How to remove instrument cluster

[richardb]

Guys here's a video tutorial on how to remove the gauge cluster easily step by step:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og0mN9NLl6s

[jeffnhiscars]

That can be arranged...:devil:, but seriously where did you find that wheel?

Same place I find many of my goodies....here....in the FS section. The seller even posted a pic of it

[dnguyen1963]

That can be arranged...:devil:, but seriously where did you find that wheel?

[jeffnhiscars]

I want that wheel...now!

It's yours....the moment you pry it out of my cold dead hands ;)

[dnguyen1963]

I want that wheel...now!

[jeffnhiscars]

Here's an even better reason to remove the wheel first

[estoguy]

Jeff is right!

[BMWManiac]

I've lost count of how many times I've re & re'ed a cluster and I've done it with and without removing the wheel. IMO it makes no sense to fiddle fart with it and risk scratching the lens or breaking a tab when it's one bolts and truly under a minute to pull the wheel

My 2c

Exactly

[jeffnhiscars]

I've lost count of how many times I've re & re'ed a cluster and I've done it with and without removing the wheel. IMO it makes no sense to fiddle fart with it and risk scratching the lens or breaking a tab when it's one bolts and truly under a minute to pull the wheel

My 2c

[kway]

I did it both ways, with and without the wheel. I would recommend putting some blue painter's tape or something similar on the lens to keep it as scratch free as possible!

That's actually a really good idea! I got in the habit of laying a microfiber cloth over the steering column/levers to prevent scratches, but usually still end up going after it with some plastic polish after the cluster is back in (probably just to remove scratches that had already been there and I didn't notice before).

I do like the tape idea though; I think that PLUS a microfiber cloth would pretty much guarantee no damage.

[JasonC]

First time removing a cluster I removed the wheel. After all said an done I said to myself, why did I waste my time doing that... Haven't removed a steering wheel since for any cluster removal

[e30onBBSs]

Removing the wheel or not it takes an extra 2 minutes total. Mark the steering wheel thread rack thing then line up the center there

[DER E30]

I did it both ways, with and without the wheel. I would recommend putting some blue painter's tape or something similar on the lens to keep it as scratch free as possible!

[BMWManiac]

Is it possible, yes, would I recommend it, no, not when the potential to either break a tab or damage the leather on the steering wheel has a higher probability than the alternative. In my opinion, not worth it.

[IceWhite]

I've done it a few times and I did not have to remove the steering wheel. It can be removed by wiggling a little toward the passenger side, and then out the passenger side. Don't forget to put a towel or cloth on the upper steering wheel cover so you don't scratch the plastic face of the instrument cluster. Also, it has been mentioned before, be careful of the "A" tabs. My car is a RHD if that actually matters.