Instrument cluster swap

standupguy · Post by **standupguy** » 31 May 2019, 10:58

I have a 1995 850 with 110,000 miles. The instrument cluster doesn't look like it, it looks like the previous owner in frustration took a hammer to the instrument cluster. (His frustration my gain.) I've been searching for a cluster and the lowest mileage cluster I can find is 170,000 miles. I found 2 clusters one with 111,000 and the other with 112,000 miles. So my question is, is there other years of 850s or any other models that will interchange with the 1995 850 instrument cluster. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank You!

Post by **erikv11** » 31 May 2019, 11:19

If you really want the odometer to match you can swap the odometer between clusters, that's pretty easy to do. See the odometer gear replacement threads.

This is an easy swap that is done all the time.

Earlier 850 clusters clusters have a wire harness on the connector, later ones and all 96-97 have a ribbon connector. If you have a ribbon connector style then any 95-98 (yes, including 98 S/V/C70 clusters) will swap right in. If you have the earlier style it will be harder to find. My 95 has the ribbon style, I'm just not sure when the switch happened. If you are unsure, pull the dash cover, take a pic of the connectors on the back and post it up.

I'd get a cluster with the trip computer at the junkyard, if you get that then also grab the Info switch from the dash.

standupguy · Post by **standupguy** » 31 May 2019, 12:30

Good news maybe? A 1994 850 cluster just became available. Can I do a direct swap with that cluster?

Post by **erikv11** » 31 May 2019, 17:23

Maybe, yes!

It all depends on whether yours is wire harness (probably the 94 will fit) or ribbon harness (probably need a newer one). You need to check.

I've got a couple ribbon style clusters if you can't find one in the yards up there.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 01 Jun 2019, 01:21

Sedan or Wagon?
Turbo or Naturally Aspirated?
Last six digits of VIN number? (CHassis number (CH)).
S.R. or no S.R.?
Factory Code?
It is encoded in the VIN number. It is the 11th position.
1 = Torslanda, Sweden,
2 = Ghent, Belgium,
3 = Halifax, Canada

Post by **erikv11** » 01 Jun 2019, 13:37

Almost none of that is important, this swap is simpler than considering all of those factors. Getting that info from both cars may be more headache than it is worth. I repeat - people do this swap all the time.

Turbo or non-turbo matters if you want the vacuum gauge on the left side, that is present in 95 and earlier turbos. Otherwise, for example, a 96 turbo cluster works just fine in a 96 NA car, there is no difference in the cluster itself. I was assuming your car is non-turbo but if not, let us know.

Here are some useful pics regarding what I have been talking about.

Top is gray wire-style connector, bottom is white ribbon-styler connector.

And this:

If you want input on your options, let us know what you have.