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DDub88
06-23-2013, 09:34 AM
I'm having to purchase a new instrument cluster. Many of you may remember me from my "Cluster on The Fritz: post. After ruling out all other potential issues, I've come to find that my cluster itself has gone bad. I'd like to purchase one preferably used ( for cost) but will BMW or other shops code a used cluster to my car. I've heard from other people that dealerships wont code used clusters for some reason. Any truth to this or past experiences with this?
terraphantm
06-23-2013, 10:00 AM
It's not a matter of policy. The cluster hardware itself prevents certain sections of the memory (those that contain the vin and mileage) from being overwritten. The only way to use a used one is to use an external programmer to virginize the EEPROM. (Desolder, clear vin/mileage, resolder)
Tnhl1989
06-23-2013, 10:10 AM
That's true from what I gather when I was researching a way to fix your cluster. I have a cluster from a 2002 330xi automatic if you are interested.
DDub88
06-23-2013, 11:06 AM
I had found a used ZHP cluster ( which is what I'm looking for) on eBay for 275, I just wanted to make sure before I bought it and find out that it can't be coded.
BavarianZHP
06-23-2013, 12:37 PM
Have you thought about repairing your cluster? I'm not sure if that is even a viable option, but reprogramming it seems like a pain.
DDub88
06-23-2013, 12:48 PM
Have you thought about repairing your cluster? I'm not sure if that is even a viable option, but reprogramming it seems like a pain.

Im not even sure of whats specifically wrong with it to repair. Search for my thread " Cluster on the Fritz" and that'll give you a better idea of what was going on.
BavarianZHP
06-23-2013, 12:57 PM
Maybe look around for services similar to the one here?

http://www.clusterrepairsuk.co.uk/repair/model/bmw-e46-3-series-instrument-cluster-repair-service

Wouldn't hurt to ask if they can fix your symptoms or have heard about them. If they are nice, maybe they'll even tell you exactly what is wrong and how to DIY.
Meric
06-23-2013, 10:18 PM
I can code it for you to eliminate tamper dot. For milage... Eghh that thing is hard.
DDub88
06-24-2013, 06:42 AM
I can code it for you to eliminate tamper dot. For milage... Eghh that thing is hard.

How could we make that happen?
BavarianZHP
06-24-2013, 09:18 AM
Tamper dot is easy. Just use a sharpie to cover it up. :eeps

(I've heard of people actually doing this to cover up errors on the dash... Fooled a guy until he decided to mod his cluster)