Sticky speedo

[ROBBIEV]

hey guys, im also new to this forum..so would like to start by saying a big HELLO of everyone..

I've recently purchased a 94 318is and have found the the speedo pin gets stuck sometimes..only moves again when i almost stop completely..is this common problem? how do i fix it?

[Scotty89]

I don't think this is a common problem - I've never heard of it happening before.

You could take the dash cluster out, there are two screws that fire upwards into the underside of the cluster compartment. You'll have to use a stubby phillips head to remove them, and then push the bottom of the cluster inwards, so that it tilts towards you.

It is an absolute b*tch to get out past the steering wheel too - but it can be done, just alot of twisting and rotating.

Once its out you'll have to take it apart to see why it's sticking - be careful and very gentle with it as the cluster unit is not cheap to replace.
Given the age of the E36, the parts are quite old (assuming its original), I know when I took mine apart I broke some small tabs and stuff (luckily nothing important). So a word of warning, just be patient and gentle with it and you should be fine.

It may be worth looking into pricing for a new unit before you tackle this project yourself, as it could be a better option to have a professional shop fix it for you instead.

lower the steering wheel and it comes out easy,did mine last night for the chrome rings.

or get on ebay there is a few speedo clusters on there for sale and just use the part you need.

whole clusters going for around $100

[Yankie]

Does it have stock gauges? A common problem with the white faced overlays is they can stick out a bit and stop the needle.
If its the white faced ones take the cluster apart and glue it down properly.
If its stock one of the screws that hold the face on could be loose.

[ROBBIEV]

Yeah its was a one owner car and its was as stock as a rock when i brought it..it has low km's and i dont want to ruin it by changing the cluster with something with high kms on it..

[Scotty89]

There is a certain procedure for swapping it out for a new cluster with different km's on it. Google it and there should be some sites explaining how to do it.

From memory, the car computer matches the readings to see if it is the original odometer for this reason. There is a way to replace it and have it give you the same reading you had prior to removing it.

[THEKID]

i wouldnt havea clue wat to do im just a holden fan but i do hold beemers close to my heart