SharkmanBMW
02-18-2006, 04:08 PM
Taken from another site... I have not tried this, but it's worth a look!
Here's a tip if you don't have a tilt steering wheel.... so you don't have to take off the steering wheel to remove the cluster.
The problem is how to remove the cluster without taking off the steering wheel. I found that you can tip the cluster forward and sidways to remove the electrical leads from the back, but to get it out you have to:
1) Disconnect the battery before you do anything
2) Jack up the car (on both sides) so that the front wheel turn easily without the engine running
3) Extend the telescopic portion of the steering wheel all the way
4) Tilt the insturment cluster so that if fits between the steering wheel top section
5) Open the driver's door
6) Turn the steering wheel with the cluster together to the left and pull the cluster out from the left side. If the steering wheel locks, then use the key to maually unlock it.
With the wheels off the ground the steering should turn easily enough.
I hope this helps. I found it easier to do this than to remove the steering wheel I have since it has an air bag in it.
Here's a tip if you don't have a tilt steering wheel.... so you don't have to take off the steering wheel to remove the cluster.
The problem is how to remove the cluster without taking off the steering wheel. I found that you can tip the cluster forward and sidways to remove the electrical leads from the back, but to get it out you have to:
1) Disconnect the battery before you do anything
2) Jack up the car (on both sides) so that the front wheel turn easily without the engine running
3) Extend the telescopic portion of the steering wheel all the way
4) Tilt the insturment cluster so that if fits between the steering wheel top section
5) Open the driver's door
6) Turn the steering wheel with the cluster together to the left and pull the cluster out from the left side. If the steering wheel locks, then use the key to maually unlock it.
With the wheels off the ground the steering should turn easily enough.
I hope this helps. I found it easier to do this than to remove the steering wheel I have since it has an air bag in it.