Instrument cluster change - United Bimmer Community

**BMWOwner** · 11-21-2006, 05:48 PM

I have a 1997 528i (production 9/96) with what may be called the ‘low’ instrument cluster. This is the one with the five sections across the bottom. Apparently, the ‘high’ cluster has the alpha display, which I like.

Questions:
1) Can I confidently change to the alpha display and have all the wiring match up?
2) Will all OBC functions work properly?
3) What happens with the toy indicator (that little display of the car that shows the various problems like doors open, headlights not working, etc?

I have a 1989 525i with the alpha display and I like it a lot better.

Any assistance is welcome.

Thanx,
Daytona

**QcMarque** · 11-21-2006, 06:29 PM

If no one gets back to you before I get home tonight I can look it up in the BMW software to see about compatability. CHances are someone else will get to it before then though (I work till about 10 or 11 tonight.) In case someone else doesn't though if you wanna put the last 7 of your vin and the part #(if you know it) of the cluster you want to use up it'll be needed for reference.

**c1apton** · 11-21-2006, 07:00 PM

I highly doubt it that the wiring will be remotely close.

**BMWOwner** · 11-22-2006, 01:04 PM

I don't know the part number for the cluster. My VIN-Tail is as follows: BV51206

**QcMarque** · 11-22-2006, 01:27 PM

do you know what year/model the new cluster would originally go to?

**BMWOwner** · 11-23-2006, 02:23 AM

One is from a 2003 525i, the other is from a 2000 M5. One of the things I noticed is the M5 cluster seems to have an oil pressure or temp gauge in place of the mileage indicator.

**QcMarque** · 11-23-2006, 12:33 PM

hmm... well I'll pull the information tonight (traveling across state to visit family) and see what it says. Chances are slim, but you never know.