Would 4.8is Instrument Cluster fit in 2004 4.4
 

will 4.8is Instrument Cluster fit in my 4.4 2004 model
I was wondering if i could install it into my 2004 4.4i x5?
please let me know thanks

Yes, you can install but do you want to have an odometer tamper dot illuminated? And unless you have access to aftermarket software/hardware...your LCM & IKE will not communicate with each other. Also, since the IKE (instrument cluster) is the main gate-keeper in the communication bus (everything runs to it or through it)...you may have some other issues for things that are coded incorrectly...or for what your 4.4 doesn't have that the 4.8is did.

Every one of the 6 data points listed below MUST be followed or adhered to in order for the IKE & LCM to communicate with each other. BMW software does not allow this to happen unless either component has been "zeroed" (as far as mileage). Thus only new or officially re-manufactured parts can be used.

Again, if you have the correct aftermarket software/hardware...you can "zero" the IKE or LCM which then allows you to rewrite the VIN and possibly get the 2 components to communicate. And if you want the extra stuff the 4.8is cluster has...you'll really have to search and be patient...most people fail at getting this "M" cluster to work in the models it wasn't designed for.

It'll physically fit, but required lots of coding to function as should.
Check out this thread, basically the same concept
The M5 cluster retrofit

I have yet to tackle it. This is what I did for now, on my 03 540i MSport.
Silver face gauge, red needle and gauge ring.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psfhlm724j.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psqb0mfa4b.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps4jeqm2ns.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psoss2geoq.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psvhcqq7du.jpg

other concern is it will NOT operate the same way in a 4.4 as it does in the 4.8 cause the 4.8 gauges do offer a "sweeping or moving" red line. It means that it changes RPM position as the engine warms up. Signals are sent through the 4.8 that the 4.4 is NOT wired for so you'd have to modify that too.

Awesome job on the gauges tmv, I was going to do the same to mine but just added titan silver rings when the cluster was being repaired.

^Thanks J.
I also replaced the ribbon cable. You can see the drill hole in the pic.

appreciated your informative feedback, but it seems difficult exercise :(
i will forward this articles to the technician, hopefully he can digest :)

Hi all,
So a few years ago I was reading up on installing the 4.8iS ///M cluster in other models (specificallythe LCI 4.4i, for my concerns) and I was sure that someone figured out the way to install it with all functions fully working on the LCI 4.4i models (with coding required, only). I know Killcrap did this, but his inbox is full (I've not seen him on here in a long time anyhow)
Does anyone know if there is a guide online as a DIY guide (for an e53 and not e39) available. I just came across a cluster for a really great price and will do it, IF I can find out how the steps involved. I have a BUNCH of BMW software (Tool32, WinKFP, NCS Expert, INPA, Dis 4.4 & 5.7...) to support this install, but wondering if actual wiring is required too, as I have read in older threads (but thought that was unnecessary as some have found out through coding, in the last few years).
I'd appreciate ANY guidance, please?
Mike

Works fine. I have a 4.6is cluster in my 4.4 and everything including the oil temp gauge works. IIRC, you'll need a 4.8 cluster to go into an LCI.

Send the cluster off to Paul at Fixels. He'll set the vin and zero the mileage so it pulls over from the LCM when you start the car. He can also change the backlight from Yellow. I went with white. Was ~$300 IIRC. He has a DME map that you can load with WinKFP to get the oil temp working.

The 4.8is cluster will work on any 2004-2006 N62 4.4i engine without any custom coding as they share a similar ME9.x engine computer. Just virgin the eeprom or overwrite the existing VIN and mileage(if higher than the original cluster)

If the mileage is lower that the donor, after coding, the instrument cluster should update the mileage from the Lamp Module(transferred from the EWS module) usually within the first 11-20 miles of driving. If your modifying the VIN you might as well update the mileage while your in there. Some eeproms cannot be over written and must be replaced with a new one.