Dumb A** Move by me Today!

[95wildtt]

I should get some type of award for being a TOTAL idiot today, well most days, but particularly today.

I decided that I would add some aftermarket Carbon Fiber to my Guage Cluster, and also swap the Al Rings (sport package) with some aftermarket ///M looking rings...

I removed the cluster, very easy to do, and took the electroincs off of the bezel and clear plastic cover. Again, very easy to do only 4 screws and a few tabs.

Then things went VERY wrong. I tried to install the CF and rings per the suppliers DIY instructions, but couldn't begin to get them in the locations that they showed. There was no room to get between the Al rings and the clear plastic piece on the front... I also couldn't get my fingers bent back 180 degrees to position the CF beside the raised guage surround.

So, I deciced to try and remove the clear plastic bezel/piece from the front. VERY, VERY BAD IDEA! The piece is glued on to the black bezel and did finally come off, after I cracked it in two places in front the Speedo. One crack is about 3 inches long, and the other is over 2 inches. It's still in one piece, and I glued it back on the black surround, but it looks like s&^%.

To make it even worse, the new ///M looking rings do not fit in the location where the Al rings are now, and the 3 pieces of CF trim didn't fit well and looked really bad.

Now I have a cracked front shield/clear piece and no upgrades. I called the stealership and they can only provide the complete cluster ($1,800 but Real OEM says $1,100+) and it will also need to be coded. WAY too expensive for replacing just the front clear cover.

I have a search in progress for a non-functional salvage unit (BMW number 62109170267) from 2007-2009 E70, and I hope I can find something.

The electronics and the guages all work fine, I only need the plastic pieces (what you see when you look at the cluster) that mount to the front of the electronics.

Without a doubt, One of the dumbest moves that I have ever made.

Anyone know of a non-functioning Cluster that someone would want to part with? I'm willing to pay a reasonable amount for it...

Thanks in advance...

[rh71]

you were bold... this is precisely why I haven't messed with the gauge rings. Sometimes even if it shows a few screws, there may be more difficult steps ahead.

[95wildtt]

More like Stupid!

[xoutpostking]

More like 1800 dollar lesson!

[ECS Tuning]

Ouch! I hope you can find a used unit to salvage. If not I have that part number available HERE new.

ECS Tuning

[dbox]

sorry bro that sucks!

[95wildtt]

Had someone suggest just leaving the clear lens off of the cluster. Duh...

I was able to complete the mods, and actaully use the new rings, that would not fit with the lens on the front.

Here's a photo:

[doni01]

Aftermarket crap is always going to be aftermarket. It looks like ECS is your best bet. Good luck !

[BB_cuda]

I see a 2007 X5 with V8 (if that matters) being parted out on ebaymotors. It took a real hard hit on front and air bag appears to have deployed from the photos. Perhaps this will create the non functional status you'r hunting for. best of luck.

[1024X5]

Originally Posted by doni01

Aftermarket crap is always going to be aftermarket. It looks like ECS is your best bet. Good luck !

Yup ...I used to put in those glow gauges on my integra back in the day and the needles would get stuck. That was the last time I jacked with my gauges.

Doesn't look too bad though but I would hate having my gauges exposed.