Instructions for sending BMW E46 3-series instrument cluster in for repair

This is a repair service for BMW 3-series (E46 generation) instrument clusters that have died. This means no gauges move and none of the lights work except for ABS and seat belt lights which are stuck on. I can repair clusters with other problems, but, contact me first so I can let you know if it is something I can repair.

What can you fix? The most common problem is gauges don't move, digital display doesn't work and most of the indicator lights won't work. ABS and seat belt lights may be the only things that light up. This also affects the AC compressor and might affect the steering wheel radio buttons and in dash GPS display.

How long does it take? Instrument clusters are typically repaired and shipped back in 1-2 business day.

How much? Instrument cluster repair is $150 with return shipping within the US. If you are outside the US add $50USD for shipping.

How to pay? You can pay by Zelle, cash, cashiers check, money order or Venmo. If you are in the auto sales or auto repair business you can pay with a business check. For Zelle send payment to p9019@yahoo.com Make money order out to Scott Johnson. Send payment with the instrument cluster. For Venmo my username is @Scott-Johnson-1241 and the last four digits of my phone number are 4273. On the note with the cluster say how you are paying if payment is not included in the box. Venmo and Zelle should arrived before the cluster to not incur a delay.

How to send it? Please, please, please pack it well. DO NOT open the cluster and take the circuit board out. Send the entire cluster. There is a detachable visor like piece (see bottom right picture at the end of the page) that can be removed. I recommend you remove it before packing because this piece sticks out and can make packing it more difficult. DO NOT send in the visor piece. You keep that and snap it back on when you get the cluster back. The minimum box size should be 15x9x8. I use a 17x9x9 (1377in^3) box. The post office shipping costs are reasonable up to 1 cubic foot (1728in^3) and then the shipping cost can almost double if you are more than 1-2 states away. See pictures below for various packing disasters due to improperly packed clusters. Do not send signature required! If you absolutely must send send signature required contact me first to arrange a day or alternate address. No one is guaranteed to be available during the day to receive and sign for packages. We are in and out during the day. Signature required packages may be delayed up to a week or may even be sent back.

Important information that you must read
Inside the package include a note with the shipping address you want it mailed back to. If you want tracking information, include your email address and write it neatly! I do not take the address office the outside of the box. Address must be in the box with the cluster. Do not assume that since you called or emailed that I remember you. You are not the only person I get things for repair from and I won't remember you. Please include a brief description of the problem with the cluster (ie completely dead except airbag and seatbelt lights are on briefly and unresponsive or RPM gauge is unresponsive, etc.)

Where to send it?
Send your cluster to:
Scott Johnson
25238 Denny Rd
Torrance, CA 90505-7051
U.S.A.

If you have any other questions shoot me an email at scottcjohnson@gmail.com or call me at 310-283-4273 (DO NOT text me), if I don't answer then send me an email. I'm in California so please don't call me before 9am pacific time.

This is for the repair of the electronics in the cluster. It does not include the clock set tabs due to a broken frame. It does not include replacement of fried LCD displays. It does not include replacement of the broken or missing stalks (left for resetting the trip odometer and the right for setting time and switching between C/F and 12hr/24hr modes). It does not include replacement of any cosmetic problems, broken faceplate, or broken case. If you have any specific questions about what is included in the repair and what isn't shoot me an email or give me a call.

Optional repairs or services
While I have the cluster I can change the gauge backlight color to white, blue, green, red, even pink. I have more information about that service here cluster color change. Time set is a common problem on these clusters (right stalk twist CCW & CW). The problem is little tabs built into the plastic frame of the cluster. With time and/or temperature they get brittle and break when attemtping set the time when cold. To fully restore fuctionality the frame of the cluster needs to be replaced, but there are no new ones. They must be salvaged from used clusters and since these cars are so old they will break soon if they're not broken already. What I can do and have done on many cluster is change the push functionality on the right stalk (C/F and 12hr/24hr modes) to become Time+. The current degrees C and degrees F settings and 12hr/24hr clock mode will stay as they are and pushing the right stalk will advance the time. I do this for an additional $15. Other thing I can do is replace the fried LCD displays which sometimes happens when the cluster electronics go bad. $30 for replacement of the center LCD display and $15 for the automatic transmission display.

Want it repaired right away?
If you live nearby you can arrange to drop off the cluster on most weekday (M-F) nights after 7pm. Repaired clusters are usually ready in 24 hours.

Gallery of improperly packed clusters.