Tech says I need a new cluster. Should I buy new?

[pepe88]

He says that BMW told him that it's almost impossible to get a used cluster coded to a different car.

Mine is a 2001 4.4i.

He quoted $580 for a new cluster. I see them used on eBay. Is there any way to get those to work?

Please advise

Thanks!

[Nik]

Of course! coding is easy... Indy with a GT1 can do it. If your problem is that pixels are missing, that also can be repaired.

[pepe88]

Some pixels are missing, but that's not the real problem. He said that the car was setting a bunch of codes that would not go away until he put a different cluster in. He called BMW with the codes and they said the cluster was shot.

I've been getting engine failsafe for a while (off and on for around 2 months) now and he thinks a new cluster will solve everything.

Also...What about the mileage? Can that be easily done with coding?

[TwinsPoppa]

Supposedly if you try and code another cluster you will have a "tamper" light on the cluster. Its to prevent people from doing fraud like put in a cluster that has only 10K miles on the odo to make it seem like it hasn't been used much.

I'm sure there are "specialty" people/shops that can code a used cluster but wouldn't know any of them.

You may just have to bite the bullet.

BTW ... when they code a new cluster they read your existing options/modules and then basically transfer that info. to your new cluster. Mileage on your odo included.

[Zulu95]

I remember seeing the equipment/software online some time ago that allowed coding/mileage re-alignment of a used cluster. It cost about $500 or so and was only available in Russia if memory serves.

[JeffreyLee]

check out VDORepair.com

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by Zulu95

I remember seeing the equipment/software online some time ago that allowed coding/mileage re-alignment of a used cluster. It cost about $500 or so and was only available in Russia if memory serves.

Hope its not all in cyrillic!

[jst2878]

i have a 2001 cluster for sale in the for sale forum. 100 plus shipping its yours. nice carbon overlay and chrome rings.

[J.Belknap]

Wonder why one couldn't transfer whatever processor chip there is that retains the appropriate identifying data.

[killcrap]

you can sent me the replacement instrument cluster and i can wipe the contents and you can install it and have an indy or dealer re-code it as new. it will take the milage,vin and sia data from the LCM and the central coding key from the EWS.