Las Vegas Instrument Cluster :(

[mzarifkar]

Update:

OBD Voltmeter reads normal while instrument panel is symptomatic. I checked resistance on ignition coils, they should be between .4-.8 Ohm according to bently, only cylinder 5 was off (1.2 ohm)

[shadowpuck]

right after we purchased our '93 525, i had this exact same problem.

it almost looked like some kind of test mode on the LCD panels on the instrument cluster. I couldn't decide if it was Vegas mode or aliens trying to communicate with us.

The fix for us was to simply swap the cluster. I bought a used cluster on ebay, and scored a refurbished cluster motherboard on ebay for cheap. Put the refurbished board in the "new" used cluster and all was good; haven't had a problem since.

Since the repair ended up being rather cheap and it worked, I didn't really pursue fixing the old cluster. I still have it around here somewhere.....

[mzarifkar]

right after we purchased our '93 525, i had this exact same problem.

it almost looked like some kind of test mode on the LCD panels on the instrument cluster. I couldn't decide if it was Vegas mode or aliens trying to communicate with us.

The fix for us was to simply swap the cluster. I bought a used cluster on ebay, and scored a refurbished cluster motherboard on ebay for cheap. Put the refurbished board in the "new" used cluster and all was good; haven't had a problem since.

Since the repair ended up being rather cheap and it worked, I didn't really pursue fixing the old cluster. I still have it around here somewhere.....

I think aliens are trying to communicate with me as well. Were you able to resolve the difference in mileage?

[shogun]

you can use the old chip/Eeprom from existing cluster if it is the same cluster type (white or blue back), mileage, tank size, chassis number etc. are all stored in that Eeprom.

[shadowpuck]

yup, shogun is right (as always!). i simply transferred the coding plug from one cluster to the other and the transplant was a success.

[Kalevera]

For whatever it's worth, I've seen this manifest as a bad instrument cluster coding chip, bad cluster motherboard, and intermittent/poor connections at the four cluster harness connectors.

[mzarifkar]

I had a chance to removed the dash and inspect all the connections. Nothing seemed loose or corroded. I opened up the dash and didnt see anything odd (not that I was expecting to see anything)

I was wondering however, where is the coding plug, and what is the print board that is transveresly mounted along the bottom of the dash.
Also, If I wanted to replace this dash, what is compatibility like with other e34's
Thanks!

[shadowpuck]

the cluster motherboard is inside the back part of the cluster (either blue or white backing - I think? Mine was blue).

The coding plug is in that colored backing plate. I can probably take a photo of mine if you need it.

I'm not sure what other printed board you are talking about? Are you talking about in the instrument cluster itself?

As I recall (and please someone correct me if I'm wrong) but the blue colored clusters are compatible with blue, and white with white.

[ScottyWM]

Just to add another perspective... I got tired of mine doing this vegas mode thing so I tore into it today. First off, I read that you can remove the cluster without removing the steering wheel. I did that, but it was a bitch! And putting it back in was a double bitch. Next time (and there will be a next time) I will remove the steering wheel (make sure to disconnect battery). Got it out though, and everything looked okay to me. I unseated and reseated everything I could, threw it back together and crossed my fingers. Well, it seems to have worked! I didn't change or fix anything, probably just jiggling the connectors did the trick. But... I'll have to go in again as now one of the bulbs is dead... damn it!

[mzarifkar]

I also managed to get the cluster our without removing the wheel. Jsut make sure to cover your column with something soft to protect the dash plastic. On mine however it made no difference and actually now i have a SRS light on, could that be related?