Gauge Rings Install Help

bmwbmwfan · #1 02-14-2010, 03:51 PM

Hello,

I am having a really hard time removing those "X" screws from the instrument cluster. When using flat nosed pliers I ended up breaking the plastic on some of them.

What is the best technique? My fingers cannot really get in there and I am really worried using the pliers again. I called it quits for today but its bothering me that I wasn't able to do it.

Should be turning counter clockwise right? How do I know if they have opened? Anyone with similar experiences?

JohnD · #2 02-14-2010, 04:15 PM

I have installed several sets - I don't think it matters which way you turn the plastic tabs, and you are bound to break one or two. Just be patient and try it again

nra0707 · #3 02-14-2010, 04:30 PM

Keep working on them. As you turn some over and over again, they will sort of stay in place giving you time to twist other ones.

13Jester13 · #4 02-14-2010, 06:11 PM

I had the same issue. When I broke one, I thought for sure there was no way everything was going to go back correctly. I tried left to right too many times to count, and ended up finding the top to bottom worked better. I got an extremly small screwdriver and just wrapped a small peice of cloth around the end that I tore off a old rag then tied it with a peice of sowing string. Then once i got the top open I wedged that inbetween the two peices of plastic. Then actually had to get the bottom (did the same with another small flathead) then went after the middle. Like everyone else said, if one or two kinda break... dont be TOO worried. Just make sure that you are doing it in a really warm place so they bend not crack. Hope this helps. Have a good one man, you will not be disapointed by the look!

mrbmwx5 · #5 02-14-2010, 10:28 PM

this is how i do it.

heat them up with hair dryer to soften up the plastic.. that way it will turn/twist easier and avoid breaking them.
good luck.

bmwbmwfan · #6 02-15-2010, 09:14 AM

Thanks. I'm going to try at least one more time later this week.

Strange why it's so difficult this time around. I've done it on a few different cars and never really had a problem other than the rings fitment itself. Hopefully I'll be able to manage.

Thanks.