Looking For Opinions

[supertack]

I've been experimenting with instrument clusters in attempt to fix the common problem of dead/bad pixels in the odometer display. My goal is to figure out a fix, but have not had much success thus far.

I know nobody's gonna know this for sure, but I'd like to get some opinions on the electronic/mechanical compatibility of the cluster components.

Let's say you have (2) e36 clusters, a newer one made by VDO (say like '00), & an older one made by MotoMeter (say like '96). If these (2) clusters were disassembled into three parts (a. back electronics, b. middle gage assembly, c. front housing) what are the chances that the electronics back of the VDO cluster would be compatible with the gage assembly of the MotoMeter cluster, or vise versa.

What I'm tryin' to figure out is, would marrying the electronics and gages of two different manufactures of clusters cause a catastrophic failure like frying either one of the components. If the worse that could transpire is the gages won't work with electronics from the other manufacturer, I'd just give it a try, but I don't wanna ruin the parts I've purchased, .............some that I need for my vehicle.

Thanks folks.

[Jeron]

I think I understand the question. I would think that both electronics boards would be compatible with both sets of gauges.

[Wayne 962]

Hmm, I would think that the interface to the car would be the same and that's it. I still have those gauge cluster components left over from the book if you're still interested - I think our emails got lost along the way a few months ago...

-Wayne

[supertack]

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
I still have those gage cluster components left over from the book if you're still interested

Thanks Wayne, but I don't think I need them. The gages do indeed work with different electronics, which opens up a nice alternative fix for those with issues relating to inaccurate gage readings or bad gas or temp gages.

Let's say your gas gage is not working properly. Buying a new cluster should cost you anywhere from $50 to $75, then you gotta go through the hassle of making sure it has less mile than your car, removing the coding plug, finding the clusters diagnostics mode, & setting the miles. However, if you find a donor cluster cheap (say one with a bad odometer display), you can pull the gage assembly, & use it with your cluster's electronics. Then your miles would stay consistent, & you wouldn't have to re-code anything. The beauty of just replacing the gage assembly, is there is no electronics affiliated to it. No display, no lights, just mechanical gages. This is kinda how e30s were set up, where you could buy parts & make repairs to your cluster, instead of having to buy a whole new one, like BMW has tried to shaft us with in the e36. Pretty sweet!