You only need to pop the top at the same time. You have to insert two objects and push the clips down while making an outward motion (similar to a pry). I work on clusters for a living (not BMW) and there is no cluster that can't be opened as described.

Here's a video of me doing it with one hand and filming.....................

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WiTzceuhuE

Hope this helps :)

Is your name David Copperfield? Mine just broke when I tried that :(

Sounds like you pried up more than out.

http://angrywhitedude.com/wp-content...you-wizard.jpg

I herp and derp around with four plastic trim panel tools on all tabs simultaneously. Eventually it works. You make opening that thing look easy! :thumbup:

This would not work on mine. I needed 2 pliers and 2 persons to open it. We had to simultaneously turn 4 locks. There are several postings around on how to do that.

On my 2003 and 2005 3.0D Sports I did this mod and in both cases the instructions in the 'How to's' were valid - and its a hell of a lot more work than this thread would have you think.

On both my Xs I had to twist the X retainers to get the front and back to detach. After the first one I decided just to cut the buggers off. Makes it easier in case you need to open the cluster again and to be honest - once you've mullered them the first time to get it open its obvious that the cluster has been opened (also the seal will be broken).

So just in case you're stuck.

1) Snip off the 6 X retainers.
2) Follow this thread

HTH

Kev.

Then you have a different cluster like Helmuth I suppose. I took the pics as I did it and even with taking pics it only took me 25 minutes from start to finish taking pics of everything I did along the way. :) Guess my '03 4.4i is different than your 3.0D Sports somehow. This is literally the quickest and easiest thing I have ever done to this truck.

Sorry mate, didn't want to hijack the thread, and great that you took the time to take the pics ;)

As far as I know, there's only one main type of cluster out there (ignoring the different dial layouts) and the construction is always the same (in common with the E39).

Looking at picture 6, it's clear that someone has already disassembled your cluster in the past as the X retainers are already twisted (not too mullered but permanently rotated :D )

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_18381.jpg

When it was in 2 pieces I just snipped the ends off as they have a tendency to twist back after time.

Here are mine in brushed aluminium - in my case it matched the interior better.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/a...herd/dials.jpg

To anyone thinking of doing this, the first time you take the cluster apart you wonder if it's worth all the hassle? It just feels like it's not supposed to come apart. Once it's all back in place you'll be glad you did. It's a nice mod that you'll admire all the time ;)

Cheers,

Kev.

Kev, you are totally right. O.I.T did not mention the 5 "X" retainers. In order to separate cluster, these X retainters should be twisted before release 4 tabs.

That's right, I didn't because it unnecessary, or was in my case. I even made a video of opening it obviously with the X's in place and me not touching them. If it helps others to mess with the X's then more power to you. :) BMW certainly doesn't stand for consistency. ;) There could always be issues with individual clusters.