Another slight mod, I like the clocks on the pre LCI M2 but whats always bugged me is the white fuel gauge needle! why didnt they make it red like the speedo and rev counter is beyond me! so anyway had an idea that i did to an old E36 15 odd years ago , I could make the needle red myself ,so I did,heres how ,I did'nt want to paint it as it would look rubbish with brush marks etc and if it turned out rubbish I can't put it back oem so I ordered some different colour samples of red vinyl wrap for 99p
Here's my samples ranging from dark to light red, best match was the orangey light red so I used that
Removing the instrument cluster is easy, disconnect the battery , then theres two torx screws at the top, undo those and the cluster pulls forward ,then there are two plugs to disconnect, easy ,and you need the steering column far down and far out to aid access on removal
With the cluster on the table next thing was to remove the four small torx screws and unclip the clear plastic face, easy
next I roughly measured a strip to cover the needle then cut it out with a brand new scalpel , this is essential as a stanley knife simply wont cut it, excuse the pun , then place it over the needle and using some thin card under the needle to protect the cluster face i carefully trimmed the vinyl with the scalpel to suit, no pics as it was quite intense and needed a steady hand!
red needle on before the clear face is fitted
clear face fitted back on
refitting is reversal of removal
Illuminating!
lights off!
All in all im quite pleased with the outcome 99p for the vinyl and a 2 quid scalpel!
Still needs an oil temp gauge mind!