RE: E30 speedometer woes

[<davidm@xxxxxxxxx>]

I had a similar problem when I bought my '85 318i: speedo did not work,
service lights were crazy and the temperature gauge was dead. I solved the
problem changing the batteries and resoldering all the solder points in the
circuits; everything works perfect now. Apparently cold solder that degrades
with age is a big problem in these circuits, as I have very much the same
situation, minus the speedometer issue, in a '85 535i I bought more
recently.

David Morales
Nashville, TN
>
> Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 12:50:21 -0800 (PST)
> From: kf martin <alteredbeast63@domain.elided>
> Subject: E30 speedometer woes
>
> Id like to thank everyone who offered advice on how
> to get my '86 325es' speedometer working again; its
> been a great help in isolating the problem.
>
> For the benefit of others who may go through this:
>
> I started with the speed sensor in the differential,
> first i checked the connectors - good.  I raised the
> rear wheels, put an ohmmeter across the speed sensor
> contacts and got a steady off/on signal as i rotated
> the wheel; it switched every degree or so - good.
> so i went for the instrument panel itself...
>
> I had previously confirmed that the batteries in the
> SI board were fully charged and removed the corroded
> led board (which brought my tach back to life!).  im
> not really sure if a bad SI board can knock out the
> speedo...ive heard both yes and no.  i had a number
> of people tell me their experience with weld cracks
> in speedo board itself...so thats what i looked for.
>
> It looked like my speedo board had been worked on
> by a previous owner...it was scratched and possibly
> re-soldered.  but ive tested every circuit board path
> for continuity and unfortunately, found no breaks.
>
> Im not sure what going on here, but im thinking that
> some component on the speedo board could be shot...
> and was wondering if anyone has a good speedometer
> to sell.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Kurt Martin
> SouthCentral PA

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