Instrument cluster removal

[shaman97]

Trying to remove the instrument cluster on my '89 E30 to get to the SI board and replace the batteris. Also need to replace a couple cluster lights. Trouble is I'm having a problem getting the cluster out of the dash.
Here's what I've done:
Removed steering wheel
Removed lower steering column trim piece
Unable to remove upper column trim piece; hangs in column/cluster
Removed two upper screws in 'eyebrow'
Pulled interior trim piece out, but it appears to be hanging up on the bottom end.
Removed two screws on upper braces holding cluster in dash.
Can now move cluster, but not remove it
Don't have the guts to force the pieces, thinking there's some other screws I've missed.
Can anyone unlock the magic cure for the sticky cluster?
Thanks.

[onsinkingground]

Been there several months ago but I don't have an E30 so this could be pretty sketch. You didn't need to take off the steering wheel unless you really wanted to, however you do need to get all four screws out from behind the bottom trim piece. You have to force the bottom trim piece(GENTLY!), but after it comes off there are four. Take out all four and then you have access to the cluster. There are also the two screws that point upward on the "ceiling" of the cluster trim. I don't remember if they were critical or not though.

[shaman97]

Thanks for the reply. I took the column trim off only 'cuz the haines manual said to do it. I was thinking there was a screw or two above the upper trim, that's why I couldn't get the lower cluster trim off. I pried the lower trim of the cluster, but chickened out. I presume this is a friction fit piece? If O get that off, the cluster removal should be a snap

[schneider252]

im taking apart mom moms interior out for fun lol and today i got most of it apart.... I didnt know what i was doing, just guessing as i went and i pryed out that lower trim piece above the steering wheel pretty easily. Too bad i messed up the mirror when i was putting it back on and the part holding the mirror fell out, its loose but i think i can fix it lol

good luck

[matopping]

Follow the following Link. http://e30m3performance.com/maintenance/SI...rd/SI_Board.htm
This is an excelent site. Although for M3's it provides step by step instructions on how to change the battries on the SI board. I have just done mine, Easy

[shaman97]

Awesome info. The knurled knob info was the trick that made it all work.

THANKS!!!