Changing bulbs/lamps on Instument Cluster

[davidvh2]

Hi Folks

I need to change one or two lamps/bulbs on my instrument cluster. To do so I may need to disconnect cluster from wiring in order to remove cluster backing cover. After replacement of faulty lamps & replacing the cover & connecting back up, will I need to have the computer re-set? If so, this seems heavy penalty for just changng lamps so hopefully re-setting is not required unless one actually changes the cluster for some reason. Any advice most welcome.
Regards
Dave

[imnprsd]

Be sure to do a search on removing the instrument cluster and the SRS light. There are a couple tricks, and you don't want to trip your SRS light! What year is your car?

[davidvh2]

Originally Posted by imnprsd

Be sure to do a search on removing the instrument cluster and the SRS light. There are a couple tricks, and you don't want to trip your SRS light! What year is your car?

My car is a 2000 535TD. I've already removed the cluster (I found no need to remove the wheel). It was when I saw that I then needed to remove the cluster's rear cover, that I stopped. I stopped because I wasn't happy about disconnecting the 3 plugs which presumably connect to the computers either directly or indirectly. The Bently manual states that the replacement of the cluster does require reprogramming but I wouldn't actually be replacing the unit----only putting it back & reconnecting. In my mind, that's different but only somebody that's done the job, would know if a reprogramming were then required. Any ideas based on experience with the same job?
Rgds. Dave

[r barrett]

Originally Posted by davidvh2

My car is a 2000 535TD. I've already removed the cluster (I found no need to remove the wheel). It was when I saw that I then needed to remove the cluster's rear cover, that I stopped. I stopped because I wasn't happy about disconnecting the 3 plugs which presumably connect to the computers either directly or indirectly. The Bently manual states that the replacement of the cluster does require reprogramming but I wouldn't actually be replacing the unit----only putting it back & reconnecting. In my mind, that's different but only somebody that's done the job, would know if a reprogramming were then required. Any ideas based on experience with the same job?
Rgds. Dave

I have replaced several bulbs on my 93 325i, Also I repaired a attempted odometer tampering on a 88 325i convertable that my daughter had. I can't speek for your model, but the ni-cad baterries on yhe service indicator board retained the settings on both of my repairs.The ni-cad batteries are supposed to hold the memory for up to four months on these models. If it is the same as mine you have to make sure to slide the locking clip in the center of the 26 point connector plugs up before you attempt to take the plugs out of their sockets.Then take your time and carefully but forcefully pull the plug up off of the pins.I didn't have any problem at all. The 88 had a smaller plug that went into the side of the cover that if not removed would rip the circuit board off of the back of the speedometer. Thats what goober broke when he tried to tamper with the thing.

Good luck.

[davidvh2]

Originally Posted by r barrett

I have replaced several bulbs on my 93 325i, Also I repaired a attempted odometer tampering on a 88 325i convertable that my daughter had. I can't speek for your model, but the ni-cad baterries on yhe service indicator board retained the settings on both of my repairs.The ni-cad batteries are supposed to hold the memory for up to four months on these models. If it is the same as mine you have to make sure to slide the locking clip in the center of the 26 point connector plugs up before you attempt to take the plugs out of their sockets.Then take your time and carefully but forcefully pull the plug up off of the pins.I didn't have any problem at all. The 88 had a smaller plug that went into the side of the cover that if not removed would rip the circuit board off of the back of the speedometer. Thats what goober broke when he tried to tamper with the thing.

Good luck.

Thanks & sorry to have not written back sooner but I've been away on a long trip. I'm still nervous about doing what you say but only because they are actually different models & with electronics being as they are, I'd rather not find out the hard way. Nevertheless, appreciate your input & may take the chance yet.
David