How to replace light behind odometer?

[shall27]

I have a '97 328i and the light behind the odometer is out. The odometer is working, I just can't easily see what is displayed. Can this be changed easily and is there a trick so I do not destroy my dash?

[98328i]

I have this same problem I have tried to remove the two upper screws on the gauges and tried pulling the cluster out but it seems that I would do alot of damage to the dash.

[Filehorse 525i]

I can't speak directly to your model but I had an E30 where I had to remove the instrument cluster and it came out with no problems. I suspect yours will as well but here's the deal - if you're having to force something, you're not doing it right! That 's true for all component removal/replacement on a BMW. There's a fastener or other retaining device which you've overlooked somewhere. The instrument cluster should come out circuit board and all. It comes out from the front and you won't need a crow bar to get it out!

The best thing I can recommend for anyone doing their own maintenance on a BMW is to spring for the Bentley Publications BMW Service Manual for your particular series. It sure is a lot easier to get where you want to be when you know how to get there.

Lotsa luck,

[DeRath]

The instrument cluster on the e36 comes out very easily. Unfortunately, it is hard to describe. The two screws are all that hold it in, but the way the dash is molded, the cluster does not want to pop out. Also when you do get it to pop out you have to rotate it so you can disconnect the wiring. The connectors have 'levers' built into them. Lifting up on the levers also pulls the connectors out of the sockets they are in. Once the cluster is disconnected pull it out from behind the steering wheel to the right. moving the tilt wheel all the way down helps. It rubs against the soft dash, but if your carefull, it won't screw it up. The lamps are easy to repace, if you bring the cluster to the dealer, they can get you all the bulbs you need. Plus you get the added benefit of having the guy at the dealer think you a freaking loon for taking your car apart.(don't do this in their parking lot untill your really good at it!)
Removing the bulbs and shining a flashlight into the hole helps to find the right bulb. Hope this helps. please don't blame me if you screw something up. Take your time, relax and try not to work in the hot sun..

[MacGyver]

I changed two bulbs on my '93 325is, and did similar to what DeRath described.
I thought about changing all of the bulbs while in there (thinking another one will burn out next month, and maybe another 6 months after that...) but opted not to, as it wasn't so bad getting the cluster out after all.
I couldnt get the cluster past the steering wheel in my attempts, and used a small wrench where my fingers couldnt reach to twist-unlock the bulb holders.

[NBA2]

I recently replaced my instrument cluster in the repair manuel it recomened to remove your stearing wheel to gain proper access removeing the wheel was pretty simple two crews hold your air bag onto the wheel wonce airbag removed a center bolt hold down wheel inplug connector remove wheel and your done remove negative battery cable to be safe