E30 Instrument Problems (looking for parts/advice)

[Im4BMW@xxxxxxx]

Hello Everyone,

First, sorry for the cross-post, but I want to reach a wide audience(I'm no 
expert on this problem area). 

I need some help from you E30 bimmerphiles....my son's recently purchased '87 
325is (with 178k miles)...now has a new timing belt, water pump, fluids, 
plugs, dist cap, thermostat, etc. etc.(the car is receiving alot of 
tlc)...but two annoying minor problems still persist...the car has an erratic 
temp gauge and the trip computer is flashing (and won't set properly).

First, I believe the temp gauge may be faulty...it will show about 3/4 hot 
when it is running at only about 160 to 170 degrees (and not all the 
time...but most of the time)...I just spent a small fortune having the car 
gone through ...my mechanic thought it might have a cracked head(oh no!), but 
that fear has subsided for now...the culprit seems to be the blasted temp 
gauge...why didn't it do that before I bought the car?...<g>.

I was thinking the service indicator circuit board may be faulty(the green 
lights do come on when I reset it and stay off, so the batteries seem 
fine)...I understand the circuit board also controls the gauges (like the 
temp gauge).  ...anyone else had this problem? 

Second, the trip computer is apparently "fried"...needs to be replaced...any 
assistance on how to do this appreciated.  I know how to get at it from the 
glove box side, but it's tough to see what holds it in the dash (Bentley's is 
no help on this).

If anyone knows of a good condition E30 being parted out, I'd be interested 
in the Trip Computer and the gauges (center instrument panel).

Any assistance, advice, offer of parts(?) appreciated,

John Weese
BMW CCA #76646
'73 tii
'76 '02
'88 M5
'86 325es (son's)
'87 325is (other son's)

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