rev counter is way way out??help.

Post Mon May 02, 2005 9:17 pm

Right my 316i had the guages replaced a while ago.This is great except only half lights up and the rev counter is off!!I found out one night that it redlines at somewhere around 4000rpm.Not good gave me quite a shock.Also it sits at just over 1000rpm when it's at 60 but clearly the engine is revving higher than the rev counter is showing.How do i sort this??I have heard of the calibration thing.I have no idea though.Help please??

Post Mon May 02, 2005 9:22 pm

Could they have been replaced with a set from a 6-pot?

Post Mon May 02, 2005 9:33 pm

Well I hope not.The actual redline markings on the rev counter are at the usual place it's just that the engine redlines when the needle is around 4000rpm.I have read somewhere there is a calibration thing on the back of the guages that you can adjust .This is what a guy did when he put a 2.5 in a 318is and he kept the same guages just adjusted them or something.

Post Mon May 02, 2005 11:51 pm

Its possible the needle is simply put back on in the wrng slots. If your car is idling then check where the needle sits. This will give you an indication. Then just take of the plastic face panel, pull off the needle, twist it round a bit then stick it back on and try the car again. Trial and error matey!

Post Tue May 03, 2005 12:05 am

could it be that the little code plug has not been swapped ie you are running a 325 one when it should be a 318 (small white plug at front of speedo housing when you take it out

Post Tue May 03, 2005 12:29 am

As gazza says above, and the illumination for the clocks is provided by two lamps.
Half the display is lit, so it's a fair bet one of the lamps is blown.
Holders twist into the rear of the cluster. Similar, but smaller than all the warning lamps.

Post Tue May 03, 2005 8:57 am

Right I reckon its that code plug.I have got the origional guages but they were off and mucking around.Does this mean if I use the code plug off the old guages then these ones will do the same??

Post Tue May 03, 2005 10:20 am

yes fit your original code plug

Post Tue May 03, 2005 10:26 am

Right will do that.Thanks very much.

Post Tue May 03, 2005 12:10 pm

So they've been replaced with a set off a 6-pot then?!

Hope it sorts it out

Post Tue May 03, 2005 1:45 pm

All post facelift clusters are interchangeable (except M3). It's just the coding plug that is changed for different models.

Post Wed May 04, 2005 8:19 pm

Right.Had a go at it today.Took guages out and replaced bulbs.Then I nicked the white box from my crashed 318i because the one from the origional guages wasnt there.Guess what, it works!!Thanks for the help guys.Now all the lights work and the rev counter is actually spot on!!!Different car to drive!!

Post Wed May 04, 2005 8:45 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:All post facelift clusters are interchangeable (except M3). It's just the coding plug that is changed for different models.

I know; just asked what car they came from, to see if that could be the cause!

Oh, &

I know, but dya reckon you could have a look in my central locking thread Brian? 's giving me trouble again...

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... pic&t=5512