E30 Zone

Hello, first time poster. I bought a very low mileage 325iC in 2008 and still both own and cherish the car. It's now only done 13k! Anyway got a problem with the econometer giving up and now the tachometer blipping with no change in engine note. I believe this to be a problem with the cluster panel and specifically the SI batteries. Anybody know any UK specialists who are able to replace them?

Simple enough job for anyone who's ever held a soldering iron. Be aware that two versions of the SI board are randomly fitted, that use different types of battery. Replacements must be the same type as the original.

Cheers but unfortunately I'm not the best with a soldering iron and have been told the batteries are difficult to get?

Batteries are extremely easy to get if you know where from and what to get. Both have been listed on here many times. (Where is CPC-Farnell and what depends on which you need).
No great soldering skills are required - it's just four pieces of wire in four large holes, not a 100 pin surface mount chip. Anyone can do it with reasonable eyesight and a bit of practice.
First thing to do is to remove the SI board, pop it in the freezer for ten minutes, and then measure the voltage across each battery.

What's this about putting the board in freezer? Is this a quick way of showing up a dud battery?

Sorry but do not believe I can do the job with the degree of confidence required and certainly don't want to muck it up! Anybody had theirs done professionally??

bassai991 wrote:Sorry but do not believe I can do the job with the degree of confidence required and certainly don't want to muck it up! Anybody had theirs done professionally??

You could probably take it to an old school electrical repair shop, Tv shop etc and they would do it for you, Obviously supply them the new batteries so they are ready to go.