Should I be skeptical of my instrument cluster backside? MotoMeter 318is

[CubbyChowder]

I just took my cluster out in preparation to fix the odometer and tighten the grounding nut for the temp gauge (which was totally loose by the way), and when I got it out, I noticed that there were areas where it seems bulbs were removed. After searching a bit, it seems its common for certain holes to be left without bulbs but I want to see if you guys with more experience on these can see anything suspicious. This is a MotoMeter out of my 318is by the way.

Red arrows indicate where there were no bulbs whatsoever

Green arrows indicate where there were bulbs but they were removed when I took the cluster out

The yellow arrow is just a threaded stud sticking out, very similar to the grounding nut for the temp gauge, should this have a washer and nut on it as well? Could this be causing a light or warning not to show up?

The speedometer, gas gauge, RPM gauge, and temp gauge are all working by the way. It's just the odometer that doesn't work. Thank you so much in advance for helping out.

[reelizmpro]

Center check light? And foglight bulbs are missing? Always found it interesting that bmw never used an overheat warning lamp for e30 coolant temp even though there is a socket for it and the red is transparent.

[CubbyChowder]

Center check light? And foglight bulbs are missing? Always found it interesting that bmw never used an overheat warning lamp for e30 coolant temp even though there is a socket for it and the red is transparent.

Oops forgot to mention fog light bulbs were removed as well. The center "check" light, what purpose does it serve? I see there is already another check engine light which has a bulb.

So I take it the warning light for the temp gauge doesn't normally come with a bulb?

[reelizmpro]

Do 318iS have a "check engine" light? I don't know. If it does, that bulb wouldn't be in the cluster as it has it's own socket that slides into one of the holes there. The "check" light in the cluster is for the check control panel. You do have a check control panel right?

[CubbyChowder]

Do 318iS have a "check engine" light? I don't know. If it does, that bulb wouldn't be in the cluster as it has it's own socket that slides into one of the holes there. The "check" light in the cluster is for the check control panel. You do have a check control panel right?

Yes there is a red check engine light which would show up on the bottom left portion of the cluster when looking at it from the drivers seat. I am unsure whether I have a check control panel light or not, this is my first e30 and I bought it 2 days ago and don't know much about them yet

[reelizmpro]

Look for a loose bulb in it's own socket somewhere back there on the left side. That bulb slides into the cluster behind the "check engine" telltale.

This is your check panel...



Since you have a 318, it may or may not have it.

[Gregs///M]

The yellow arrows are ABS and check engine light. Its normal to have several bulb sockets that are no populated.

Yes, there should be a nut on the other side of the cluster, like the gas gauge. Metric nut, 7mm.

[Todd Black 88]

Not certain, but 318is cars from 1991 have no check panel, so I would assume no check light inthe middle of the cluster.