Cluster Woes - Fuel Tank and Odometer

[dinanm3atl]

1987 325iS
24V Swap

Original Cluster when purchased and ALL functions working was an E30 M3 Cluster. VDO was the make. Tach, Odo, Fuel Gauge etc. All functioning.

Switch to VDO standard 325iS cluster. Remove the 'sim' that was on the ground lead for the tach. Reconnect as stock. Now I have everything working except for Fuel Gauge(1/2 is empty). This cluster has new gears installed and speedometer works but the cluster will not count miles.

Assume I actually need the Motometer based on the year. Purchase. Install. Functions are all the same as above. 1/2 is empty. No odometer counting... this is a known working cluster.

So what gives? How do I make all functions work properly? Without an E30 m3 cluster!

[jlevie]

If the gauge reads full when the tank is filled but only reads half when the tank is empty you have a cluster from 9/87 or later car. Those cars have the 63L with two level sensors where an early car has a single level sensor. The fix is to change the gauge in the cluster to the early variant.

The odometer problem could be binging in the odometer drive, a bad stepper motor or a bad control board.

[dinanm3atl]

Wow thanks Jim!


So I need to put an early fuel gauge onto either my VDO or Motometer cluster. Then test the Stepper Motor or control board? Any 'details' on doing that?

[dinanm3atl]

Anyone comment on the odometer motor thing? How to test?

[rios26]

I have exactly the same issue. Any updates?

[dinanm3atl]

Not yet. I think I need to put in a new fuel tank gauge in.