Anyone disassembled the instrument cluster?

tjk_9000 · 11-11-2020, 09:41 AM

Replacing the instrument cluster looks incredibly easy, but what about repairs? I'd consider myself 'experienced' working on electronics, including Mac laptops, gaming peripherals and other over-engineered products.

I bought my car CPO and the previous owner somehow got some liquid or something behind the plastic shield. There's also a bit of debris in there and it's really ugly in the daylight. I'd really like to get behind the shield and ultra-gently clean it.

This video makes it look super easy to access the cluster (behind the clear plastic). Is it really as simple as removing the unit and unfastening a bunch of plastic clips? I have a set of trim tools and torx drivers so feel like I could do this on my lunchbreak...

Billfitz · 11-11-2020, 10:29 AM

If it can be done someone will have done it, and probably posted a youtube video of the process.

chr · 11-11-2020, 10:42 AM

It is very easy. It is actually the first step for virginizing the cluster (just a clue for finding a tutorial). Some clusters have just clips, others have screws as well.

tjk_9000 · 11-11-2020, 12:48 PM

I went for it on my lunch break.

Aside from needing a much shorter T20 (I scratched the finish on the screws a bit, had to come in at an angle), it was about as easy as you could imagine. Just had to wear gloves and be extra gentle. Looks absolutely brand new.

tjk_9000 · 11-11-2020, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chr

It is very easy. It is actually the first step for virginizing the cluster (just a clue for finding a tutorial). Some clusters have just clips, others have screws as well.

Mine had 4 little silver T8s, 2 clips on top, 1 each side and 2 on bottom. Plus a clever warranty sticker/tape that I naturally wasn't able to bypass.

frenchi · 11-11-2020, 02:59 PM

Very easy,i did mine removing some dust...

11-11-2020, 09:41 AM	#1
tjk_9000 alpinweiß 27 Rep 64 Posts Drives: '17 BMW 320i xDrive Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Anyone disassembled the instrument cluster? Replacing the instrument cluster looks incredibly easy, but what about repairs? I'd consider myself 'experienced' working on electronics, including Mac laptops, gaming peripherals and other over-engineered products. I bought my car CPO and the previous owner somehow got some liquid or something behind the plastic shield. There's also a bit of debris in there and it's really ugly in the daylight. I'd really like to get behind the shield and ultra-gently clean it. This video makes it look super easy to access the cluster (behind the clear plastic). Is it really as simple as removing the unit and unfastening a bunch of plastic clips? I have a set of trim tools and torx drivers so feel like I could do this on my lunchbreak...
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11-11-2020, 10:29 AM	#2
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,082 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	If it can be done someone will have done it, and probably posted a youtube video of the process.
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11-11-2020, 10:42 AM	#3
chr Private 12 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2014 F31 320d xDrive Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Romania iTrader: (0)	It is very easy. It is actually the first step for virginizing the cluster (just a clue for finding a tutorial). Some clusters have just clips, others have screws as well.
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11-11-2020, 12:48 PM	#4
tjk_9000 alpinweiß 27 Rep 64 Posts Drives: '17 BMW 320i xDrive Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	I went for it on my lunch break. Aside from needing a much shorter T20 (I scratched the finish on the screws a bit, had to come in at an angle), it was about as easy as you could imagine. Just had to wear gloves and be extra gentle. Looks absolutely brand new.
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11-11-2020, 02:59 PM	#6
frenchi Lieutenant 89 Rep 452 Posts Drives: F30 340i M Performance Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: France iTrader: (11)	Very easy,i did mine removing some dust...
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