Instrument Failure - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

richardbaxter · 18th October 2009, 14:46

Driving yesterday and suddenly all the instrument needles went haywire, the mileage indicator/service indicator kept flashing on and off.

Car still runs fine but instruments are all misleading and the fuel guage needle is jammed at about 5oclock position.

Is this something simple or a new instrument cluster?

MY BUD · 18th October 2009, 20:19

When my instrument cluster went it was due to the alternator failing and putting out 18 volts! However mine stopped working altogether but its probably worth checking the voltage anyway.

MIKE.

davidoli · 18th October 2009, 22:10

Certainly sounds like the cluster Richard ........

Have you got anybody local that would allow you to try their clocks in order to ascertain the cause ?

D

farrell · 19th October 2009, 10:06

Richard.
Sounds like the battery assembly that is soldered onto the OBC circuit board inside the I/C may have leaked.
If not, pm or ring for options.

Cheers
Farrell

Montanvs · 22nd October 2009, 06:47

Not sure if it could be the capacitors on the instrument cluster circuit board. They apparently have a history of eventually failing causing symptoms like you describe. This website for the E34 shows a DIY.

http://home.comcast.net/~fongman1/repairpages/instrumentclusterrepair.html

richardbaxter · 24th October 2009, 02:32

Thanks for replies.

After a day or two with the car parked up the constantly displayed IC caused the battery to drain right down.

I've now removed the IC and have the battery on charge - will speak with someone who maybe be able to repair the existing IC otherwise it wil be an expensive circuit board from BMW...

davidoli · 24th October 2009, 10:41

Rich , don't go to BMW for an expensive circuit board .......nigh on a grand IIRC .....as I've got a set of 3.8 clocks here for you if you want them.

D