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Instrument cluster removal - jumpy temp gauge

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    Instrument cluster removal - jumpy temp gauge

    Hi all. Picked up a new to me 91 318is over the weekend. Loving it so far! The temp gauge jumps around and reads high. If I tap on the dash it drops back down. It has been suggested that there is a ground that needs to be cleaned and tightened on the back of the instrument cluster. Can someone let me know how to get the cluster out? Do I need to remove the steering wheel? If so, how does that come out - I've never removed a wheel that has an airbag.

    Thanks!

    #2
    sigpic

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      #3
      Put a terry cloth large rag over the top of the steering console area so that when you pull the instrument cluster out the face of it will be protected and not get scratched up as it is pulled across the top of the steering column area.

      Made that mistake and now I remember this one important fact! Everything else is covered in the excellent write up linked above ^

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        #4
        Not too difficult of a job, I've had to do it several times. Def get the steering wheel off, don't forget to mark center or you will have to guess when reinstalling it. Be careful not to scratch the plastic, use a towel or something. Also be really careful with those plastic V shaped mounting brackets on top, they crack easily. Just take your time with it, a nicely functioning e30 cluster is therapeutic. However... I still have cluster woes. Goodluck bud.

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          #5
          Thanks all of the directions and words of advice! One last question. It's an airbag steering wheel - which makes me nervous. Doesn't look like the roundel in the center is removable - so, how do I remove it?

          Thanks again!

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            #6
            Need to do this also, thanks

            I am away from my computer, being lazy!
            sigpicMy Project!

            Official North Texas Bimmers Club E30 Representative

            www.BimmerAlliance.net

            "If you have questions about events or need help in the DFW area don't be afraid to contact me."

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              #7
              you dont have to remove the steering wheel. I've got an mtech 1 wheel. Ive pulled my cluster 5 or 6 times without removing the wheel
              98 M3/4/5

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                #8
                It takes less than two minutes to remove the wheel...

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                  #9
                  Originally posted by dnguyen1963 View Post
                  It takes less than two minutes to remove the cluster..
                  Fixed

                  -NICK

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                    #10
                    Originally posted by Balleristic31 View Post
                    Fixed
                    No, more like 5 min. 2 for the wheel and 3 for the cluster.

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                      #11
                      there are 2 torx screw heads in the backside of the steering wheel. loosen these to remove the air bag, once off you can get to the 22mm nut to remove steering wheel. As some have mentioned, you do not need to remove the steering wheel- I always do because it comes off easy and fast and makes the rest of the job easier. If it's your first time removing the cluster, then take your time and I bet you'll enjoy it more without that steering wheel.

                      GL
                      keep posted.

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                        #12
                        Originally posted by dnguyen1963 View Post
                        It takes less than two minutes to remove the wheel...
                        unless you dont have a socket that fits
                        98 M3/4/5

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                          #13
                          Originally posted by randomtask37 View Post
                          unless you dont have a socket that fits
                          You onwed an E30 and you do not have a 22 mm socket?

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                            #14
                            Yeah, an airbag wheel takes just a little longer, but really, you don't need to remove the wheel at all to get the cluster out.

                            Originally posted by whysimon
                            WTF is hello Kitty (I'm 28 with no kids and I don't have cable)

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                              #15
                              Originally posted by ethirtydavid View Post
                              there are 2 torx screw heads in the backside of the steering wheel. loosen these to remove the air bag, once off you can get to the 22mm nut to remove steering wheel. As some have mentioned, you do not need to remove the steering wheel- I always do because it comes off easy and fast and makes the rest of the job easier. If it's your first time removing the cluster, then take your time and I bet you'll enjoy it more without that steering wheel.

                              GL
                              keep posted.
                              Disconnect the negative battery cable BEFORE you try to remove the air bag!

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