Removal and installation the instrument panel (BMW 3 Series E36)

Removal

Disconnect the ground wire from the battery.

Caution: When the battery is disconnected, the information in the electronic memory devices, such as the engine fault memory or the radio security code memory, is erased. Disconnect the battery only when the ignition is off, so as not to damage the fuel injection system control unit. When disconnecting the battery, follow the instructions in the sections "Radio" and "Removing and installing the battery".

Note: On vehicles with a six-cylinder engine, the battery is located in the luggage compartment on the right side next to the spare wheel.

All models except Compact: Remove the steering wheel.



Cover the steering column with a rag.

Loosen the upper screws securing the instrument panel "arrow" and pull the panel out slightly.

Pull out the top side of the instrument panel a little and pull it out to the steering column.



Disconnect the 3 connectors from the back. To do this, press the connector on the spout, disconnect the bracket and fold it upwards. This will unlock the connector. The picture shows the Tempomat control unit, the connector of which is attached in a similar way.





Pull out the instrument cluster. On Compact models, unscrew the light switch handle and pull out the instrument cluster sideways.

Installation

Connect all instrument cluster connectors to the dashboard. When connecting, all locks must be raised. Lower the lock and thereby fix the connector.

Insert the instrument panel into the dashboard and secure with 2 screws.

Compact Model: Screw in the light switch.

Other models: Install steering wheel.

Connect the ground wire to the battery.

Attention: Connect the battery with the ignition off, otherwise the electronic control unit of the injection device may be damaged.

Check the functioning of the devices.

Set the time on the clock.

Set the security code for the radio receiver, see section "Setting the radio receiver code".

[The article text was copied from an online resource «bmwman.ru»]