Apparently, the bulb for the CEL on my daughter's '96 328is is loose or failing. It went on recently as I described in another post when the connector to the intake manifold air temp sensor came off. She reported that it went on for a few minutes and then turned off. I reconnected the air temp sensor, checked codes and cleared the temp sensor code but came up with a code for "check engine lamp".
I figured the bulb had gone out so I ordered several bulbs thinking I would change the ones that get lots of use while I had the cluster out. Tried to pull the cluster out with no success last night. Got the two screws out and was able to pull it out partially but cannot get it past the steering wheel.
I understand that it is possible to get it out even if the wheel does not tilt. I reinstalled it while I come up with a better approach and found that the CEL light was working again! I cleared the check engine lamp code but I still want to get in there and change/tighten bulbs. Any hints for how to get the cluster out without pulling the steering wheel off would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!