Instrument Cluster Lights

[bmwstephen]

So I recently got my cluster rebuilt and don't have a normal one to compare it too since my last cluster had many burnt out bulbs. Anyway, this is how the cluster looks like when the key is turned to accessories. As circled in the two pictures, the brake light doesn't appear to light up and there are two opposing arrows not detailed in the manual. Can anyone shed some light?

[Click]

Brake lining light doesn't light up on acc on mine, only when key is turned to the start position does it light up for me. I don't think the arrows are used on us models, I dont think a bulb is supposed to be in there.

[bowtie2bimmer]

The brake lining light is for the pads. There is also a parking brake light. The lining light does not come on unless the crush sensor is crushed, so that's normal for it to not light up in accessory. As for the arrows, no idea. I have two clusters and neither have that.

[Cosmic Serpent]

The arrow bulb might need to be in the check engine spot.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByS8EFRzCvc0Yzd0VHJCTTZZUVE/edit

[bmwstephen]

^ LOL I feel like a doofus

[agent]

Stephen, I was just working on my cluster yesterday. I believe the bulb that is in that double arrow socket should be in your Check Engine socket, which on my (early) cluster is the outermost round socket closest to the driver door. I can verify this when I get home this afternoon.

ninja edit: I type too slow...

[Cosmic Serpent]

? What do you have in the switch socket above the stereo?

[dnguyen1963]

The CEL light is in the wrong location. Previous owner probably removed the Brake Lining bulb. They are annoying as hell...non-stop flickering even with new brake pad sensors.

[JasonC]

The arrows are for when you have a trailer in tow.

[bmwstephen]

? What do you have in the switch socket above the stereo?

that's my alarm's LED

[Cosmic Serpent]

sorry the one to the left of it, looks like a small lcd? could just be a reflection.

[bmwstephen]

sorry the one to the left of it, looks like a small lcd? could just be a reflection.

oh nah thats just a reflection of my stereo's cage. i forgot to put the blank cover back in

[bmwstephen]

unrelated..

when my odometer rolls, it kinda makes a click noise, is this normal for these mechanical style clusterS?

[dnguyen1963]

The arrows are for when you have a trailer in tow.

There is a video on the net showing E30 towing a trailer...pretty funny, but with a sad ending as expected.

[Cosmic Serpent]

haha now I see.