2000 323i instrument cluster

[KyleGreen]

Hey everyone, I'm in a pretty bad bind here and not sure what my options are. I ordered a new face and some chrome rings for my instrument cluster, and followed the installation instructions to the T. You can view the product and instructions at www.bimmian.com.

I reassembled the cluster and by-hand calibrated it to zero across the board, and all the needles seemed secure and didn't flop. I plugged it back into the car (yes, complete separation) and the speed, rpm, and SOMETIMES the engine temp needles don't move at all however the gas needle is perfectly fine, and the cluster has lost no other functionality.

Does the cluster need to be recoded to the car? I didn't realize what a communications bus the cluster actually was for the car until I reinstalled it (the windshield fluid nozzles hit the cars behind me now and I didn't tamper with t hem) and I've been unable to get any decent answers from BMW. Apparently the service managers I've spoken to don't know what happens if a cluster is removed. Thanks for your help.

~ Kyle Green