicates to the cluster. If you have any way to read the errors in DSC and cluster, you will see.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  12. #12
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    Swapping instrument cluster, question

    Just to make sure you are not getting confusing data....

    If you get a same part number cluster you will only see the tamper dot. You can code that out if you research it.

    The other lights in your case are due to mismatched cluster.

    Ask me how I know. I have swapped clusters on many BMWs while troubleshooting or resolving for example: can bus issues due to a malfunctioning cluster.
    Last edited by RobertDenali; 12-18-2018 at 09:46 PM.

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