Guage cluster swapping, difficulties. Cue Starmavin...

[daklunk]

I have an '84 318i and the original cluster got lost, so I had to buy a replacement, from a 91 iX. I read a bit about coding plugs and such, found out about earlier pins in the back, the plastic plugs in the front on the newer ones. So anyway, I realize there isn't an actual plastic coding plug for the M10, but I was told that the plug from an M42 or S14 cluster would work fine. Is this right? Or do I need to search for a mint 318i cluster?

Thanks

[Starmavin]

All 1/1986 and older have the engine code plug inside, 1/1986 and up the code plug were made external for easy changing. However the coding chip is specific to each engine type, injector type, tire size, fuel tank and reserve capacity. Try it, what do you have to loose, however the tach may read wrong.

[daklunk]

OK, great, thank you very much! Was hoping that I could for sure use any 4 cyl plug, but now at least I know. If I can turn one up for cheap, I'll try it...

Thanks!