Odometer not working

1988 BMW ci the odometer just started to not operate. The speedometer is working-installed new ni cad batteries in the circuit board (i charged them before installing). I've not replaced the sensor in the rear end yet because i've not seen anything that says that the odometer is in direct circuit to this sensor, I believe that the odometer is operated by the speedometer circuitry, though that is counter intuitive to an odometer reading miles and the speedometer reading mph. I think I have just reasoned myself into replacing the sensor. Any ideas?

are any of the other gauges acting up?

are any of the other gauges acting up?
NO, JUST THE ODOMETER--THE SPEEDOMETER IS WORKING, THE TACH,THE GAS GUAGE SHOWS IT EMPTY WHEN IT HAS HALF A TANK AND TEMP GUAGE IS OK

well the reason i asked is because a common problem in older e30's are the gauges and most times the reason stems from the circuit board being busted, or even cracked in some cases that i had read.

my gas gauge also does not read correctly most times, i typically use trip odometer to know when to fill up. when the other gauges go, ill replace my circuit board. that is what i read that would have to be done.

I'll replace the module in the rear end and post what happens.

I have the same problem please post results asap.mine stopped at 294000 thanks

Sad to hear someone also has the same problem. The problem is an odometer gear replacement. Checkout www.odometergears.com. Jeff makes gears just for you. He tells me the lub deterorates the gear material and the gears become soft like wax. All it takes is for one tooth to break and the odometer fails to operate. You can also use to small gear off a sanyo cd-rom. I recommend buying the set from jeff and clear future problems. Site is good. Thanks

I replaced the sensor in the rear end and it made no difference, the circuit board seems to be in good shape, my next step is either the gear replacement in the odometer or possible replacing the CI board(I've resoldered new batteries in it 5 months ago trying to fix problem to no avail). After that, if the gear replacement or the CI board replacement does not work it is time to go to a junk yard to get a replacement if possible(will not be easy to find)

This is a common problem on all E30 BMWs(I have owned 4 now, none have ever worked). It is a small gear in the odo that either gets shifted or just worn out cuz of a shift

Thanks for the info. I'll order the gear and try it. Chris

The gears in the odometer were just for lack of a better description jellified plastic--ordered new gears and will log results.

Sad to hear someone also has the same problem. The problem is an odometer gear replacement. Checkout www.odometergears.com. Jeff makes gears just for you. He tells me the lub deterorates the gear material and the gears become soft like wax. All it takes is for one tooth to break and the odometer fails to operate. You can also use to small gear off a sanyo cd-rom. I recommend buying the set from jeff and clear future problems. Site is good. Thanks

I have a 1981 320i, would this gear fix aply for my model?

:lol2: THE ODOMETER BE FIXED, THE GEARS WERE SIMPLE TO REPLACE AND WORKED GREAT. THANKS TO WWW.ODOMETERGEARS.COM.

danielman, where do you install the gear?? do you pull out the instrument cluster???

jz