[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

[Juiced46]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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?

[RustyBMW]

Were you able to find a solution to this?? When I first read your post I had to make sure that I didn't write it while I was asleep or something because this is exactly what I'm experiencing. Please get back to me ASAP!!

[wilbur_the_goose]

You may need to go to the dealer for this. Federal law prevents tampering with the odometer, and the odometer is part of the instrument cluster.

[deepsrd]

When using a used cluster from another car, three things will happen:
1. A tamper dot will appear next to your mileage.
2. Your service data will disappear from the CIC/CCC and from the stalk, however, they are still stored in the car, just will not be displayed.
3. Your car will write the mileage of the cluster, if it is higher than your current one. (This is irreversible, so check what the mileage on the new cluster is)

Everything else will work fine.

[RuinE90d]

I swapped e90 instrument clusters about a year ago but never had it coded didn't notice the tamper dot. Also hadn't read about the issues with this. On Monday the mileage erroneously increased by 40k miles (I assume to reflect the donor car)! Obviously I want to restore the original mileage... but just read the above post that it's irreversible!?

I have a hard time believing the original mileage isn't in the ECU.

[Sensible_]

Originally Posted by RuinE90d

I swapped e90 instrument clusters about a year ago but never had it coded didn't notice the tamper dot. Also hadn't read about the issues with this. On Monday the mileage erroneously increased by 40k miles (I assume to reflect the donor car)! Obviously I want to restore the original mileage... but just read the above post that it's irreversible!?

I have a hard time believing the original mileage isn't in the ECU.

I've never heard of this. If VIN is mismatched and tamper dot is present car mileage and cluster mileage stay separate. Did it ever show tamper dot?

[RuinE90d]

Yes, tamper dot is present. However, when I plugged in the 335 cluster my vehicle mileage was shown. I drove it for over a year with no issue (I'm pretty sure the tamper dot was there since swapping). This week the displayed mileage went from 906xx to 131xxx and the tamper dot is displayed.

[ptpending]

technically it is reversible, but legally is not
if your order new cluster from dealer, it will have 0 mileage and take mileage from other ECU
but in your current situation this will not help, because other important ECU already copied new mileage from KOMBI

[Sensible_]

Originally Posted by RuinE90d

Yes, tamper dot is present. However, when I plugged in the 335 cluster my vehicle mileage was shown. I drove it for over a year with no issue (I'm pretty sure the tamper dot was there since swapping). This week the displayed mileage went from 906xx to 131xxx and the tamper dot is displayed.

I'm still not sure about this. Have you actually verified mileage in the modules which store odo? Try plugging in another KOMBI and see what is displayed.

[RuinE90d]

Seems like a terrible design if it writes from the cluster to the ECU.

All data should be stored on the ECU and displayed on the instrument panel.

I'm going to reach out to the stealership and some independent companies this week for discussion... Please refer me if you know an expert in the matter.

[Sensible_]

Originally Posted by RuinE90d

Seems like a terrible design if it writes from the cluster to the ECU.

All data should be stored on the ECU and displayed on the instrument panel.

I'm going to reach out to the stealership and some independent companies this week for discussion... Please refer me if you know an expert in the matter.

Hmmm, I still don't understand how this happened. I think you are the first person this has happened to 'randomly'.

Odo is stored in various modules for good reason.

As I said, buy a cheap used cluster off eBay to test or plug in some diagnostic equipment and start reading mileage from other modules.

[RuinE90d]

Here’s proof.. In process of trying to sell, Car fax now says mileage inconsistency. A dealer I went to recorded mileage 10/2017 at 142k, then a year later 10/2018 they recorded it at 133k. As of today the cluster says 131k. I think the 130k range is generally accurate since I’ve driven it over the last 4 years since swapping the cluster. It’s almost as if the cluster is self correcting.

[desertman123]

Yeah always use a cluster that has fewer miles than your car currently has.

I bought a 135i cluster and stuck it in my car. The EEPROM on my cluster and the new one were the same model number, so I literally just desoldered my current one and soldered it into the 135i cluster. Recalibrated the needles with PerfektToolbox, coded to stock with NCSExpert, and haven't had 1 single issue.

The proper way is to use an R270 programmer (or equivalent) and write your VIN to the chip, then the car will see everything matches and adjust mileage to your own car's accordingly.

[colorado.e9x]

Originally Posted by desertman123

Yeah always use a cluster that has fewer miles than your car currently has.

I bought a 135i cluster and stuck it in my car. The EEPROM on my cluster and the new one were the same model number, so I literally just desoldered my current one and soldered it into the 135i cluster. Recalibrated the needles with PerfektToolbox, coded to stock with NCSExpert, and haven't had 1 single issue.

The proper way is to use an R270 programmer (or equivalent) and write your VIN to the chip, then the car will see everything matches and adjust mileage to your own car's accordingly.

A 135 cluster in an E9X? Please take pictures, that sounds like it'd look really good.

[desertman123]

Originally Posted by colorado.e9x

A 135 cluster in an E9X? Please take pictures, that sounds like it'd look really good.

No I have a 128i

[dj_aivan]

The memory must be reset. You will see the mileage of the donor car and it will not work properly. If you still do not succeed, I can help with info, if you have the necessary programmer. You should have a "point" after the mileage.