E36 Coupe Instrument cluster/panel

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RLovejoy

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Topic: E36 Coupe Instrument cluster/panel
Posted: 18 Jul 2011 at 3:30pm

On my 320i 1993 coupe, the instrument panel intermitently makes a buzzing noise on start up and occasionally when the indicators are applied. The panel also looses power so all the gadges drop and all the tell tale lights go on and off. I am thinking about swapping the instrument panel with one from a breakers, but they only have a 318, 323, 325 & 328 available is there any difference between the panels, or would they just plug straight in?

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AShah

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Posted: 11 Aug 2011 at 8:24am

a 320 coupe has the 6 cylinder clocks in it, or 160mph.

any cluster from a 320, 323, 325, 328 will fit, however you will have to take apart the clocks from your car and just replace the section with the dials on. The clocks are in 3 sections, the main board which is attached to the rear part, the dials and the clear fascia. you can keep the fascia, the rear main board has your mileage on it, and you can just change the mileage.

Also they came made by either VDO or Motometer. Look at yours first, and try to get one the same make if you can. Its not imperative, but the few clusters i have changed, one pair didn't work correctly as it was a mix and match. If you get the same manufacturer, then you can be 99% sure that all will be OK.

For others who read this thread, E36 clusters are as follows: (my definiations, but easy to spot)

316, 318 - 140 mph, 6k rpm

318is, 320, 323, 325, 325is, 328 - 160 mph, 7k rpm

318td, 318tds - 140 mph, 5k rpm

325td, 325tds - 160 mph, 5k rpm

M3 (all) - 170 mph, 8k rpm

Compacts same as above, but with no MPG part in the cluster.

Compact clusters will fit all E36 if your happy to lose the MPG.

Others will not fit Compact.

If you fit the wrong cluster, then if you have any variant of OBC, not all functions will work correctly.

M3 cluster in other, oil pressure becomes MPG, and viceversa.

Edited by AShah - 11 Aug 2011 at 8:25am

Cabrio

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Posted: 11 Aug 2011 at 10:22am

good thorough answer - may be good idea to try and identify also where the buzzing is from by disconnecting rear plugs one at a time if cant work it out without...then can use parts from other clocks - just an idea if you are stuck - also gives you a chance to check connections

E30 Register joint coordinator - Competition Secretary - Contact name Neil for PM and Email - cabrio_e30@yahoo.co.uk - be aware addicted to E numbers

AndrewE

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Posted: 11 Aug 2011 at 11:13am

The instrument cluster circuit board is knackered, so swapping dials won't cure it. VDO and Motormeter clusters interchange fine. You need a cluster from a similar year six cylinder petrol car.

RLovejoy

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Posted: 02 Oct 2011 at 8:27am

Thankyou for your replies. I was able to locate a speedo cluster from a similar vehicle and this cured the problem. I have since sold the car and purchased a 328i convertible with another problem. It drives like a dream but at low revs it stalls at every junction!!!! Any suggestions much appreciated!!!!

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
RLovejoy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 18 Jul 2011 Location: West Sussex Status: Offline Points: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote RLovejoy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: E36 Coupe Instrument cluster/panel Posted: 18 Jul 2011 at 3:30pm
	On my 320i 1993 coupe, the instrument panel intermitently makes a buzzing noise on start up and occasionally when the indicators are applied. The panel also looses power so all the gadges drop and all the tell tale lights go on and off. I am thinking about swapping the instrument panel with one from a breakers, but they only have a 318, 323, 325 & 328 available is there any difference between the panels, or would they just plug straight in?

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AShah Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 27 Jul 2011 Location: Bridgend, Wales Status: Offline Points: 423	Post Options Post Reply Quote AShah Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11 Aug 2011 at 8:24am
	a 320 coupe has the 6 cylinder clocks in it, or 160mph. any cluster from a 320, 323, 325, 328 will fit, however you will have to take apart the clocks from your car and just replace the section with the dials on. The clocks are in 3 sections, the main board which is attached to the rear part, the dials and the clear fascia. you can keep the fascia, the rear main board has your mileage on it, and you can just change the mileage. Also they came made by either VDO or Motometer. Look at yours first, and try to get one the same make if you can. Its not imperative, but the few clusters i have changed, one pair didn't work correctly as it was a mix and match. If you get the same manufacturer, then you can be 99% sure that all will be OK. For others who read this thread, E36 clusters are as follows: (my definiations, but easy to spot) 316, 318 - 140 mph, 6k rpm 318is, 320, 323, 325, 325is, 328 - 160 mph, 7k rpm 318td, 318tds - 140 mph, 5k rpm 325td, 325tds - 160 mph, 5k rpm M3 (all) - 170 mph, 8k rpm Compacts same as above, but with no MPG part in the cluster. Compact clusters will fit all E36 if your happy to lose the MPG. Others will not fit Compact. If you fit the wrong cluster, then if you have any variant of OBC, not all functions will work correctly. M3 cluster in other, oil pressure becomes MPG, and viceversa. Edited by AShah - 11 Aug 2011 at 8:25am

Cabrio Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Register Chair E30 Register & Competition Secretary Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 6625	Post Options Post Reply Quote Cabrio Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11 Aug 2011 at 10:22am
	good thorough answer - may be good idea to try and identify also where the buzzing is from by disconnecting rear plugs one at a time if cant work it out without...then can use parts from other clocks - just an idea if you are stuck - also gives you a chance to check connections
	E30 Register joint coordinator - Competition Secretary - Contact name Neil for PM and Email - cabrio_e30@yahoo.co.uk - be aware addicted to E numbers

AndrewE Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 25 Jun 2007 Status: Offline Points: 1200	Post Options Post Reply Quote AndrewE Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11 Aug 2011 at 11:13am
	The instrument cluster circuit board is knackered, so swapping dials won't cure it. VDO and Motormeter clusters interchange fine. You need a cluster from a similar year six cylinder petrol car.

RLovejoy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 18 Jul 2011 Location: West Sussex Status: Offline Points: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote RLovejoy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02 Oct 2011 at 8:27am
	Thankyou for your replies. I was able to locate a speedo cluster from a similar vehicle and this cured the problem. I have since sold the car and purchased a 328i convertible with another problem. It drives like a dream but at low revs it stalls at every junction!!!! Any suggestions much appreciated!!!!