BMW E30 Cluster Tab Repair

BMW E30 instrument cluster mounting tabs (“ear mounts”) crack over time, generally after removal or reinstall of the cluster. Once the tabs fail, the cluster can no longer be properly secured in the dashboard and may sit loose or uneven in the cluster opening.

Tools and materials required:

BMW E30 instrument cluster tab repair kit

Philips PH2 bit or screwdriver

Side cutters or clippers

Drill

Installation procedure (you can find video tutorial at the end of the page:

1. Remove the instrument cluster

Carefully remove the instrument cluster from the dashboard following the standard E30 removal procedure and disconnect the wiring connectors from the rear of the cluster.

2. Remove the broken mounting tabs

If parts of the original mounting tabs are still present on the cluster housing, use cutting pliers to remove the damaged plastic until a clean mounting surface remains.

3. Position the replacement tabs

Place the replacement repair tabs onto the cluster housing where the original mounting points were located. Make sure they sit flush and align with the original mounting screw locations.

4. Drill the mounting holes

Using a standard drill, carefully drill the mounting holes through the cluster housing as required for the fixing screws.

5. Secure the repair tabs

Attach the replacement tabs using the provided fixing screws and tighten them with a Philips screwdriver until the tabs are firmly secured to the cluster housing.

6. Reinstall the instrument cluster

Reconnect the wiring connectors and reinstall the cluster into the dashboard. Once installed, the cluster should again sit securely in its original position.