Expert: Don Berlan - 9/2/2009

Question
I Have a BMW 730i 1986 Model E Reg. Whilst driving yesterday the dashboard lights where the speedomenter is went out along with the Petrol Gage & Temperature Gage which stopped working. The Speedometer & Rev Counter is working ok. Please Help... What could the problem be. The fuses have been checked and are all ok.

Answer
It is not often I get to hear of older "7"'s. I personally like them the most,I have a 1984 733i and a 1985 735i so I hope I can help.It sounds like you need to take the cluster out and check the bulbs.Being the Tach(Rev counter) and speedometer still work illumination sounds to be the issue.The instrument cluster is easily removed after taking the 2 small screws out that are on the top of the cluster.Disconnect the wires and remove the cluster,the bulbs will be easily seen if they are burnt out.