Be Very Careful Fixing the Instrument Cluster

sasquatch · #1 10-04-2011, 05:13 PM

I was in the process of repairing my gauge cluster assembly (dead pixels) and managed to screw up the fuel and speedo needle motors. Accidentally pulled up the "face" which pushed against the needles and pulled the shafts out of the motors. Not good. So, I found a place in California called North Hollywood Speedometer and Clock who said they could fix it for me along with the dead pixels. It is not going to be cheap +$600 but they said they use only OE parts and guarantee it for 1 year. I should have the repaired cluster back within a week or two. Here's the website for those who are curious:

North Hollywood Speedometer and Clock Company. Serving your gauge needs since 1955. VDO, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, Veigel, Veglia

I was referred to this company by several local European repair shops and couple online BMW salvage places. They also seem to get rave reviews from the BMW 2002 community.

And for those who wonder why I couldn't just buy another cluster and swap it into the car..........that's a no-go. The built-in immobilizer is linked to the vehicle VIN. Any other cluster plugged into the vehicle will not allow the vehicle to start. I asked if it can be reprogrammed by the BMW dealer and they said "no way". So, here's a question.......if something happens to the cluster, let's say an accident, and it's damaged beyond repair would the vehicle be declared a total loss?

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PropellerHead · #2 10-04-2011, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sasquatch

So, here's a question.......if something happens to the cluster, let's say an accident, and it's damaged beyond repair would the vehicle be declared a total loss?

No. You were misinformed.

Helmuth · #3 10-04-2011, 05:29 PM

Hi,

really cannot imagine that the cluster should be so special. Easy test: plug it off and start the car.

Have fun,

Helmuth

sasquatch · #4 10-04-2011, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helmuth

Hi,

really cannot imagine that the cluster should be so special. Easy test: plug it off and start the car.

Have fun,

Helmuth

Tried it. No start.

Zulu95 · #5 10-04-2011, 05:53 PM

Another used cluster can be used if you have the right contacts among those who sell these vehicles in eastern europe. (i.e. STOLEN vehicles.) There is a software/hardware computer dongle that will let you reprogram the cluster. Dealer does not have it because they can fit a new cluster and program it to the vehicle so the vehicle will not be a total loss.

PropellerHead · #6 10-04-2011, 05:55 PM

Dear Lord.

All you need is an Indy with a GT1. They'll reprogram the cluster to your car and you're good to go.

Mileage and VIN data is stored in 3 places. The cluster is only one of them.

sasquatch · #7 10-04-2011, 05:57 PM

Keep in mind this is for a 2002 model X5.

I tried swapping my friend's 5-series cluster and it was a no-go.

I called the local BMW dealer who said I can not swamp clusters because of the immobilization feature. They also said the mileage on the swapped cluster won't match the vehicle's actual mileage. It will also signal a "tamper" light. The dealer said they can not reprogram or reset the cluster.

sasquatch · #8 10-04-2011, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

Dear Lord.

All you need is an Indy with a GT1. They'll reprogram the cluster to your car and you're good to go.

Mileage and VIN data is stored in 3 places. The cluster is only one of them.

The Indy I talked to said it is not possible. They have the GT scan tool. I trust these guys and know them very well. If they said it isn't possible I believe them.

Helmuth · #9 10-04-2011, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helmuth

Hi,

really cannot imagine that the cluster should be so special. Easy test: plug it off and start the car.

Have fun,

Helmuth

Thanks for that info - will use it as an extra anti-thief methode in the future :-)

PropellerHead · #10 10-04-2011, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sasquatch

The Indy I talked to said it is not possible. They have the GT scan tool. I trust these guys and know them very well. If they said it isn't possible I believe them.

Just because they don't know how is not a reason for it to be impossible. My cluster on my 2000 E39 540 has been replaced. Many E53's have been done. A very common replacement is for the E39 M5 cluster. Search. It can be done. It has been done.

But anyone is free to believe that a failed instrument cluster will total a car.

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