E30 Odometer Gear Repair DIY How To
E30 Oil Capacity – M10 318i, M20 325is 325es, M42 318is, S14 M3
February 2, 2016
Having a working odometer is nice for checking your gas mileage and oil change intervals among other reasons. Please look at all the images to determine if you’re comfortable with this procedure. As long as you take your time and are gentle enough, you should have no problem!
The cluster shown is VDO though very similar to the Motometer as well. We used new gears sold by Garagistic.
This tutorial starts with the cluster being taken out already. Tutorials on removing the cluster will be added in the future.
Step 01 - Remove back screws
Face the cluster down and remove all the screws from the back as shown highlighted.
Step 02 - Remove back of cluster from front
Gently pull the back of the cluster away from the front. Be careful with the Service Indicator Board pins.
Step 03 - Inspect the cluster
Now that the cluster is open, be aware of the delicate needles. Be careful not to damage them in the next steps.
Step 04 - Remove speedometer screws
While supporting the speedometer from the front, remove the 4 screws in the back.
Step 05 - Remove green speedometer signal bracket
The green bracket here has pins going into the speedometer so it must be removed before removing the speedometer.
Step 06 - Remove the speedometer
Lay the cluster back down and gently pull the speedometer out.
Step 07 - Remove odometer gear plate
Remove the two screws holding the odometer gears in.
Step 08 - Pry back board out of the way
The plastic plate can't be removed until this board is out of the way.
Step 09 - Gently pull the odometer gear plate up
Sometimes the gears will stay in place, sometimes not. In this instance the gears stayed with the plate.
View of the broken gear.
View of the gears still in the plate.
Comparison of the old vs new gears.
Step 10 - Start to put the gears back into place
Be aware there is only one way the gears can work. Make sure you use the appropriate gears for each place.
Step 11 - Remove brass gear
This one is stubborn so you'll have to work to crush it before trying to remove it.
Step 12 - Slide brass gear off pin
After the metal has been crushed, the gear should have no problem coming off with a flat head and a bit of leverage.
Step 13 - Install the remaining gears
As stated before, the gears can only work one way. Make sure all the gears are touching. You can move one with your finger to confirm they are all spinning.
Congratulations on a working odometer!
Reassemble by reversing these directions, you should be an expert by now!
Tone
Tone purchased his first E30 ('86 325es) in 2011 and has been hooked ever since. He has a passion for helping others work on and learn about their cars and mainly enjoys the 80's lineup of BMWs. Currently, he owns a '90 M3, '91 318is slicktop, and the first purchased '86 325es which is M52 powered.