Well, DOh! I think it was a loose + battery cable. The aux amp connector I had added made it so it wasn't able to be fully tightened. I was able to turn the cable end freely on the battery.
The cluster test is about the most helpful thing ever. I am going to use it for the next week to keep track of everything. The reading are slightly lower than my voltmeter. I am going to trust BMW over harbor freight tool.
thanks again