E46 M3 Instrument Cluster/Metric-Standard

[flgman1966]

I have a 2002 M3 convertible with SMG and just over 100k miles. Seems like I am in that sweet spot where I fix 1 think and 2 things break. I have an OBD II reader, very basic. I also have INPA and BMW Scanner 1.4. I just solved a Key/Immobilizer situation and now my Instrument Cluster has died. Well, everything except the lower right hand items; I believe there is an Air Bag light and such. However, also, and not sure if it is related or not, Climate Control has gone Metric. I can get it to switch to Standard, but it will always return to Metric. I connected INPA to review the Instrument Cluster and it can't find it. I can send Instrument Cluster out for service, but concerned that there might be something else because of Metric issue. Don't want to send Instrument Cluster if true problem is in a module. Your opinions are appreciated.

[RoyalFlushness]

Do your tachometers work? Have you attempted to perform a cluster reset sweep (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh0uUKtOqys). Check your fuses etc. The cluster in my 2001 ended up needing to be completely replaced due to corrosion on the board, I had to source a Motomoter unit and sent it to a capable cluster shop to have all of the information swapped over without any issues. Goodluck.

[flgman1966]

Tach, speedo, gas, oil pressure, tranny status none of it works. Even blinker sound on turn signals and hazards. Just the lights in lower right hand corner of the cluster. I will try the cluster reset sweep.

[flgman1966]

Yeah, based on the video, that area of instrument cluster dead too. Wouldn't be able to conduct this test, wouldn't know which test I was running. The overhead view of the vehicle does not appear either.

[RoyalFlushness]

Pull your cluster fuses and see if they are all good. Replace if necessary. Try turning ignition on with fuses pulled a few times. Id also suggest pulling the cluster out and leaving it in a dry place (maybe even in rice) for a bit to see if that does anything. I had all kinds of intermittent cluster issues, some of the above things would work temporarily and then it would die again. A new cluster was what solved it all.

[flgman1966]

Thanks. Yes tried the fuses also, forgot to mention. 10, 34 and 43. Oddly, I pulled the cluster out today and now, with the cluster out of the vehicle, the climate control is responding to the change to Standard from Metric. Well that's a plus. I could try the rice, but no reason to believe moisture got in there recently. I reached out to a cluster repair shop. $199 to repair E46 clusters. I sent them a message, hoping that includes the M3 cluster.

[Arith2]

Thanks. Yes tried the fuses also, forgot to mention. 10, 34 and 43. Oddly, I pulled the cluster out today and now, with the cluster out of the vehicle, the climate control is responding to the change to Standard from Metric. Well that's a plus. I could try the rice, but no reason to believe moisture got in there recently. I reached out to a cluster repair shop. $199 to repair E46 clusters. I sent them a message, hoping that includes the M3 cluster.

You'll need to replace or repair it. I drove mine without working anything a few months but eventually it died. Basically, the MOSFET craps out and destroys everything. If your power supply to the cluster is gone, the A/C clutch will not engage. I replaced the cluster and while I was coding it, the EWS has pooped out too. Remember, your cluster it the Gateway to all communications in the car. If it stops completely, nothing works. When I pushed my car in and scanned it, all the module were not communicating simply because the cluster had gone. BMW sent a cluster that has the cruise control like stuck on and my high beam light does come on. After $1100 I'm pretty annoyed. There is a 2 year parts warranty thankfully. You can get you cluster repaired and hope nothing else is damaged. Until that happens, I wouldn't put power to the cluster. In your shoes, I would replace it and I did. If, for some reason, you have the ability to code and program a cluster, make sure it's in metric until programmed otherwise your miles will get messed up.

[flgman1966]

I can't just leave things alone. Tinker tinker, YouTube, tinker tinker. So one of the other problems that I have is that I can't set the clock. Turns out the molded tabs on the attached plate are broken, see circled area. I have to imagine that the only way to get this plate is through a donor cluster. Since it's broken and a donor will likely do the same in sorry order, I am curious if anyone knows if "new" are available?

[heinzboehmer]

Someone sells them on ebay. IIRC, it's a 3d printed replacement.

Edit: I think this is it https://www.ebay.com/itm/174414757236

Haven't bought one myself, so can't speak to the quality. But I've seen others have good luck with them

[Arith2]

I can't just leave things alone. Tinker tinker, YouTube, tinker tinker. So one of the other problems that I have is that I can't set the clock. Turns out the molded tabs on the attached plate are broken, see circled area. I have to imagine that the only way to get this plate is through a donor cluster. Since it's broken and a donor will likely do the same in sorry order, I am curious if anyone knows if "new" are available?

I ordered mine through my parts department. There were like 10 available in Jacksonville FL alone.

[L0okitzRaj]

https://www.bmwgm5.com/GM5_Repair_Service.htm

he does gm5 & cluster repairs as well. shoot him an email... ive used him on multiple occasions. in my past its been a specific ship that goes bad, killing the cluster

[flgman1966]

Thank you all for your input!! I appreciate it!!