November 01, 2021 3 min read 53 Comments
Many of you were asking for an E46 digital cluster so we have started a new project with the 3 Series BMW from 1997 to 2006.
To start: We need a car.
The choice has fallen on this 323i E46 out of 2000 bought from a local dealer here in the Netherlands. Imported from Germany in 2006, with 7 previous owners and 287.254km / 178.491 miles. She isn't the cleanest E46 on the road. The small dents, scratches, and faded paint make her well used. But she is still running strong, perfect for measuring all the signals we need for the digital cluster.
We were searching for a few key options. It had to be automatic, with curse control and infotainment that would be controlled by the steering wheel. This is possibly the most complex electronics configuration available in the E46, covering most of the essential signals.
The fitment into the Dashboard.
We also have purchased a second dashboard and instrument cluster from a BMW scrap yard/wreckers. We use this to measure all the dimensions for a perfect integration and create an original-looking cluster. We are working together with LM Creations, a small concept and design studio in Groningen (the Netherlands), to make a 3D scan of the Dashboard to get a correct fitment,
This 3D scanner has an accuracy of up to 0.02mm:
After the digitalization of the dashboard, we can reverse engineer the mounting brackets for the new LCD. In this case, we use the original mounting point for the BMW e46 cluster for the install. We can also develop a front cover to enclose the LCD screen and give it that factory feels with the digital model. A 3D printer is used to make a prototype to check the fitment into the dashboard.
Over the years, we have developed our hardware on a 10,3-inch or 12,3-inch automotive display. And looking at it, the 10,3-inch display will be the best fit for the E46. This is the same as all the other E Series BMW displays we make. (E81, E90, E60, E63, and more)
The next step: Concept art
The next step is creating a concept of its design. Because we are working with a digital screen, we can design a wide range of layouts without any restraints. Critical is to include all the original indicators in the design and have room for multiple data fields to display the Board Computer information.
To get an idea of how the cluster would behave, we have made a simulation on the testbench:
Up next:
June 17, 2022
Muy interesante,,, para el E39 M5 seria genial
June 17, 2022
This is amazing. Wow I can’t wait.. my father no longer drives as he is 83. He kindly gave me his BMW 330ci year 2000. The car is in mint condition with only 40,000 miles. This would really bring the car up to date. Love the concept
June 17, 2022
Waiting for an e39 one !! 🤯
June 17, 2022
Waiting for an e39 one !! 🤯
June 17, 2022
I’m already ready to order ine
June 17, 2022
Hi I have a bmw e46 325i 2006 convertable facelift will this cluster fit and how much is it and how do I purchase one.
June 17, 2022
Hi I have a bmw e46 325i 2006 convertable facelift will this cluster fit and how much is it and how do I purchase one.
June 17, 2022
BMW E46 320Ci ve BMW M3 sahibiyim merakla bekliyorum 😎✌️
June 17, 2022
How much for e46 320i in South African Rands
June 17, 2022
How much for e46 320i
June 17, 2022
Cant wait to get this for my E46 :)
June 17, 2022
Cant wait to get this for my E46 :)
June 17, 2022
hey Guys, will it be available for E70 ?
I hope so
June 17, 2022
This is impressive work for sure. I would absolutely be in line for buying one if only it covered the whole surface area of the instrument panel and not just that oval, it really ruins the overall look of the layout. It would be great if in some version it could deal with the shape challenge. I realize that would be tough, but that would for sure make this a winner.
June 17, 2022
Can someone contact me I would like to review the cluster for the e46.. Where I live i know about 200 people that has e46 and if I can review it I know I could get them all to buy it… Thanks
June 17, 2022
You got another customer here for sure.
Greetings from Portugal.
June 17, 2022
You got another customer here for sure.
Greetings from Portugal.
June 17, 2022
Hello,
I am from Czech Republic and I’d like to test this awesome gadget. It’s looks great and I looked for this thing for years. I have a 2001 e46, 328i. I could send you photos of my car as well I like to move the car to another level and with this gadget everybody will wanted.
June 17, 2022
I am currently building a high revving NA m52b28TU inside an E46 touring chassis. Now that this cluster could exist, I am now considering resto modding the whole damn thing! Man this cluster looks bonkers!
June 17, 2022
Hi
I would like if for e46 already ready to buy
June 17, 2022
Absolutely fantastic if everything functions as planned. I own an E46 M3 and this would be epic
June 17, 2022
2022! Let’s get this cluster market ready for them cool summer nights! #E46auto #1999
June 17, 2022
Zdravym som ťiež majiťelom e46 320d ročnik 1999 neviem sa dočkať kedy buďe v predaji ak bi bolo poprosim o ďalšie info.
June 17, 2022
Έχω τό ε46 τί τιμή έχει
June 17, 2022
Would love to see a boost monitor dialogue on this cluster for diesel 320d and 330d 😇
June 17, 2022
Ottimo lavoro e non vedo l’ora di averne uno per la mia 323 coupe’ E46.
June 17, 2022
Hi! Is this going to fit e39? If not, could you please consider making it? Looks amazing and I would be intrested to buy. Greetings from Sweden!
June 17, 2022
Yeeeessssssss.
We in Australia could use something 🤔 like this down here.
June 17, 2022
This is so awesome! Will it be compatible with aftermarket infotainment systems that run android auto? Also, will it show the oiltemp for a standard e46 non M model?
June 17, 2022
Any news about it ? I would like to buy it. it looks amazing
June 17, 2022
Sincèrement le modèle bmw e46 325xi est mon préféré mais mon problème c’était le fond écran de la dashbord qui était pas trop existant,si vraiment je peux ajouter ce nouveau dashbord je vais l’acheter et je vais plus jamais changer cette voiture,j’aime trop la berline et maintenant je serai amoureux si je peux changer le fond ecran de la dash,félicitation à vous grâce à vous je serai pas jaloux des fond écran des modèles de 2021
June 17, 2022
You guys have to make one for E83, I would pay any price that you asked.
June 17, 2022
I have an 04 m3 manual trans. My factory dash just died and I’m in the process of building the car as a turbo street car. This dash would be awesome. Let me know as soon as it’s available. (Maybe even incorporate boost and turbo specific application gauges as an option.)
June 17, 2022
Any chance an e36 97 m3 cluster is in the works? I am doubtful but optimistic.
June 17, 2022
Hello. First of all. Thank you for your work and amazing idea. I hope we will get some on E53 aswell. Basically screens for older series should be on same base just the cover it should change to fit different E39/38/46/53 models
June 17, 2022
I found this fantastic! My only wish that Maps or Navigation will be also possible on the dashboard,it is very practical,i always wanted a navigation on the dash.Thanks
June 17, 2022
Attenderò che il progetto e46 possa essere realizzato.
Sarebbe molto interessante poter gestire diverse opzioni di visualizzazione da minimale a multi strumentazione con diverse informazioni e colorazioni secondo la modalità scelta.
Sarebbe un privilegio poterlo installare sulla mia 320Ci Cabrio Manuale del 2004.
Buon lavoro…
June 17, 2022
Cannot wait for this to come out!!
June 17, 2022
It would be nice to get digital cluster for bmw E46 330d
December 16, 2021
I will this work for the e39 5 series BMW
December 16, 2021
very nice job guys!!!i am interested to buy it,i have e46 coupe 2004 manual gerabox in greece! it will be amazing if this can connect with android headunit to show info like gps,music playing or phone calling….but with only this that you do its a fantastic job,more theme wiil apreciate!when you think you finish it?
December 16, 2021
Can’t wait for e46 cluster
December 16, 2021
I have your cluster for my E90 and boy are other BMW owners jealous. I just purchased a e46 330ci. So, I am looking forward to your new cluster. :D
December 16, 2021
Ottimo lavoro per bmw e46
Ma dovestre mettere i 2 quadranti come originale, uno switch se si passa in modalità Sport per cambio automatico
December 16, 2021
Hello from Spain. I love the three themes for the e46, I hope they can be applied to the rest of BMW models, I have had two e46s but now I have an E64 and let’s see if we dare to create tmas for the car. I really like changing the look of the screen.
Nice work with those skins for the e46.
All the best
Hola desde España. Me encantan los tres temas para el e46, espero se puedan aplicar al ressto de modelos BMW, Yo he tenido dos e46 pero ahora tengo un E64 y a ver si nos animamos qa crear tmas par el coche. Me gusta mucho cambiar el aspecto de la pantalla.
Buen trabajo con esos Skin para el e46.
Un saludo
December 16, 2021
Thank you for Starting the E46 Cluster Development :)
Fr sure you have a client here
BMW E46 320D diesel – Manual Gear
December 16, 2021
Thank you for Starting the E46 Cluster Development :)
Fr sure you have a client here
BMW E46 320D diesel – Manual Gear
December 16, 2021
Great work and can’t wait to get one for my E46.
December 16, 2021
I’d like to thank you for considering the e46 as some of us still love it. It would be great to have this South Africa as well
December 16, 2021
Hi,
I’ve been following your progress on the E46 gauge cluster with great interest, it’s coming along great from what I can see.
I have a 2005 E46 M3 CS and have a few questions:
1.) Being able to see oil temperature at a glance is important, to know when the engine can be pushed. The OEM M3 gauge cluster shows oil temp in place of the instant fuel economy gauge. Where do you plan to show oil temp?
2.) How do you plan to cater for the M3 specific moving redline indicators in the OEM gauge cluster, that show a changing rpm limit which increases as the engine warms up?
3.) The car you have bought has an aftermarket infotainment system. The OEM BM54 infotainment/ sat nav unit has functions within that output signals to the OEM gauge cluster, including distance to turn for the sat nav and a flashing warning if a speed limit set in the BM54 has been exceeded.
3.) The M3 CS and M3 CSL only have 1 button on the steering wheel for ‘M-Track’ mode (resulting in the relevant tell tale light in the dash). Thought I’d mentioned in-case there are implications for owners of these cars in terms of missing buttons for interacting with your gauge cluster.
Thanks,
James
December 16, 2021
Vous avez toute mon attention pour ce merveilleux projet ! Il n’y a que quelques paramètres à ne pas négliger tels que la température de l’huile moteur, et la température numérique précise du liquide de refroidissement et un turbo boost serait vraiment un gros plus qui ferait plus d’une fissure. Shiftlight + Max rmp + plus de vitesse engagée sont vraiment essentiels en mode course. Je pense que vous ferez de votre mieux pour faire de ce compteur une pièce unique.
December 16, 2021
Ooooh! This is exciting. I’m check in on this project regularly!
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Richard
June 17, 2022
Will you offer support for the E39 Chassis as well?