Chip to fix Tach ?

[BMW03]

Does anyone know where I can find a chip that fixes the tach. I bought the car about a week ago, the guy that I bought it from is a mechanic, and he was just saying to replace a chip right in the dash that will fix the tach. If anyone knows if this is right, or where I can find the chip, please reply.

Thanks

[MrK]

If your tach is messed up, I think it's the SI baord that you need to repleace, not the 'chip' per se. IF by 'chip' you mean SI, then you're right.

[BMW03]

SI Board

I've never heard of that, is that under the steering wheel in the dash? Is it expensive? Where could I find a new one?

Sorry, Im a BMW rookie, but I love em!!

Thanks

[MrK]

That's correct, it's right behind the dash. From what I recall, it's not really cheap, so good luck finding one at a nice price.

Oh and welcome to the board :D

[BMW03]

Thanks

Aight, thanks, im going to look around for it, if you know anywhere to get it that would be awesome, becuase I have been looking and I can't find it anywhere.

Thanks

[MrK]

Umm buddy, in case you didn't notice my location, now would be a good time to look LOL. Either way, good luck :D

[DaN]

Is it a non original cluster? If so, you might need a coding plug.

[Febi Guibo]

It could be a bunch of things giving the tach problems, including the tach itself. When you open your cluster, pop the SI board out and look at the batteries.

You should resolder new batteries in regardless, as if they aren't shot, they will be soon.

The solder joints in the gauges can sometimes get broken and you can check the circuit boards and resolder anything that's come undone or shorted.

PM me if it turns out you need a new SI board. I have both types (lithium and ni-mh)

[BMW03]

SI Board

Thanks a ton for all the input. First, im going to pull out the SI Board today and look at the batteries and stuff, my one question is what all does the SI Board run, like if i were to mess that up would it mess other things up. Or is that just running the Tach. Im going to resolder whatever needs fixin, but if this doesn't turn out could you give me a price on those SI Boards, and I don't know which one I need.

Thanks.

[BMW03]

Hummmm

I am definatly having trouble, I tried to get out the SI Board and I couldn't, so if anyone can help please reply.

Thanks

[Kip]

Trouble???

Did you get cluster out?

One that is out, SI is easy...Get batts from somebody here, or Radio Shack has a close enough item, solder them it, caulk them down, good to go. Batteries can be charged in a AA charger prior to install.

As others have stated, check solder traces on back of cluster PCB.

Did my batteries, easy fix. Use a heat sink when soldering.

Oh, and LABEL CONNECTORS as you pull them off. Trust me here. Also, put towel on column to keep from scratching the clear cover.

I did not follow all the suggestions regarding static, with no ill effects.

Plenty of writeups on this, search net.

Get a Bentley book. Kick that mechanic in the head.

[BMW03]

Hummmm

Well, I am definatly a rookie, I just got my car about a week ago and I am still figuring everything out about it. I was under the dash looking for some stuff, and their was this thing in a metal box, I got that out and I thought it was the SI Board, but I don't know. I could not get the SI Board apart from the metal box, so therefore I was not able to solder a new battery onto it.
And I am kind of confused what the cluster is compared to the SI Board. Maybe the best thing for me would to be to get that bently book. If that is it, some tell me where I can get that.

Thanks for the help.

[lordofthewaters]

That metal box is your ABS control unit. Your SI board is actually inside your instrument cluster. You need to remove the cluster from the dash, take the blue or white back off of your cluster (I think it's about 8 screws) and then under the gauges you'll see a circuit board. THAT is your SI board.

[BMW03]

Thanks

Thanks a ton for the help. If any more problems I will definatly put another post up.