Re: bmw-digest V9 #1184

["David L. Volkert" <dlvolkert@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Scott -

Had the exact same problem myself. It's a cracked solder connection on the
little circuit board at the back of the speedo. If you're used to doing
things like that yourself, it's a DIY. Otherwise, pull the cluster, extract
the speedo, and send it to VDO NA for a checkup (your polyurethane gears are
probably about to go, considering the age of the car). They'll probably do
the resolder for free (they did for me, and the total cost with shipping was
$65). Their number is 540-665-0100. Ask for service.

David Volkert
84 325e
Houston


- ----- Original Message -----
> Date: Sun, 8 Aug 1999 15:20:58 -0400
> From: "Scott R. Olson" <scottolson@domain.elided>
> Subject: 1987 325 - Problems with Speedometer
>
> Recently lowered car, more recently put sway bars, low profile rims,
> bilstein shocks.. etc etc.   The end result, the car handles beautifully
and
> the Michigan roads have jarred my dashboard to the point where the
> speedometer has failed.
>
> Symptoms:
> Speedometer intermittently drops to zero when driving.  Sometime from when
> I start the car, at other times while driving.  It also will reappear.
The
> mpg guage also will intermittently work along with the speedomoter.  All
> othre functions/features of the dash work fine.
>
> Attempted fixes:
> When flickering, slapping the dash will make it not work, slapping the
dash
> never makes it work again so I have stopped slapping the dash.
> I read parts of the bently manual, and all references to the speed sensor
> are relating to the ECM which I imagine is the engine RPM not the
> driveshaft/differential speed.  The wiring diagram shows a wire that feeds
> the speedometer, but the dash is fed by a breadboard slot interface.
>
> What would be recommended first checks?  I have unplugged and replugged
the
> speed sensor in the diff to no avail.  I would imagine it is not the guage
> cluster itself, as the mpg and speed guages fail/work in tandem.  Could it
> just be a loose wire?  If so where do I begin searching for the
connection.
>
> Thanks for any help
>
> Scott Olson
>
> (The Eibach Ride is more important than guages and such so I might be in
for
> many of these types of repairs)
>
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