Hi all. My old trusted and faithful BMW 520i (1983) is starting to show signs of it's age (was going to call it a HER

but I'm sure the boss would banish me to the garage for good). I have two problems that I hope someone will be able to help me with? Firstly, the speedo stopped working one day and at the same time the economy gauge stopped! All other instruments seem to work fine. Have check the auto trans and all seems to be in order.
Secondly, what type of front suspension does the beast have? It handle like a racing car now w/ what feels like no shocks left in the front (braking is a nightmare!!!) Once again the boss won't drive the car now and that meens I cannot get into the Chev350 wagon

)
Can anyone help out with these little problems (the garage is getting cold now)?