Removing Gauge Cluster

mikerunt · 10-31-2023, 07:56 AM

Hey everyone - in the process of buying a new to me e90 race car and have a question about the gauge cluster.

Car is DCT and I would like to install an Aim MXG in place of the OEM cluster.

The shop I’m working with mentioned fully removing the cluster is not possible as the DCT / CAN functionality is wired through it.

Another resource commented that the DCT works fine agnostic of the cluster - however - the fuel level is routed through the cluster / CAN. As such the oem cluster needs to be kept but can be bundled and tuck up behind the dash.

Looking for any feedback and thank you!

amg6975 · 11-02-2023, 11:18 AM

The DCT is not even on the same CAN bus as the cluster. The cluster displays DCT data but I can't see how the DCT would need the cluster. Try unplugging it and see if the trans still works.

The fuel tank floats are read in by the JBBF and that level is then sent to the cluster via CAN, where it turns it into a 0-100% for the gauge. Theoretically you could display the float levels in the AIM.

I can't think of anything in the car that wouldn't work without the cluster. The only functionality the cluster really does all on it's own is the fuel economy, distance to empty, etc. Whether you can actually read in and display everything you need/want on the AIM is another story but it is all on the CAN bus so you should be able to.

mikerunt · 11-02-2023, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amg6975

The DCT is not even on the same CAN bus as the cluster. The cluster displays DCT data but I can't see how the DCT would need the cluster. Try unplugging it and see if the trans still works.

The fuel tank floats are read in by the JBBF and that level is then sent to the cluster via CAN, where it turns it into a 0-100% for the gauge. Theoretically you could display the float levels in the AIM.

I can't think of anything in the car that wouldn't work without the cluster. The only functionality the cluster really does all on it's own is the fuel economy, distance to empty, etc. Whether you can actually read in and display everything you need/want on the AIM is another story but it is all on the CAN bus so you should be able to.

Awesome help - very much appreciated

MineralWhiteF80 · 11-02-2023, 03:32 PM

ive been looking at doing the same thing. For what it's worth, I came across this PDF from AIM that discusses installing the AIM display and then configuring it with the BMW_PT6 protocol that gives you almost all functions of the stock dash.

https://aim-sportline.com/download/e...T6_102_eng.pdf

Also keep in mind I have no idea what Im talking about

amg6975 · 11-03-2023, 08:10 AM

You can actually do a lot more than what AIM has predefined. Turn signals, CEL, etc. all on the CAN bus.

In their PT6 document there are a couple things that will not work without the cluster, like "Dash Speed." The DSC module outputs a "distance since last packet" which the cluster then turns into speed, and distance for all it's functions and then sends back out on CAN.

Good read:
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1801907

10-31-2023, 07:56 AM	#1
mikerunt Captain 816 Rep 1,060 Posts Drives: M4GTS Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Austin iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [10.00] 2016 BMW M4 GTS [9.42]	Removing Gauge Cluster Hey everyone - in the process of buying a new to me e90 race car and have a question about the gauge cluster. Car is DCT and I would like to install an Aim MXG in place of the OEM cluster. The shop I’m working with mentioned fully removing the cluster is not possible as the DCT / CAN functionality is wired through it. Another resource commented that the DCT works fine agnostic of the cluster - however - the fuel level is routed through the cluster / CAN. As such the oem cluster needs to be kept but can be bundled and tuck up behind the dash. Looking for any feedback and thank you!
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11-02-2023, 11:18 AM	#2
amg6975 BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 865 Rep 893 Posts Drives: '12 M1.5 Join Date: May 2017 Location: Rochester NY iTrader: (0)	The DCT is not even on the same CAN bus as the cluster. The cluster displays DCT data but I can't see how the DCT would need the cluster. Try unplugging it and see if the trans still works. The fuel tank floats are read in by the JBBF and that level is then sent to the cluster via CAN, where it turns it into a 0-100% for the gauge. Theoretically you could display the float levels in the AIM. I can't think of anything in the car that wouldn't work without the cluster. The only functionality the cluster really does all on it's own is the fuel economy, distance to empty, etc. Whether you can actually read in and display everything you need/want on the AIM is another story but it is all on the CAN bus so you should be able to.
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11-02-2023, 03:32 PM	#4
MineralWhiteF80 Dont listen to me 993 Rep 651 Posts Drives: F82, E92 M3, '25 Taycan4S, E46 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Atlanta,Ga iTrader: (1)	ive been looking at doing the same thing. For what it's worth, I came across this PDF from AIM that discusses installing the AIM display and then configuring it with the BMW_PT6 protocol that gives you almost all functions of the stock dash. https://aim-sportline.com/download/e...T6_102_eng.pdf Also keep in mind I have no idea what Im talking about __________________ Instagram: @thatwhitem4
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11-03-2023, 08:10 AM	#5
amg6975 BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 865 Rep 893 Posts Drives: '12 M1.5 Join Date: May 2017 Location: Rochester NY iTrader: (0)	You can actually do a lot more than what AIM has predefined. Turn signals, CEL, etc. all on the CAN bus. In their PT6 document there are a couple things that will not work without the cluster, like "Dash Speed." The DSC module outputs a "distance since last packet" which the cluster then turns into speed, and distance for all it's functions and then sends back out on CAN. Good read: https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1801907
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