Installed the chrome gauge rings on the 4.4

[JV]

Originally Posted by GUINNESS

If I get them, would you mind helping with the install since we live fairly close? Ok, would you mind DOING the install considering I only have one hand to work with My left arm is in a cast past the elbow from surgery to repair a torn ligament in my wrist.

Although taking the cluster out would be a good time to send it to vdorepair, or whatever that site is

Sure, man, bring it over any weekday before 5:30pm or holler at me via PM and we can set up something on the weekend. It takes 15-20 mins to do.

JV

[pepatrick]

Do we want to know why you have a torn ligament in your wrist?

Originally Posted by GUINNESS

If I get them, would you mind helping with the install since we live fairly close? Ok, would you mind DOING the install considering I only have one hand to work with My left arm is in a cast past the elbow from surgery to repair a torn ligament in my wrist.

Although taking the cluster out would be a good time to send it to vdorepair, or whatever that site is

[GUINNESS]

Originally Posted by pepatrick

Do we want to know why you have a torn ligament in your wrist?

I'm married... I don't need to stay true to my roots Besides, I'm right handed :p

JV, thanks... when they eventuallt get here, I'll let you know. Who knows, maybe by then I'll have both hands again but I doubt it.

[Juanted]

Looks great, JV!!

Juan

[dan_fitz]

how simple can this mod be? It looks like you removed the entire gauge pod from the dash. Very intimidating!

[JV]

Originally Posted by dan_fitz

how simple can this mod be? It looks like you removed the entire gauge pod from the dash. Very intimidating!

Granted, I am a DIY type and have a lot of mechanical experience, but most of that is under the hood and under the vehicle. I used to be intimidated by anything concerning electrical systems, until I gave it a shot several years ago when the Becker radio on my MB 560 died and the dealer quoted me $500 labor . I was all champagne tastes on a beer budget at the time, so I had no choice but to dive into the dash. I was never going to be able to romance the fine young ladies of Toronto playing Luther Vandross tunes on a boombox in the backseat. It took me an entire weekend, but I fixed that damn radio for a total of $45cdn in parts.

For the removal of the gauge cluster, you remove two screws, which are very easy to get to, for anyone. You'll need an 'electrician's screwdriver set', with Torx or "T" bits to fit the screws. You can pick one up at Radio Shack for about $15.

You then unplug the harnesses from the rear of the cluster, again, anyone can do that. Then all you need to do is have some patience, a flat head screwdriver, and a level surface to work on, to take the gauge cluster apart. There is an article here complete with photos which made this a simple procedure. I would be glad to offer any tips I have on it, so would many of the members here at X5World. That's what's great about this community. Lord knows there'll be more things that I try to do and get stuck on and have to lean on the rest of you for help.

I think you'll be surprised what you can do with some patience and the right tools.

JV

[flyingmachine]

Originally Posted by dan_fitz

how simple can this mod be? It looks like you removed the entire gauge pod from the dash. Very intimidating!

to be honest, I was also afraid doing that. taking cluster out, disassemble back panel...etc. but I still went ahead to do it. it turned out very nice and it's actually not that hard as I imagined. taking cluster out is like 2 mins job. the most time I spent was twisting those tiny plastic clips on the back. The rings I got from bavarian_motorwerks can just pass thru without having to cut a hole to get the bigger rings thru(had to push it thru gently though. not directly slip in without friction). I spent about 30-40mins to finish it.

[alpac]

Originally Posted by dan_fitz

how simple can this mod be? It looks like you removed the entire gauge pod from the dash. Very intimidating!

I agree with JVZ104. This is an easy mod to do. Did mine in about 20mns all together. The only part a little bit tricky is to take the gauge cluster apart.

[dan_fitz]

I'll be pleased with myself if I can put my ACS pedals on without f-ing it up....

[dan_fitz]

I am the master of the BimmerSpinners, though. Been thinking about putting up an article complete with pictures on my successful install of those puppies!