Several models of BMWs have had a problem with the fuel & temp gauges going out in the instrument clusters. This is usually caused by bad capacitors on the circuit boards. A few other forums have discussed this problem and the solution to it. Unfortunately, I've applied the "fix" (replaced the caps suggested), but still have the problem. I've gotten no response to inquiries about other causes from those forums. Does anyone here know of another cause for this and how to get them working again?
The car is a 1988 735iL (E32)
take your car in for service.
Thanks for the helpful suggestion. With dealer service at $85+ an hour for labor and most electronic modules running over $400 each, its not the first option I'd pick. Could end up costing more for the service to solve an annoyance than what the car's worth (it's perfectly driveable w/o guages working, as long as you keep track of how much gas you have). In any case, I've always found it to be better to know what a car's problem is before bringing it in. Usually costs less that way. Hoping someone else may have experienced this and can help.
Have you tried looking for wrecked vehicles that have the gauges that your looking for ?
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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
Jeff:
The problem's not with the gauges themselves, it's somewhere in the control circuit(s) for them. As mentioned, the usual cause is that certain capacitors on the instrument cluster circuit board have gone bad. I replaced them as the technical fix instructed, but still have the problem. The guages had worked intermittantly for a few months, then quit completely. Then tried the "fix" but no luck!
I'd of course try a used module (most run over $100) if I knew which one to try. As they are usually not returnable, could get expensive on a hit or miss basis. Was hoping that maybe someone on a "12 volt" forum may have run across this electrical problem & found a solution.
Pat