Trouble openeing Dash Gauge
 

I have recently purchased a carbon fiber gauge dash trim bezel. To instal it you must take out the gauge cluster which is easy, then open it by twisting 5 star-like plastic screws at the same time. If anyone has done this before please help

:wavey::xoutpost::wavey:

i opened my gauges to open install gauge rings.

there were two on top and the one in the middle which i turned and they stayed. i couldn't get the bottom ones on the side to stay (they retracted a little). so i put some pressure to one side of the cluster to try to make the screws stay. after a bit, i still couldn't open it. so it just pulled it open from the bottom and that worked and it didn't damage anything.

There is an article on the homepage that might help.

My experience taught me to be patient and take it easy so as to not break anything. It was almost as if you had to twist the plastic "star" and gently pull the cluster apart at the same time, focusing on the spot where that you're twisting. You can kind of feel when the "star" releases a little bit. Do this for each one and work your way around gradually loosening each spot around. Take your time for each one.

The key is popsicle sticks. Unlatch two of the twist-turn latches on one side (along with the center latch) and crack that side open enough to open a gap. Wedge in one or two popsicle sticks to keep the gap open and to prevent it from relatching. Then open up the other side. The entire unit should pop open.

BTW, because I opened my cluster to install the titanium rings, my stealer said it broke the tape that would indicate 'tampering'. this initially prevented my stealer from exchanging the cluster which had the lost pixel problem b/c they thought that BMWNA wouldn't compensate them fully for the part.

nevertheless, after a couple of hours convincing them that I didn't tamper with the odometer and only put in the cosmetic rings, they relented. hopefully no one else will have such an ordeal, but wanted to make people aware.

i had the same problem too. Get some flat-nose pliers and twist them until they line up (u will notice nothing happens) thats because when they line up u have to push down, applying a good amount of pressure, then they will pop down

thanks for all of your help. I just put it in today. All of your comments really helped. Great sucess

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/..._300x495,0.jpg