Cluster swap

kav · 02-14-2009, 05:57 PM

I've read some old threads on this topic but wanted to know if anyone had any further input. Can I replace my USDM MPH cluster with used European cluster (with KM/H) at the dealership. I head that the odometer readings is stored in a few places including the cluster but I assume that the dealer could make sure it was clibrated to the ECU or can this only be done with a new cluster?

Thanks.

kav · 02-15-2009, 11:06 PM

Anyone?

EdmM3 · 02-17-2009, 09:16 PM

You can easily put in a Canadian cluster with KPH. Why do you want a European cluster?

kav · 02-17-2009, 09:34 PM

I mean a cluster with KM/H, not necessairly a european one. I know the swap over process is easy. My main concern is if the odometer can be sync'ed with the cars actual odometer, if the new cluster is from a wrecked vehicle.

EdmM3 · 02-17-2009, 10:18 PM

I know for sure that a new cluster will take on the mileage from car. I also think that a cluster from a wreck will take on the mileage of the car it is being installed in. The mileage is stored in other places in the cars computer.

I think a used cluster would work fine in a Z'd, but I have heard of some people with 5 series have had some difficulties with used clusters. Sort of 50% success ratio. The 5 series has a more complicated system than the Z'd.

kav · 02-18-2009, 03:01 PM

I spoke with BMW and was advised that the all these clusters are one use items. Meaning that when they are new they accept the VIN/odometer. If they are used they will not accept the new VIN or new odometer readings and will give an error light. There is apparently no way this can be worked around by the dealer. This is unfortunate but important for anyone considering this project.

epbrown · 02-18-2009, 04:02 PM

Yep, if you replace the cluster there will be a glowing dot on the odometer to show it's been changed - there's not fix for it. Heard about this when someone swapped his Z4's cluste for an M's cluster.

GP20 · 02-18-2009, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kav

I spoke with BMW and was advised that the all these clusters are one use items. Meaning that when they are new they accept the VIN/odometer. If they are used they will not accept the new VIN or new odometer readings and will give an error light. There is apparently no way this can be worked around by the dealer. This is unfortunate but important for anyone considering this project.

Yep. You're 100% correct.

ATX750i · 03-04-2009, 08:35 PM

I can attest to the glowing dot although I didnt replace the cluster, I swaped my LCM for one with auto headlights and fog button. Completely forgot that the LCM is one of the 3 places that the odometer is stored so now I have this nice dot that means I have tampered with the odometer, even though I have the service records to show I have not tampered with anything.

acvr4 · 09-09-2009, 08:17 PM

Nice to know - I was thinking my 03 had a problem since there is no door ajar/hood/trunk indicator. After a closer look I see it's not there and verified it with my manual. I just don't that little indicator is worth $700 for a new cluster.

Another change to note on the 04+ cars.

02-14-2009, 05:57 PM	#1
kav Lieutenant 49 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Cluster swap I've read some old threads on this topic but wanted to know if anyone had any further input. Can I replace my USDM MPH cluster with used European cluster (with KM/H) at the dealership. I head that the odometer readings is stored in a few places including the cluster but I assume that the dealer could make sure it was clibrated to the ECU or can this only be done with a new cluster? Thanks.
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02-15-2009, 11:06 PM	#2
kav Lieutenant 49 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Anyone?
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02-17-2009, 09:16 PM	#3
EdmM3 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 635CSi, Z4, 330xi, 530i, E90M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Edmonton, Ab, Canada iTrader: (1)	Cluster You can easily put in a Canadian cluster with KPH. Why do you want a European cluster?
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02-17-2009, 09:34 PM	#4
kav Lieutenant 49 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I mean a cluster with KM/H, not necessairly a european one. I know the swap over process is easy. My main concern is if the odometer can be sync'ed with the cars actual odometer, if the new cluster is from a wrecked vehicle.
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02-17-2009, 10:18 PM	#5
EdmM3 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 635CSi, Z4, 330xi, 530i, E90M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Edmonton, Ab, Canada iTrader: (1)	Cluster I know for sure that a new cluster will take on the mileage from car. I also think that a cluster from a wreck will take on the mileage of the car it is being installed in. The mileage is stored in other places in the cars computer. I think a used cluster would work fine in a Z'd, but I have heard of some people with 5 series have had some difficulties with used clusters. Sort of 50% success ratio. The 5 series has a more complicated system than the Z'd.
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02-18-2009, 03:01 PM	#6
kav Lieutenant 49 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I spoke with BMW and was advised that the all these clusters are one use items. Meaning that when they are new they accept the VIN/odometer. If they are used they will not accept the new VIN or new odometer readings and will give an error light. There is apparently no way this can be worked around by the dealer. This is unfortunate but important for anyone considering this project.
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02-18-2009, 04:02 PM	#7
epbrown Colonel 60 Rep 2,128 Posts Drives: BMW M Coupe, Porsche Boxster S Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Yep, if you replace the cluster there will be a glowing dot on the odometer to show it's been changed - there's not fix for it. Heard about this when someone swapped his Z4's cluste for an M's cluster.
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03-04-2009, 08:35 PM	#9
ATX750i Captain 32 Rep 746 Posts Drives: 2009 Honda Civic Si Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bay Minette, AL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Z4 2.5i [0.00]	I can attest to the glowing dot although I didnt replace the cluster, I swaped my LCM for one with auto headlights and fog button. Completely forgot that the LCM is one of the 3 places that the odometer is stored so now I have this nice dot that means I have tampered with the odometer, even though I have the service records to show I have not tampered with anything. __________________ Johnathan 03' 2.5i Maldives Blue Roadster - SOLD 09' 2.0 Polished Metal Metallic Honda Civic Si - Current
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09-09-2009, 08:17 PM	#10
acvr4 Private First Class 3 Rep 198 Posts Drives: 3.0Z4,VR4,Vehicross.Touareg Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	Nice to know - I was thinking my 03 had a problem since there is no door ajar/hood/trunk indicator. After a closer look I see it's not there and verified it with my manual. I just don't that little indicator is worth $700 for a new cluster. Another change to note on the 04+ cars.
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