How to remove speedo cluster

[jjchantilly]

Does anyone know if you have to drop the steering column to remove the speedo cluster it doesn’t look like it’s enough room to pull it out because of the steering wheel? My mileage number are only lit up half way and I have to remove the cluster to check to see if it’s the bulbs or a bad connection. Thanks Jerome

[bimmerguy82]

It's really not too hard. you'll need a torx set to remove the two screws on the backside of the steering wheel. then it's just a 17 mm bolt on the front and you should be able to remove the cluster.

[WarNox]

its about a billion times easier to take the cluster out if you take the steering wheel off first. im saying this as mine is a non-airbag one so its just a simple 17mm bolt.

But in saying that, it is possible to wiggle out the cluster with the steering wheel still on. There is 3 clips with wires connected to it in the back, and all have a really simple (actually really cool) mechanism for taking them off.

oh and good luck replacing the lights

[jjchantilly]

Thanks Josh and WarNox for the information........
So Josh the two screws that you're talking about removing on the backside of the steering wheel would those be the two screws that hold the air bag in place? So WarNox you can really remove the cluster with the steering wheel on? It just looks like it's not enough room have you remove your's before with the wheel on or has someone else you know done this?
Thanks Jerome

[jjchantilly]

Has anyone out the in Bimmer land ever removed the cluster by unbolting the two bolts that hold the steering column up and letting the column drop down some?
Thanks
Jerome

[Gator]

My odometer lights have gone off also on a 1999 325 IS. I don't know for sure but I have read on this forum (I think) that the odometer light is not fixable. It's not just a matter of replacing a bulb. The only fix is a new cluster. Before you go to the trouble of pulling the cluster. I recommend some more research to verify if the above is in fact true.

[bimmerguy82]

Originally Posted by jjchantilly

Thanks Josh and WarNox for the information........
So Josh the two screws that you're talking about removing on the backside of the steering wheel would those be the two screws that hold the air bag in place? So WarNox you can really remove the cluster with the steering wheel on? It just looks like it's not enough room have you remove your's before with the wheel on or has someone else you know done this?
Thanks Jerome

yuppers, those two screws hold the airbag on, so they'll need to come off. i think warnox is referrring the e30 when he says you can do it without removing the steering wheel. I thinks it's easier anyway to just remove the wheel and the cluster should just slide out with a little help.

[WarNox]

nah im pretty sure on e36 you can remove the cluster without removing the steering wheel. maybe thats the non-airbag models tho. but im sure i read somewhere that it is possible.

the light will be fixable, it might be a little led but you can still fix it.