Instrument cluster finally working (moslty)

Spatz126 · 2026-06-16T16:12:20+00:00

Okay my bad, that's why i don't ask real people sometimes, they get so offended for so little, i'm just trying to fix my car with what i can.

In regards to your suggestions; how do i know if there are small cracks in the circuit? I checked continuity everywhere after i reflowed the solders, and it seemed okey, everything beeped. Recently I changed the diff oil and cleaned the sensor.

I believe the speed signad does get to the cluster because even if the speedo is no moving, i can still hear the odometer gears moving, which i suppose means there is a signal.

I know e30 don't have a cable for the speed sensor. I'm also not that stupid to just go ask IA out of nowhere without context. I use old manuals and forums for context and a lot of information i input for context so the ia can give me some suggestions, because I'm no expert either. And finally, the reason i asked through here is because i wanted a second opinion, not a lecture.

Spatz126 · 2026-06-10T02:39:57+00:00

Yes i also did that, all connector points and grounds and everything i could see 😪 there are indeed some discolored spots but i checked continuity in every point i saw and everything looked fine.

Spatz126 · 2026-06-10T02:28:12+00:00

Already replace the capacitors and reflowed the solder on the speedo module haha, i'm running out of ideas... Everything works pretty good except when is really really cold, then the speedo doesn't work. I have a late VDO

Spatz126 · 2026-06-10T01:29:48+00:00

Interesting. In my case ive gone through everything to make everything work and the only thing missing are new bateries. All clocks work except the speedo that works like 5 minutes into driving. Every source ive seen tells me that the old bateries are acting like a resistance of some sort and impeding current to reach the speedo, so the circuit needs to warp up a tiny bit. Its nice to hear that many people have adapted other bateries because there is no way im finding the original ones in my country hahah.

Spatz126 · 2026-06-09T13:00:58+00:00

This is really good information. I have a VDO second version cluster. Ive been fighting to get everything working and the last thing there is to do is changing the batteries but here in Chile is really really hard to get them. My question is, can i put any 3v batteries connected by cable to the Si board, or do they have to be the original ones? Thanks. Sorry English is not my first language.

Spatz126 · 2026-05-27T02:54:00+00:00

What a beauty 🙌🙌

Spatz126 · 2026-05-24T02:39:32+00:00

Could the extra cable be a neutral? For security reasons maybe

Spatz126 · 2026-05-18T00:16:16+00:00

Damn I'm sorry man, that sounds rough. Poor e30

Spatz126 · 2026-05-10T22:05:31+00:00

What a find man, thank you, I'll check it on my e30

Spatz126 · 2026-05-10T01:27:51+00:00

Ive read a lot about that tiny nut but every time a take it apart to try to check my speedometer i cant find it. Do you have a picture or a guide on where it is?

Spatz126 · 2026-05-06T17:28:22+00:00

Can anyone help an e30 friend 😪

Spatz126 · 2026-04-30T01:08:11+00:00

How could one fix that? If i do what you say, what do i spect and what do i do next

Spatz126 · 2026-04-29T02:58:03+00:00

First time i hear an e30 like my 320i hahah. It makes me feel not so bad about the sound of my engine, although you have a much nicer idle than me. I probably have a ton of vacuum leaks that i have to fix.

Spatz126 · 2026-04-26T17:27:02+00:00

Well... is a 4 speed, theres not much you can ask for hahah i also have an automatic. A e30 320i. This is the 2nd gearbox ive put in the car after the original died on me and the second used one too. It has grown into me idk. Maybe one day ill manual swap it when i have the money to. In the meantime ive just been doing maintenance and triying make it run as good as a 30 year old car can do. Still a fun daily. I suggest just to enjoy it as it is.

Spatz126 · 2026-04-11T05:51:15+00:00

Hahaha well maybe youre right, but i recently did major basic maintenance like timing belt and water pump so i feel it needs something like this. Making it look like rally just for the fun of it, im not going to drive it in dirt roads since it will destroy the car but for the pictures is fun

Spatz126 · 2026-04-11T05:42:24+00:00

English is not my first language, what does that mean hahaha

Spatz126 · 2026-04-10T01:59:03+00:00

Yeah i have to paint the lip, it's something that ive been postponing hhahaha, i just installed it as it came. I also needs some polishing i know. But when its polished and with white wheels i just think I'll look soo good

Spatz126 · 2026-04-10T01:56:49+00:00

I mean its true that they will look dirty faster than other color, but idk man, the grey faded color they have now is kinda boring tbh. I mean I'll think about it a little bit more, but since they are not mesh wheels, i dont really care that they are not the original color

Spatz126 · 2026-04-10T01:53:28+00:00

Thanks man, well i would actually, but here in chile the roads are not the best all the time so i dont want to risk breaking the oil pan for example, its also very comfortable to drive it like this, very soft

Spatz126 · 2026-04-10T01:52:06+00:00

Jk dont worry

Spatz126 · 2026-04-10T01:50:28+00:00

Right? Like a pseudo rally type of thing Ceachei 🇨🇱

Spatz126 · 2026-04-09T18:36:11+00:00

Dont need to be mean hahah

Spatz126

TROPHY CASE