318dashsiboard

Replacing the Si batteries on a Bmw 318i

Done in Don Gale's Colors because I like them.....

First things first, start with the removal of the lower dash cover....

Once thats done you just lower this section down and leave it... Then you  reach up under the back of the dash and remove the knurled nuts at each end of the panel just below the dash cluster.

After that panel is removed you can remove all the screws around the perimeter of the dashcluster

And remove the outer dash cluster trim. Then remove the other  upper screws and tilt the top of the dash cluster forward
to remove it .

Remove the electrical connectors by raising the center lock on them and then lifting them off.

Next lay the dash flat on a towel or cloth to protect it and remove the screws around the perimeter only. Then carefully lift
it straight off of the gauges

Set the gauges aside carefully and in the other part you'll see a circuit board.

You'll now see the batteries soldered to the board. You'll see 6 points where they are soldered on the back side.
Remove the solder using a solder sucker or some solder removing braid and a soldering iron. Carefully pry the batteries
up off the board when the solder has been removed. Now take a marker and mark the + and - on the board how each of the batteries sat. I went to a local batteries plus and bought batteries and lugs to solder on the ends so they will fit the board.
I ended up taking some needle nose pliers and prying the ends off the old batteries and soldering them on the new batteries instead though. They come off fairly easy. Solder the new battery in and add either some hot glue to them to hold them together so they don't vibrate or use some caulking compound.

Reassemble and you're all done. In the pictures I had the steering wheel off because it was easier for the photos but I don't think you need to remove it .  Once you're done here you'll still need to reset the si lights.  One more note, the batteries ended up costing about 12.00 from batteries plus.

Bill R.