Dave's tip of the day!

[oh2fly]

On e30s when you need to remove the instrument cluster, here is a way to do it without removing the steering wheel or scratching the lens while doing it. First turn the key just enough to unlock the steering wheel, but not turn on the radio. Remove all the screws holding cluster to dash. Then place a towel on top of the steering column. Pull the cluster toward you laying it on the towel. Unhook the plugs making note where they all go. Now, pull the cluster inside the steering wheel at the ten o'clock position. While turning the steering wheel slowly counter-clockwise, draw the cluster out of the dash and down towards the carpet. It should slide right out with no damage or hassle removing the wheel and getting it on straight again.

[Aerton]

Thanks I will have to try that as I don't want to mess with my airbag!

[ldsbeaker]

I guess this kinda depends on which steering wheel you have.
I have Mtech I, I think. (3 spoke with the ///M color band on the bottom spoke)

[NC325iC]

its not that hard ive been able to sorta wrestle it out without damaging it

[MikeE30325i]

I wanted to remove it once, but didnt because i didnt want to pull the steering wheel.

[PeaveyBassist]

Pulling the steering wheel is the EASIEST thing youve ever done in your life. Especially if you have a non airbag wheel. Pry up on the center roundel with a tiny flathead screwdriver. It will pop out. Under that will be a 22mm nut. Leave the steering wheel locked and loosen this. Youll have to turn the key on to be able to pull off the wheel. Before you pull it off scratch the column and wheel with a screwdriver or something so you have a reference when putting it back on.

If you have an airbag, there will be 2 T30 screws on the back of the wheel. Undo those and the airbag will come out. Unplug it and set it to the side. Then there will be the 22mm nut under that. Mark the column and pull the wheel off.

Will

[Jand3rson]

Great tip Dave! I always just pull my steering wheel though, just a 22mm nut. And since I have an M-Tech II wheel, I don't even have to pop the roundel out. :D

[rede30]

I have pulled many guages on many different wheels and i have never had a problem and i never pull the wheel.

[oh2fly]

Please follow Bentley's instructions when removing an airbag wheel. Dangerous job that can hurt you if you mess up.

[PeaveyBassist]

Blah blah blah disconnect the battery for 30 minutes or whatever. Just take it out. You would be surprised that most shops dont wait 30 minutes or whatever to take an airbag out.

Will

[oh2fly]

Blah blah blah disconnect the battery for 30 minutes or whatever. Just take it out. You would be surprised that most shops dont wait 30 minutes or whatever to take an airbag out.

Will

Does that make it right?
Why take that chance of getting your face blown off? There is a reason why safety precautions need to be taken with airbags. Maybe I am getting old, but that is not the way I want to die.

[Jand3rson]

I have pulled many guages on many different wheels and i have never had a problem and i never pull the wheel.

That's great for you. That's exactly what Dave's tip is. I do because it just makes it easier.

[EtaSport]

I have pulled many guages on many different wheels and i have never had a problem and i never pull the wheel.

Same here. I didnt even know they recommend taking the steering wheel out. I've had mine out about 20 times. But it is true, its not too difficult to pop it off if you've got a non airbag wheel.