Can I drive without the cluster?!
 

I took the cluster out on my 2002 X5 to give it the sporty look. I didn't like the look with the chrome rings, so I am getting the brushed rings in the mail in few days. In the meantime, can I just drive my car without the cluster?! Or will it not power up at all? I am affraid to start up the car without the cluster!:confused: Would it be ok to drive it without the cluster for few days? or will the millage and electrical gets messed up?

I don't really know the answer. But one time I had the cluster out, put it back and did not have the plugs in securely. It started up and nothing worked on the cluster. I did not damage anything. So I would assume that it's ok, but just not sure because I have never done it. Why not just put the cluster back in? It's a only a 10 minute job at best.

You're joking right? :confused:

Assuming it will start without the cluster you will have no idea what your speed is or if any fault codes would be showing. But I doubt it would start without the cluster connected. If it did and you put some miles on it I'll bet the tamper dot would trigger since the odometer would have a different value compared to the key and the LCM.

It should take you all of 3 minutes to put the cluster back in and another 10 minutes to take out and pull it apart again later.

As far as my speed goes, I never ever look at my speed! I just look at my laser detector!
I had hard time getting the cluster out, so I thought it would be easier to wait few days...I guess I will put it back, may be it won't be as hard to get it out this time!

Where did you buy your brushed aluminum rings?

ebay, of course! ...from Germany
They are on ebay right now, Item numbers 8060487827 and 4589545560

It should not be so hard to get out, make sure you adjust your steering wheel to the lowest position and it should come out pretty easily.

No one answered my original question.... Would it be ok to drive it without the cluster for few days? or will the millage and electrical gets messed up?

I guess you didn't read my post.:tsk:

I read yours, but I am not sure what are tamper dot, Key and LCM!? Dose this effect the resale value?