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Re: fuel economy instrument gauge-1987 325 ic

 Dale, 

 I had a similar problem on my '89 325i. In my case it was the first
sign of a failing battery board (the board that has those little
green service lights. Each green light stands for a $20 bill and
when all 5 go out you got to pay the dealer $100 get them lit
again. :)  ) Seriously, the fuel economy gage is electric, it works
on rmp, speed and throttle position, I believe. The second sign
will likely be a failing/ intermitent tachometer, then an intermitent
temperature gage. The service lights may or may not fail too.

 New battry boards are about $250 from a dealer, but you can get a
rebuilt one from a varity of parts houses for about $120. You have to
remove the insturment cluster and lower dash parts (under the insturments
and under the steering wheel to replace the board. Not a hard job,
but you have to know where the hidden thum scwers are. 

 However, the battery board has not effect on the operation of the
vehicle. If you done mind being without a fuel economy gage, and 
the other instruments, then don't sweat it. I drove my 325 for 100k
miles with a bad board. The service lights were shot, as was the
fuel economy gage, but the tack and temperature only failed
intermitantly. If the temperature gage shoul go out permenantly,
I would recomend replacement at that time. I finally replaced mine
when I sold the car last july.

  I would be happy to talk to you about the replacement procedure,
if you like.

 John k...