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    #1

    removing instrument cluster, airbag wheel..

    I'm having a hell of a time getting my instrument cluster out. I've gotten the trim panel and screws removed, but I can't get by big fat hands back there to disconnect the plugs.

    I know if I can pull it out another inch or so I could get it out, but the plastic cover on the steering column is in the way. to remove that, requires that I remove the airbag steering wheel, which I need to do anyway (got something else coming!).

    which leads me to my question.. to remove the airbag cover are apparently 2 torx screws on the back of the wheel. I don't have anything that fits in there, what size/what are they?

    anyone else have any tips on removing the cluster? I pulled the ABS computer out so I could get my hands in there, but it's still too tight. I'll probably pull the airbag computer next. my non-airbag parts car was a breeze, so I wasn't expecting this to be very difficult at all. I've tried twice now without success.

    also does anyone know what I need to do to fit a non-airbag wheel on an airbag car?
    Build thread

    Bimmerlabs
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    #2
    The torx screws I think... are t25... but I'm probably wrong, so wait for a 2nd opinion on that one.

    To put a non airbag wheel on... youll need to put the new wheel on the column and use a couple spacers before you put on the new nut. The spacers can be washers/lock washers/extra spacers like the ones behind the wheel/etc. And thats it. Pretty easy. Once you put the new wheel on and the nut back on the column it should be pretty obvious what you need to do.

    Will
    RIP e30 (brilliantrot '91 325i) 11/17/06 Byebye: 8/21/07
    Welcome e30 (brilliantrot '90 325is) 12/23/06
    DaveCN = Old Man
    My signature picture was taken by ME! Not by anyone else!



    Originally posted by george graves
    If people keep quoting me in their sig, I'm going to burn this motherfucker down.

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      #3
      I know that I pulled the wheel off when I pulled the cluster out of my 318is as well as everything under the dash. As for the torx issue I would go to sears or the local parts store and get a set of torx bit drivers or small torx sockets. I have both at home.

      For the fit ment of the non airbag wheel you need to put spacers in so you can tighten the wheel down. Since the airbag wheel is thicker.
      :: PNW Crew ::
      '87 325 4dr, '74 2002

      Comment

        #4
        i've taken my cluster out more times than i would have liked too on my '91 318is.
        there may be easier ways to do this, but i removed all kick panels underneath, removed steering wheel (you'll need the tool for that, looks like * hehe), lowered column, removed trim around cluster, then removed cluster.
        lame, but that's what i found i needed to do.
        but if you decide that you want to take your cluster out every weekend for the next 2 months, you'll soon be a pro like me!

        Comment

          #5
          I've basically done everything other than removing the wheel and the plastic covers around the column. I guess what I know what I'll be doing on thursday..
          Build thread

          Bimmerlabs

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            #6
            Wish ya luck with the air bag wheel. I have been told to leave the bat disconnected for at least a few hours prior to taking it apart... just in case. Mine had already had the airbag removed from a previous accident and was never replaced..
            :: PNW Crew ::
            '87 325 4dr, '74 2002

            Comment

              #7
              Everybody says wait a while blah blah blah. But really... I've taken em off without waiting a million times and nothing has happened. Just take it off right away and save yourself some time.

              Will
              RIP e30 (brilliantrot '91 325i) 11/17/06 Byebye: 8/21/07
              Welcome e30 (brilliantrot '90 325is) 12/23/06
              DaveCN = Old Man
              My signature picture was taken by ME! Not by anyone else!



              Originally posted by george graves
              If people keep quoting me in their sig, I'm going to burn this motherfucker down.

              Comment

                #8
                Originally posted by PeaveyBassist View Post
                Everybody says wait a while blah blah blah. But really... I've taken em off without waiting a million times and nothing has happened. Just take it off right away and save yourself some time.

                Will
                lol...i'm guilty of taking it off with the battery in

                Comment

                  #9
                  Originally posted by backtrail69 View Post
                  Wish ya luck with the air bag wheel. I have been told to leave the bat disconnected for at least a few hours prior to taking it apart... just in case. Mine had already had the airbag removed from a previous accident and was never replaced..
                  not worried about it. you can disconnect the airbag right under the column, there's a plastic cover and the connector is inside. that was the first thing that I did when I was in there. ;)
                  Build thread

                  Bimmerlabs

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                    #10
                    Did your airbag even go off from your front end collision? How is that going? I guess we could talk next week more about it.
                    :: PNW Crew ::
                    '87 325 4dr, '74 2002

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                      #11
                      ive taken mine out so many times, due to shitty clusters. i too have big hands, all i do is use a long thin flat head and pry up on the plugs on the back of the cluster and they pop off. then be carefull when squeezing it by the steering wheel because you dont wanna break any of the mounting tabs off.
                      1988 e30 alpine white vert 5speed
                      1987 e30 325 eta
                      1983 e28 533
                      2001 x5 4.4l
                      1997 e36 M3 Alpine white 5speed
                      1991 Jeep XJ I6 4.0

                      Comment

                        #12
                        Originally posted by backtrail69 View Post
                        Did your airbag even go off from your front end collision? How is that going? I guess we could talk next week more about it.
                        nope!

                        it's going very well :D
                        Build thread

                        Bimmerlabs

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Originally posted by mitch500 View Post
                          ive taken mine out so many times, due to shitty clusters. i too have big hands, all i do is use a long thin flat head and pry up on the plugs on the back of the cluster and they pop off. then be carefull when squeezing it by the steering wheel because you dont wanna break any of the mounting tabs off.
                          What happens if you break them off? will the cluster not stay in the dash?

                          Comment

                            #14
                            it's still held in on the bottom, but it might not be as secure. they're fairly flexible though, you'd have to be pretty ham fisted to break them.
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                            Bimmerlabs

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