<E30> re:'87 E30 325iC gage cluster light is out

[Christopher Pawlowicz <chrisp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Peter suggests
>decide exactly how to repair the backlight for my tachometer and temperature
>gage. I know that it couldn't be the light bulbs since there is a dozen of
>them or so and the cluster is completely dark

bzzzt.. incorrect

there are *two* light bulbs that light up the instrument cluster..
one on the left (fuel gauge/ speedo) and, you guessed it, one on the right
(tach + temp gauge)

you *can* change the bulbs by reaching up and behind but it is a big PITA

much easier (and not much longer) to remove instrument cluster and change
the bulbs ( I can remove my cluster in <10 mins now :)

check the faqs for removing the instrument cluster
basically, you drop the kick panel
reach up behind and remove 2 knurled knobs, which loosens the trim above/
behind the steering wheel.. exposing
4 screws.. + 4 more up and around the gauge cluster.. (?)

some wiggling and the whole cluster can be removed (no need to remove
steering wheel)

bulbs are 3W (if you use 5W you will melt the orange caps)
they are glass only bulbs with filament wires sticking out the bottom and
 push into the holder

if the caps are melted, you may not be able to remove the bulbs..
in that case you need to undo the cluster (10 screws or something)
which gives you access to the other side of the bulbs with caps (which snap
off).

hope this helps

chris pawlowicz
'89 325i
'74 2002

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