E30 speedo problem

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   Hi everyone - welcome to my first post!
I've just bought a nice 325i touring with a knackered speedo.  I've read loads about the problem here and on the net, but just wanted to double check I have it all right:
I check the diff sender first for visual signs on the wiring. (can I check it 'electrically'??)
Check the head for cracking on the soldered joints (I'm a bit bemused by this but presume it will be obvious once it's in front of me with my magnifying glass)
The SI lights seem to be working ok, all 5 green on just now on start-up (I used to have a 318iS, so know how they work) The MPG-ometer or whatever it's called just swings from one side to the other occasionally and I wondered if this is linked with the speedo problem or even points to a possible cause?
All help greatly appreciated, look out for my next questions - I can think of loads more already!!!
dan

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dan6v Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 17-April-2005 Status: Offline Points: 11	Topic: E30 speedo problem Posted: 17-April-2005 at 19:12
	Hi everyone - welcome to my first post! I've just bought a nice 325i touring with a knackered speedo. I've read loads about the problem here and on the net, but just wanted to double check I have it all right: I check the diff sender first for visual signs on the wiring. (can I check it 'electrically'??) Check the head for cracking on the soldered joints (I'm a bit bemused by this but presume it will be obvious once it's in front of me with my magnifying glass) The SI lights seem to be working ok, all 5 green on just now on start-up (I used to have a 318iS, so know how they work) The MPG-ometer or whatever it's called just swings from one side to the other occasionally and I wondered if this is linked with the speedo problem or even points to a possible cause? All help greatly appreciated, look out for my next questions - I can think of loads more already!!! dan

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Simon325i sport Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 13-November-2003 Location: South Wales Status: Offline Points: 1022	Posted: 18-April-2005 at 05:04
	All the points you mention seem to be right, but the usual is the diff sensor as you mention, not sure how to test it electrically though. The swingometer is related to the speedo problem, once that's sorted normal service will be resumed!


PaulS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II East Anglia BMWCC Regional Chairman Joined: 03-July-2004 Location: Aylsham, Norfolk Status: Offline Points: 2516	Posted: 18-April-2005 at 05:40
	The speedo sensor itself can be at fault. Mine was (and also had same symptoms as you), and cost �14.50 from BMW. To check wiring the best I can suggest (which I did) wast to put a wire across the two connectors, remove the instrument cluster and check resistance across the two wires on the plug (should be about 1ohm). Cant remember off hand what pins they are, but will look in Haynes manual at home and let you know. Was told by the dealer that its normally the sensor that goes. If you need a new speedo head, I have one here with 79,000 miles which was I was going to use for my E28 but pins wrong. Let me know if you want it. Paul Edited by e28silver528i
	95 E34 530i V8 Auto Maldives Blue

dan6v Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 17-April-2005 Status: Offline Points: 11	Posted: 20-April-2005 at 11:53
	Thanks guys, after getting a new sensor from the breakers for �2 I got home to realise that my car had different connectors anyway! Serves me right for not checking before I left as the problem was actually only a broken wire at the dif plug...... 2 butt connectors and half an hour later everything (including swingometer) is working fine!!

Geo1400 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 06-March-2005 Location: Neilston, Glasgow Status: Offline Points: 83	Posted: 01-May-2005 at 16:54
	Hi Dan6v. I have the exact same problem with my E30. I bought the car a awhile ago but i've spent the last 2 months trying to fix water leaks and get the bloody thing started!! Anyway road tested it and its awesome apart from the speedo and MPG-ometer thing. When I bought the car I was given a part from the guy that was supposed to fix it. I think its the sensor thing your talking about but I cant for the life of me find it on the car, so a liitle help would be very much appreciated. Cheers Geo1400

NOISUFNOC Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 27-September-2004 Location: Sunny Greenock by the Sea Status: Offline Points: 1473	Posted: 01-May-2005 at 17:39
	George and others here is the location of the pulse generator for the speedo. It is item 8 in this drawing, spray loads of wd40 on screws and let it soak in, they often shear off, you should just about be able to see the generator on the diff without jacking the car up.
	528 for now