Replacing Instrument Cluster-Need Help - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

bmwe91 · 09-04-2012, 09:01 PM

Ok so I searched a ton on google, and on the forums here but I couldn't find an accurate and definite answer.

Here's the deal, my cluster was showing -40 for the outside temperature. After a ton of research I found out that if the cluster is showing -40 it means that there is an open circuit. First off, I tried replacing the outside temp sensor which didn't work. I then went ahead and checked resistance and all that at the sensor plug, on the sensors two cables where the sensor and headlight wiring meet up, on the plug from the junction box that goes straight to the instrument cluster, and on the plug that connects to the instrument cluster. All wiring showed good connection. I think this is the instrument cluster, since there is a very big chance the cluster went bad because my vehicle once had problems where the vehicles electrical system got too much voltage from a jump and the CAS had to be replaced.

Now for the question, I bought a used instrument cluster off ebay. The cluster is off a 2008 328i with navigation. My car is a 2007 328xi without navigation. When I plug the new cluster in, will i still have my old mileage? Also, will there be any error codes? If there are any problems because of the navigation and the 2 wheel drive will it be possible to recode the cluster to non-navi and 4 wheel drive?

PLEASE HELP AND ALL HELP APPRECIATED

Juiced46 · 09-04-2012, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwe91

Ok so I searched a ton on google, and on the forums here but I couldn't find an accurate and definite answer.

Here's the deal, my cluster was showing -40 for the outside temperature. After a ton of research I found out that if the cluster is showing -40 it means that there is an open circuit. First off, I tried replacing the outside temp sensor which didn't work. I then went ahead and checked resistance and all that at the sensor plug, on the sensors two cables where the sensor and headlight wiring meet up, on the plug from the junction box that goes straight to the instrument cluster, and on the plug that connects to the instrument cluster. All wiring showed good connection. I think this is the instrument cluster, since there is a very big chance the cluster went bad because my vehicle once had problems where the vehicles electrical system got too much voltage from a jump and the CAS had to be replaced.

Now for the question, I bought a used instrument cluster off ebay. The cluster is off a 2008 328i with navigation. My car is a 2007 328xi without navigation. When I plug the new cluster in, will i still have my old mileage? Also, will there be any error codes? If there are any problems because of the navigation and the 2 wheel drive will it be possible to recode the cluster to non-navi and 4 wheel drive?

PLEASE HELP AND ALL HELP APPRECIATED

The cluster will not work correctly. It would need to be coded to the car. The issue is because it is used, you will get a "manipulation dot" on the cluster meaning it is not the original cluster for that VIN. Let me check tomorrow but I do not think you can swap in a used one and make it work properly.

bmwe91 · 09-04-2012, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juiced46

The cluster will not work correctly. It would need to be coded to the car. The issue is because it is used, you will get a "manipulation dot" on the cluster meaning it is not the original cluster for that VIN. Let me check tomorrow but I do not think you can swap in a used one and make it work properly.

Do you know where I can get it coded besides the stealership?

DESI4life10 · 09-04-2012, 10:18 PM

Unless you flash the eeprom chip on the used cluster or replace it with a blank one, you wont be able to used that used cluster.

Juiced46 · 09-06-2012, 06:28 PM

DESI... is right. The used cluster is definetely not going to work since the VIN is written to it and cannot be changed. You may be able to plug it in and have some features work but it cant happen.

I still think you have a wiring problem. Did you check the wire from the end of the wire @ the harness( where it connects to sensor) to the end where it connects to the cluster? You need to check both wires individually. Sounds like there is an open somewhere.

adnanm3 · 09-24-2012, 03:38 PM

I need to replace the cluster in my 335i (cluster and miscellaneous interior parts were stolen). What is the best route for me to go? I found used clusters on ebay for ~150-200, but am unsure about coding. Local coders say they are unable to do it for me. What features will work without the proper coding? Will the car at least be drivable?

09-04-2012, 09:01 PM	#1
bmwe91 New Member Drives: 07 e91 328xi Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New Britain CT Posts: 13 iTrader: (0)	Replacing Instrument Cluster-Need Help Ok so I searched a ton on google, and on the forums here but I couldn't find an accurate and definite answer. Here's the deal, my cluster was showing -40 for the outside temperature. After a ton of research I found out that if the cluster is showing -40 it means that there is an open circuit. First off, I tried replacing the outside temp sensor which didn't work. I then went ahead and checked resistance and all that at the sensor plug, on the sensors two cables where the sensor and headlight wiring meet up, on the plug from the junction box that goes straight to the instrument cluster, and on the plug that connects to the instrument cluster. All wiring showed good connection. I think this is the instrument cluster, since there is a very big chance the cluster went bad because my vehicle once had problems where the vehicles electrical system got too much voltage from a jump and the CAS had to be replaced. Now for the question, I bought a used instrument cluster off ebay. The cluster is off a 2008 328i with navigation. My car is a 2007 328xi without navigation. When I plug the new cluster in, will i still have my old mileage? Also, will there be any error codes? If there are any problems because of the navigation and the 2 wheel drive will it be possible to recode the cluster to non-navi and 4 wheel drive? PLEASE HELP AND ALL HELP APPRECIATED
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09-06-2012, 06:28 PM	#5
Juiced46 Captain Drives: 03 Turbo Cobra, 2011 335xi Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Wallingford CT Posts: 978 iTrader: (3)	DESI... is right. The used cluster is definetely not going to work since the VIN is written to it and cannot be changed. You may be able to plug it in and have some features work but it cant happen. I still think you have a wiring problem. Did you check the wire from the end of the wire @ the harness( where it connects to sensor) to the end where it connects to the cluster? You need to check both wires individually. Sounds like there is an open somewhere. __________________ 2013 Alpine White F10 535i. JB4 S2, Quad Tip Magnaflow Exhaust, H&R Springs 2011 335ix Le Mans Blue w/ M Sport SOLD 2003 Turbo Cobra 765rwhp/650rwtq 9.77@126 pump gas, lifting @ the 1000ft mark

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09-04-2012, 10:18 PM	#4
DESI4life10 Brigadier General Drives: Coding: Desi4life10@gmail.com Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: West of Toronto, Canada Posts: 3,364 iTrader: (18)	Unless you flash the eeprom chip on the used cluster or replace it with a blank one, you wont be able to used that used cluster.

09-24-2012, 03:38 PM	#6
adnanm3 Private Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NYC Posts: 86 iTrader: (2)	I need to replace the cluster in my 335i (cluster and miscellaneous interior parts were stolen). What is the best route for me to go? I found used clusters on ebay for ~150-200, but am unsure about coding. Local coders say they are unable to do it for me. What features will work without the proper coding? Will the car at least be drivable?