- 0xduraki

Instrument Clusters

Several different versions of BMW E34 Instrument Clusters exists and were produced during the manufacturing process starting from 1988. up to 1996. which is the latest production of this 5-Series take turn. Very simplified, there are few different versions of E34 instrument cluster, where we can group a so called Low instrument cluster specifications, and High cluster specifications. All BMW E34 (7-Series) models use same instrument clusters as the E34 models. An experienced electrician can convert clusters from Low ↔ High type, or further do various Cluster Moddings.

A separate note in VDO Instrument Cluster Display provide more details on the LCD Display Modules used in BMW E34 Instrument Clusters.

 

Instrument Clusters: LOW vs HIGH

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Difference between LOW and HIGH instrument cluster specifications is based on original producer, where Motometer produced Low clusters, and VDO produced High clusters. The Low specifications of the IS is a simpler version of the tachos’ - for example, the CCM (Check Control Module) is not present.
 

Instrument Clusters: ///M5 Version

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Apart from difference above, the BMW E34 M5 have a unique instrument cluster. The speed limit is graded up to 300KM/h, and the RPM gauge is limited to 8000RPM/m. Similarly, the Fuel indicator is limtied to 90L; the analog Fuel consumption (econometer) is replaced with oil temperature gauge, and the needles are pained red, instead of white.

It’s possible to convert LOW to HIGH cluster, by repinning and rewiring connectors as explained in Cluster Conversion notes. The Coding Plugs are described in separated notes. Also, take a look at the Repair & Restoration Tools if required.

The user @kfister posted in 2007 on bimmerboard.com forum with all the messages he manage to dump from the BMW E34 Instrument Cluster ROM // EEPROM.

Instrument Cluster ROM Dump PARKING BRAKE ON DOOR OPEN TRUNKLID OPEN HOOD OPEN BRAKE PRESSURE LOW BRAKE FLUID BRAKE LIGHT ENGINE OIL PRESS SUSPN LEVELING *** ASC *** AQUAPLANING COOLANT TEMP BRAKE LT CIRCUIT STOP!TIREFAILURE TIRE CONTROL OFF CHECK ENGINE CATALYST EXHAUST EMISSION 1 BRAKE LIGHT LOW BEAM PARKING LIGHT TAIL LIGHT F/FOG LIGHT R/FOG LIGHT LIC PLATE LIGHT TRAILER LIGHT TRANS PROGRAM ASC NOT ACTIVE BRAKE LININGS EDC NOT ACTIVE POWER STEERING TIRECONTROL TEST OIL PRESS SENSOR OIL LEVEL SENSOR BRAKE LT SWITCH ENGINE OIL LOW COOLANT LEVEL WASHER FLUID LOW POW STEER FLUID TIREPRESS FR L TIREPRESS REAR L TIREPRESS FR R TIREPRESS REAR R PRESS SPAREWHEEL LIGHT ON? KEY IN IGNITION FASTEN BELTS CHECK CONTROL OWNER’S MANUAL ENGLISH US PRE-WARM START PRE-WARM EQUIPM. GLOW PLUG INJ. UNIT WATER TRAP LEVEL ESD defekt max. 110 mph ESD regelt TIRES! MAX150mph TIRES! MAX135mph TIRES! MAX125mph TIRES! MAX110mph TIRES! MAX100mph SPEED-LIMIT Text 66 Text 67 Text 68 Text 69 Text 70

List of Produced Instrument Clusters for BMW E34 & E32

MFR//Motometer

MFR//VDO
 

Appendix: MFR is an abbreviation of ‘manufacturer’.

Design/Print of Instrument Cluster Faces

Services offering Cluster Face Screen Printing:

Buy ready to use Cluster Faces:

Helpful Tools:

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References

Links to this note

BMW Repair Tools

Reference to below links for required tools and equipment needed to restore and refurbish Instrument Clusters.

IBUS Overview

IKE is an abbrevation for the german term “Instrument-Kombi-Electronik” which means Instrument Cluster (Electronics). It displays the speed indicator, odometer, mileage, fuel level, state of the doors, lights, and service intervals (SI). More details about Instrument Clusters are in separate note. Details about protocol framing can be researched here.