You do not have to drop the steering wheel. You can extend the wheel out into it's fartherest position, undo the cluster and cradle it in the top of the steering wheel, rotate the steering wheel counterclockwise while pulling the turn signal forward, and letting the cluster pass behind the turn signal. Since you have no free hands, let the cluster drop on a pillow placed in the floor. I heard about this technique on this board - it does work and is sure a lot quicker than pulling the steering wheel or dropping the steering colums. I used it to replace some light bulbs. Be sure to put a soft cloth on the steering wheel before cradling the cluster (keeps it from possibly scratching the cluster face).

keith
1994 530ia

FIRST disonnect the battery. This will prevent damage to the SI board on the cluster and air bag deployment.
You'll have to move the steering wheel. This can be done by either dropping the entire steering shaft with the wheel on from below the dash at the collar. Then remove the screws from the top of the cluster and pull forward on the cluster to access the electrical connectors. It's tight but can be done.
Or pull the steering wheel. If you have an air bag you'll have to use a torx driver to remove the four screws from the backside to remove it.
BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN WORKING WIH AIRBAGS. STATIC ELECTRICITY CAN CAUSE THEM TO DETONATE/DEPLOY IN YOUR FACE. NEVER WORK ON AIR BAG WHILE SITTING IN THE SEAT. ALWAYS WORK FROM THE SIDE. I've seen some nasty black eyes and broken noses from detonation in the face.
Once the bag is unbolted, gently pull it forward and locate the plug. Unplug it and gently lift the bag out.
Watch out for additional clips that may be used to position the bag. Be sure to mark the steering wheel shaft and wheel before removal so when you put it back it'll align correctly. Also watch out for the horn contact plates and spring. They have to be aligned exactly for the horn to work correctly.
If the cluster has them I'd consider replacing the backup batteries too. They are Nickel Cadmiums and you can get Lithium Ion for replacements. A bit more money but they last three times longer. The batteries are soldered in, so you'll have to de-solder the old ones first. Soldering in the new ones can be tricky.
Mine leaked a onto the SI board and I ended up buying a used one from a recycler.
My tach wouldn't rise above three and the EML lamp stayed on. Looked like the acid ate through the circuits.

Good Luck.
- Jim
creekside@verizonmail.com

Thank you for the info on the lighting problem I have with my trip and odometer. Can you give me some instructions on how to remove the instument cluster? Also should there be some undication on the instrument cluster to tell you which gear you have selected. If so mine doesn't work, any ideas? It's a 89 525i 4 speed auto. What is the best manual to buy for this model.

Regards

Nigel Cunningham