Tech says I need a new cluster. Should I buy new?
 

He says that BMW told him that it's almost impossible to get a used cluster coded to a different car.

Mine is a 2001 4.4i.

He quoted $580 for a new cluster. I see them used on eBay. Is there any way to get those to work?

Please advise

Thanks!

Of course! coding is easy... Indy with a GT1 can do it. If your problem is that pixels are missing, that also can be repaired.

Some pixels are missing, but that's not the real problem. He said that the car was setting a bunch of codes that would not go away until he put a different cluster in. He called BMW with the codes and they said the cluster was shot.

I've been getting engine failsafe for a while (off and on for around 2 months) now and he thinks a new cluster will solve everything.

Also...What about the mileage? Can that be easily done with coding?

Supposedly if you try and code another cluster you will have a "tamper" light on the cluster. Its to prevent people from doing fraud like put in a cluster that has only 10K miles on the odo to make it seem like it hasn't been used much.

I'm sure there are "specialty" people/shops that can code a used cluster but wouldn't know any of them.

You may just have to bite the bullet. :dunno:

BTW ... when they code a new cluster they read your existing options/modules and then basically transfer that info. to your new cluster. Mileage on your odo included.

I remember seeing the equipment/software online some time ago that allowed coding/mileage re-alignment of a used cluster. It cost about $500 or so and was only available in Russia if memory serves.

check out VDORepair.com

Hope its not all in cyrillic! :rofl:

i have a 2001 cluster for sale in the for sale forum. 100 plus shipping its yours. nice carbon overlay and chrome rings.

Wonder why one couldn't transfer whatever processor chip there is that retains the appropriate identifying data.

you can sent me the replacement instrument cluster and i can wipe the contents and you can install it and have an indy or dealer re-code it as new. it will take the milage,vin and sia data from the LCM and the central coding key from the EWS.