How to Do a 4.6/4.8 instrument panel Upgrade on my X

[serbstyle1]

I want to go with the other gauges, but i dont know what i would need. I have an aftermarket warranty on my car and would not want to mess it up. I wanted to know if there was any way to have the dealer install it and set it to my mileage so that i can retain my warranty.

I wanted to buy a used cluster to save money, but am not sure how it would work. I hear that you can wind the mileage foreward but not back, anyone know how true this is?

[Sudesh]

You cannot install the 4.6/4.8 clusters in any other X. Although a few things might work most wont as the 4.6/4.8 clusters have features that are not compatible with any other X. For example I have oil temp guage and oil pressure where the others have an MPG guage and oil temp warm up light. Also the 4.6/4.8 cluster are higher in reves and MPH. I have been down this route when I had a 540i and wanted the M5 cluster, it just wasnt compatible and BMW also said that they could not code the cluster to the car as they are unique to each vehicle.

[serbstyle1]

i have heard of people doing it and it working

[Bostonblux5]

I remember seeing it on sdogg888's facelifted x5, I believe everything worked except for the oil gauge, not sure though.

[Sudesh]

I have never heard of anyone doing it? If they did then it would require allot of work, possibly the ecu from a 4.6 or 4.8 transfered, sensors would have to been added to make things run, you would need the keys also to work with the ecu and ignition, the cluster would also either have to be from the same X you take the ecu and keys from as, each cluster is unique to each car in that they are coded. You could also buy the cluster new which is very costly, but again it would have to be coded by BMW to your X and they may not do it as they clearly told me it cannot be done. The speedo would also have to be calibrated to your X. If you have a warranty then BMW would void it if you cahange these items. Your looking at $1000's of dollors to do a conversion that may not even run correctly!!

[Nick]

I would like to bump this thread. As you know, BMW has a free cluster upgrade program if yours is faulty in any way. Mine has some pixels on the display that have died out (prior to my ownership). I qualify for this program. Anyways, I currently have no navigation in my car. I am planning a retrofit sometime in the near future. Currently I have the low on board computer cluster. My questions is, can I have bmw install the high on board computer with the free cluster upgrade that I get?

[Zulu95]

Nick: I doubt it. BMW NEVER do anything for nothing.
Cluster upgrade is only a partial sucess. With all the wiring changes required and only part working in the end it really is not worthwhile IMHO.
There is an article on the home page about upgrading the cluster. Check it out.