Broke an x-connector while trying to install the gauge rings!!

Chileno · #1 12-24-2005, 08:33 PM

Hey guys I am sort of new to this forum, however, I have been lurking for a while now. A lot of useful info on this site.

I have a 2005 X5 4.4 and really wanted to install the chrome gauge rings. I love the look.

After reading installation instructions on this website, and posts of how easy it was to install the rings-20 minute job, I decided to take a shot at it mysefl.

I have never attempted to do any mods myself... 99.9% of the time the mods are done by the dealer, case and point--the brushed aluminun running boards.

To make the long story short, whilte trying to pry open the housing, I broke two of the x-connectors. Although they were broken, I kept at it, I figured I had gone this far why stop now. I really wanted the damm rings installed.

Two hours later I had almost all the connectors alligned and the housing was almost out, however, one of the broken connectors would not budge, so after 2.5 hours I gave up.

Anyways, I guess I am writing my story to warn others about those x-connectors, becareful and be gentle.

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imaznumkay · #2 12-24-2005, 10:35 PM

get one of those "slim" pliers and gently twist them back and forth till its into its position....once u wiggled it enough, it should be in the position....
it worked out for me...
or use your hairdryer and get the plastic somewhat hot and twist those

X5Ghost · #3 12-24-2005, 11:18 PM

what are those connectors for? anyone with photos?

AutoXer · #4 12-25-2005, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5Ghost

what are those connectors for? anyone with photos?

I think the x connectors are BMW's way of detering people from messing around with the instrument cluster. They act as an alignment guide and a locking device. But the clips are more than enough to keep the instruments lock and secure.

lionkang · #5 12-25-2005, 02:06 AM

Thats not that big of a deal, there are about 8 of them on the back, you only need about 3 to hold the thing together

bozo · #6 12-25-2005, 04:56 AM

Hey Chil, screw it. I cracked a tiny p[art of my housing while doing the "deed" - ask anyone here about my ordeal - but I said the hell with that! I dont think breaking any x tabs would be that much of a problem though. hell, it might make it easier the next time you go in!

I found my BIGGEST problem was - and still is - the damn DUST a fingerprints I got in the glass..I cant get them off to save my life..Just make sure your hands are VERY clean when you do it...

Oh yeah, you DID get the Bavarian Motorwerks rings, right? There's and idiot from germany who is selling oversized c*ck rings for the X, and I was not happy with the product AT ALL...

Good luck, and HANG IN THERE!!!

humblex5 · #7 12-25-2005, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bozo5521

Hey Chil, screw it. I cracked a tiny p[art of my housing while doing the "deed" - ask anyone here about my ordeal - but I said the hell with that! I dont think breaking any x tabs would be that much of a problem though. hell, it might make it easier the next time you go in!

I found my BIGGEST problem was - and still is - the damn DUST a fingerprints I got in the glass..I cant get them off to save my life..Just make sure your hands are VERY clean when you do it...

Oh yeah, you DID get the Bavarian Motorwerks rings, right? There's and idiot from germany who is selling oversized c*ck rings for the X, and I was not happy with the product AT ALL...

Good luck, and HANG IN THERE!!!

Wouldn't happend to be this guy on ebay would it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E...temZ8024895827

Because I was about to purchase the rings from him, anyone have experience buying from AutoTomShop and/or these rings (assuming he's not the one who ripped off Bozo)?

imaznumkay · #8 12-25-2005, 01:08 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E...temZ8024052712

i recommend delsa-motorsports

got mine from them...

X5Ghost · #9 12-25-2005, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AutoXer

I think the x connectors are BMW's way of detering people from messing around with the instrument cluster. They act as an alignment guide and a locking device. But the clips are more than enough to keep the instruments lock and secure.

Thx AutoXer

bozo · #10 12-25-2005, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humblex5

Wouldn't happend to be this guy on ebay would it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E...temZ8024895827

Because I was about to purchase the rings from him, anyone have experience buying from AutoTomShop and/or these rings (assuming he's not the one who ripped off Bozo)?

HELL YES!! Thats the prick alright.... He told me AFTER the fact, that I would need a generous amount of super glue for the rings, and when I asked him just how the hell they were supposed to fit, he said, just put it in the best way it fits!..

...Lets just say, Im probably not on his list of favorite people right now - and the feeling is mutual -There really is no comparison the BavWerks rings...

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