help me to fit chrome speedo rings....PLEASE!

[dom-1984-320i]

Hi all,
this is my first post ever as i am new to the elite groupe of e30 owners! I am hoping someone out there can help me out. i have recently purchased a 1984 320i in burgandy matalic, she is totally original and in great condition with only 72k (all documented) on her. I have just had the engine re-tuned and she is driving beautifully. The only things i want to do to her are lower her a little and just make a few improvments to the interior. Lowering will come soon, first thing for me was the sound system. I did'nt want to go silly and fit bass box's, amps and all that stuff, so it was just infinity reference all around, am a little bit to old now for all that 'BOOMBOOM SHAKE THE ROOM STUFF'. So that was another job done. Now this is where i need a little bit of help... i thought the instrumant pannal was lookin a little dull, maybe even dated so i purchased a set of chrome speedo rings to put a little sparkle back. The ad for them said 'easy and quick to install' something i hav'nt been able to do. How do i install them, does anybody know? Do i have to take the whole dash out? i did take out the 2 fixing screws on the underside at the top to take off the surround, then i was faced with the speedo unit which is obviously covered by glass/plastic and i could see no way of removing it. The 'quick and easy to install' part of the add for the ring does'nt seem to be true, or maybe i am just being stupid or inexperienced with my e30? Has anyone else out there fitted the chrome speedo rings to there e30 and if so would they mind giving me a few tips?

Many thanks
Dom-1983-320i

[rickk]

You deffo need to take the cluster out:
- undo the three 'quarter-turn-plastic-screw-thingies' under the dash and remove the trim panel
- feel around for the two 'thumb screws' that hold the black plastic strip under the cluster in, remove the strip
- remove the screws holding the plastic surround in, remove the surround
- remove the 4(?) screws holding the cluster in (2 at the top, two at the bottom)
- pull the cluster out slightly, remove the plugs by pulling up the black plastic locking tab with a small screwdriver, then just pull the plugs out
- say some foul words when wrestling the cluster out

You can separate the front of the cluster from the back by undoing all the screws on the back marked with an arrow.

Now, how you actually fix the rings in the cluster depends on the type. Mine were the flexible type with a "klick-mechanismus" so I could just squeeze them trough the holes for the gauges and snap them in place (took quite a lot of force tough).

If you're unlucky they're not flexible and you need to separate the clear plastic from the black facia, which is, unfortunately, glued on.
I've never done this but if I'd have to I'd try cutting trough the glue with a sharp knife. In any case, it has been done my times so it is possible.

Good luck,
Rick

[William]

as above, but if you need to remove the plastic off the cluster, it really isnt that hard. Just get a very flat but wide blade (screwdriver/knife) and prise it off gently working your way round the cluster. Don't be tempted to move it in big jumps as that is when you'll snap the plastic. When you've worked about three quaters of the way round, you'll find the rest just comes away easily. Be sure to clean the inside of the plastic before glueing it back on, as well as dust/marks from the guages. When you've finished, just use a few dabs of glue around the edge again and it will look as though you never took it off!

Hope this helps



PS. Be VERY careful about getting glue on the dials or surround, you will notice it forever if you do, superglue NEVER comes off without leaving a very obvious mark.

[ollielsd]

PS. Be VERY careful about getting glue on the dials or surround, you will notice it forever if you do, superglue NEVER comes off without leaving a very obvious mark.

here speaks a man from experience???? lol

[William]

here speaks a man from experience???? lol

unfortunately, yes!