DIY

Dr.Sommer · 04-02-2007, 04:39 AM

I just completed an Interior mod which was a little bit delicate - I had to dismantle the dashboard. But i am very happy with the result, I think it gives the cockpit a very sporty touch.

I have painted the needles with a red permanent marker. If this is done carefully, it looks truly OEM, like on the M-Car Dashes.

What is needed:
1 Set of Torx nuts/bits/screwdrivers
1 Edding 500 permanent markers or similar
1 Bottle of

-Make Yourself familiar with the Service Menu on the cluster, to be able to run the Display self test - quite simple, here is a link

How to remove the gauge cluster:
1 Move the steering wheel down as far as possible
2 Pull it towards You fully - Now there is sufficient space to remove the cluster - it is not necessary to remove the steering wheel!
3 Remove the 2 torx screws on top of the cluster
4 Tilt the upper side of the cluster out of the dash to reveal the connector
5 Open the safety latch on the connector, but leave the connector in place
6 Press and hold the odometer reset button and insert the key fob
7 Select menu 2.00 by pressing the reset button repeatedly
8 Start the KI test
9 When the needles point to 12 o`clock position, pull the connector out
10 Now all 4 needles are in a position, where they can be reached with the pen from all sides.
11 Move the cluster out between the steering wheel and the dashboard.

Now the cluster lays on your kitchen table, ready for dismantling:

1 Remove all 4 torx screws on the rear of the cluster
2 Open carefully the plastic hooks around the cluster (hooks)
3 Remove the gauge bezel (part #1)
4 Now it should look like this, but with the needles in 12 o`clock position - i did not have the correct picture

When You start painting the needles, bear in mind to:

- Paint not only the top surface, but also the side surface of each needle (bottom surface is coulored white

)
- put a sheet of paper under the needles, to prevent painting the dial

- Move the pen only in ONE direction, from the center of the needle to the end
- After the first layer of paint, let it dry and do a second or even third layer until it looks good
- Don`t start another layer when the paint is still wet, this will mess up the finish and You will see dark spots when the dashboard lighting is on

- Avoid leaving fingerprints anywhere inside the gauges/dials/displays

Assemble everything back together, insert the dashboard connector into the cluster and run the KI test to re-calibrate the needles to their zero-positions.

good Luck!

mosport70 · 04-02-2007, 07:35 AM

Interesting... a very unique mod.

Did you take any photos of the dash and cluster diassembly?

KL2DC · 04-02-2007, 08:33 AM

that's quite a DIY-mod. Any pics of the process?

Autobot · 04-02-2007, 09:30 AM

How do they look when they are lit up?

Zirenz2006 · 04-02-2007, 09:37 AM

Nice Mod! It amazes me what people here think to do to their cars.

txusa03 · 04-02-2007, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr.Sommer

If this is done carefully, it looks truly OEM, like on the M-Car Dashes.

But does this mod increase your car performance to ///M capability? I would do it if it makes my car perform like an ///M. j/k

Very nice work. But how well does the ink hold up after a while and being exposed to sunlight. I guess you will let us know in a year or so.

ChadE · 04-02-2007, 10:11 AM

You did a very good job and it looks nice but i think i will sitck to my orange ones...i also would like to see some night pics.

antidentite · 04-02-2007, 11:45 AM

I would also like to see some night pictures, since I'd be worried about not being able to see the needles in the dark...

teknochild · 04-02-2007, 12:02 PM

kinda like it actually, but only on the tach

i wouldnt do this though because its a garuntee i would mess things up (paint HATES me)

E90330iS · 04-02-2007, 05:50 PM

Cool! The red is a little too bright for my taste though.

spacedogg · 04-02-2007, 05:59 PM

any photos of what the needle looks like at night when the gauges are fully illuminated? a couple shots, I see the gauges are illuminated...but looks like they were taken during the day.

beauderek · 04-02-2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chade7320

You did a very good job and it looks nice but i think i will sitck to my orange ones...i also would like to see some night pics.

Mine are white. (orange with lights on)

shragon · 04-02-2007, 06:40 PM

nice job!! looks good!!

i did this on my e34. i liked the results.

Chesmu · 04-02-2007, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mosport70

Interesting... a very unique mod.

Did you take any photos of the dash and cluster diassembly?

Click on the links that are within the instructions.

xWeST · 07-06-2012, 09:26 AM

Could you please update the post with the pictures (broken links) or a video in youtube?

335iaz · 07-06-2012, 09:29 AM

wow holy revive thread batman.

04-02-2007, 04:39 AM	#1
Dr.Sommer Private First Class 39 Rep 153 Posts Drives: RWD BMW with nat. asp. 6 cyl. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: A iTrader: (0)	DIY - Red gauge needles for instrument cluster I just completed an Interior mod which was a little bit delicate - I had to dismantle the dashboard. But i am very happy with the result, I think it gives the cockpit a very sporty touch. I have painted the needles with a red permanent marker. If this is done carefully, it looks truly OEM, like on the M-Car Dashes. *What is needed:* 1 Set of Torx nuts/bits/screwdrivers 1 Edding 500 permanent markers or similar 1 Bottle of -Make Yourself familiar with the Service Menu on the cluster, to be able to run the Display self test - quite simple, here is a link *How to remove the gauge cluster:* 1 Move the steering wheel down as far as possible 2 Pull it towards You fully - Now there is sufficient space to remove the cluster - it is not necessary to remove the steering wheel! 3 Remove the 2 torx screws on top of the cluster 4 Tilt the upper side of the cluster out of the dash to reveal the connector 5 Open the safety latch on the connector, but leave the connector in place 6 Press and hold the odometer reset button and insert the key fob 7 Select menu 2.00 by pressing the reset button repeatedly 8 Start the KI test 9 When the needles point to 12 o`clock position, pull the connector out 10 Now all 4 needles are in a position, where they can be reached with the pen from all sides. 11 Move the cluster out between the steering wheel and the dashboard. *Now the cluster lays on your kitchen table, ready for dismantling:* 1 Remove all 4 torx screws on the rear of the cluster 2 Open carefully the plastic hooks around the cluster (hooks) 3 Remove the gauge bezel (part #1) 4 Now it should look like this, but with the needles in 12 o`clock position - i did not have the correct picture *When You start painting the needles, bear in mind to:* - Paint not only the top surface, but also the side surface of each needle (bottom surface is coulored white ) - put a sheet of paper under the needles, to prevent painting the dial - Move the pen only in ONE direction, from the center of the needle to the end - After the first layer of paint, let it dry and do a second or even third layer until it looks good - Don`t start another layer when the paint is still wet, this will mess up the finish and You will see dark spots when the dashboard lighting is on - Avoid leaving fingerprints anywhere inside the gauges/dials/displays Assemble everything back together, insert the dashboard connector into the cluster and run the KI test to re-calibrate the needles to their zero-positions. *good Luck!*
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04-02-2007, 07:35 AM	#2
mosport70 First Lieutenant 11 Rep 332 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: South iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330xi [0.00] 2006 330xi [0.00] 2006 330xi [0.00]	Interesting... a very unique mod. Did you take any photos of the dash and cluster diassembly? __________________ 330xi Sparkling Graphite \| Terra with Burl Walnut \| ZPP \| ZSP with Style 162 \| Comfort Access \| Heated Seats \| PDC \| Navigation \| Satellite Radio \| OEM Alarm \| De-badged \| OEM Strut Brace \| Blacklines \| Rear Fogs \| Silver Front Indicator Bulbs Ordered: 4.3.2006 Scheduled for Production: 4.7.2006 Awaiting Transport: 4.13.2006 En Route: 4.19.2006 At Preparation Center: 5.11.2006 Performance Center Delivery: 06.01.2006
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04-02-2007, 08:33 AM	#3
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	that's quite a DIY-mod. Any pics of the process? __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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04-02-2007, 09:30 AM	#4
Autobot Brigadier General 84 Rep 3,106 Posts Drives: 15 F22 M235 6MT Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (8)	How do they look when they are lit up?
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04-02-2007, 09:37 AM	#5
Zirenz2006 Brigadier General 1542 Rep 4,558 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Comp IOMG Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: US - NE iTrader: (0)	Nice Mod! It amazes me what people here think to do to their cars. __________________ Current: 2021 ///M3 Competition Isle of Man Green Ordered: 2024 ///M2 Zandvoort Blue Past: 2018 X3 ///M40i \| 2012 *328i* \| 2009 *335i* \| 2007 *335i Coupe* \| 2005 *545i* \| 2001 *325i*
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04-02-2007, 10:11 AM	#7
ChadE Major 110 Rep 1,426 Posts Drives: 2008 328i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Davidson NC iTrader: (0)	You did a very good job and it looks nice but i think i will sitck to my orange ones...i also would like to see some night pics. __________________ "When you are passionate, you always have your destination in sight and you are not distracted by obstacles. Because you love what you are pursuing, things like rejection and setbacks will not hinder you in your pursuit. You believe that nothing can stop you!" - Coach K
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04-02-2007, 11:45 AM	#8
antidentite Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 269 Posts Drives: See signature Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Belleuve, WA iTrader: (0)	I would also like to see some night pictures, since I'd be worried about not being able to see the needles in the dark... __________________ Retired: '00 e46 (5mt) Retired: '07 e92 (6mt) Current: '08 S2000 (6mt) Current: '17 Porsche Macan GTS Current: '04 V8 4Runner
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04-02-2007, 12:02 PM	#9
teknochild Your resident 4um troll 123 Rep 2,020 Posts Drives: 335 coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: fl iTrader: (0)	kinda like it actually, but only on the tach i wouldnt do this though because its a garuntee i would mess things up (paint HATES me) __________________ RAWRrrrr
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04-02-2007, 05:50 PM	#10
E90330iS Major General 143 Rep 6,333 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arcadia, California iTrader: (56) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Cool! The red is a little too bright for my taste though. __________________ 2017 BMW M4 DCT Lease Transfer: https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8#post23736398
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04-02-2007, 05:59 PM	#11
spacedogg Colonel 195 Rep 2,816 Posts Drives: Debadged Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	any photos of what the needle looks like at night when the gauges are fully illuminated? a couple shots, I see the gauges are illuminated...but looks like they were taken during the day.
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04-02-2007, 06:40 PM	#13
shragon Moderator 497 Rep 27,441 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (7)	nice job!! looks good!! i did this on my e34. i liked the results. __________________ www.cardomain.com/id/shragon
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07-06-2012, 09:26 AM	#15
xWeST New Member 0 Rep 28 Posts Drives: BMW E82 120d ///M Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Barcelona, Spain iTrader: (0)	Could you please update the post with the pictures (broken links) or a video in youtube?
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07-06-2012, 09:29 AM	#16
335iaz Cause their greeaaaaat!!!! 29 Rep 717 Posts Drives: SBM E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Peoria, AZ iTrader: (14)	wow holy revive thread batman. __________________
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