BMW E30 instrument cluster lights and circuit board
Why do the gauges and lights in the E30 instrument cluster not work?
One cause is mounting screws that are too long for the cluster, which can cut the conductor tracks of the circuit board. Broken tracks can be repaired with jumper wires. Also check the connectors and bulbs.
What bulbs does the E30 instrument cluster have?
The cluster lighting uses glass-base 12 V 3 W bulbs that shine through orange plastic. The colour of the light cannot be changed just by changing the bulb. Do not use brighter 5 W bulbs: they get hot and melt the red plastic caps onto the bulbs.
How is the E30 instrument cluster removed?
1. If necessary, remove the footwell trim and the cover panel below the cluster. 2. Remove the cluster bezel: two screws at the top and four at the bottom. 3. Remove the mounting screws from the upper corners. 4. Disconnect the connectors at the back; the yellow connector is for the on-board computer. Removing the steering wheel is not usually necessary.
How are the cluster needles removed?
Remove the needles carefully with a fork or similar tool, because they break easily. Photograph or mark the position of the needles before removal: putting them back is difficult, especially on the pressure and temperature gauges. The gauge faces are held by two small screws.