instrument cluster light question

[Travis_WA]

Hey guys, new to the forums. Just bought a 1993 525i last weekend. My gauge lights are out. I searched around and found a couple threads saying you could get away with not removing the wheel to replace them if it telescopes (mine does). But all the write ups go through removing the airbag and such.

So I'm wondering if after disconnecting the battery, am I risking messing up the airbags by removing the cluster without first removing the airbags? Or will I just waste my time if I can't get the cluster out?

Thanks!
-Travis

[BMWDriver]

No, you're not messing up the airbag. I do remove mine without pulling the steering. It's a bit difficult and I risk scratching the plastic everytime, but all I have to do is

1. unplug the battery (IMPORTANT or you get error codes after)
2. unplug the cluster after removing the screws. There are four plugs with latches.
3. pull it out by turning the wheel towards the left until it gets free. The other side is a bit more difficult with the windshield washer and cruise control command levers.

Just take your time and go easy. The plastic is old and a bit fragile if you have to open it for the big bulbs.

Welcome by the way ! And congrats on a great buy !

[Ross]

I used to do it without removing the wheel also. After I cracked the "glass" on a cluster I decided to pull the wheel from now on. It takes 5 min. tops to get it off and will save you at least that much time struggling to wiggle the cluster out around the wheel. Kicking myself in the ass for not doing it the right way all along. My experience with cars that require using a wheel puller is what put me off. BM wheels just pop right off without a puller.

[shogun]

http://www.lehrmangroup.com/rickard/airBagAndBulbs.html

[BadAss95-530i]

I did it once with the 'turn the wheel' method. I dont have a telescoping wheel either. I was surprised how easy it was to get out.

Getting it back in was a whole other story and i cracked the bracket for the securing screws... I now take the wheel off every time. Its really just two torx and a big bolt.

[attack eagle]

yeah or you can drop the column pretty easily too

[Travis_WA]

Thanks guys! I'm definitely looking forward to the lights working. Going to do it as soon as I find the 3W bulbs.

So far only have found some on the pelican site, all the auto part stores around here only carry the 1.2W oddly. Hate to spend 5x the price of the bulbs for shipping... slow shipping at that.

Then the series resistance for the blower control, and perhaps troubleshooting the brake circuit message (think its the cheap after-market bulbs) and it'll be all fixed up for now. =)

[attack eagle]

go to the dealer...

jsut as cheap (normally) and no shipping.

[BMWDriver]

Drop the column ?

[shogun]

2 bolts only, or like this
http://www.lehrmangroup.com/rickard/airBagAndBulbs.html
http://bmwe32.masscom.net/sean750/dash_bulbs/changingClusterBulbs.htm


Or:
But be warned, you could break the front plastic of the cluster, and that is not available as single item.
Here we go how it works
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/422663
reinstallation
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/422658