1995 850 n/a trip computer retrofit

[SS2115]

Hoping I can get some clear cut clarrification on retrofitting the trip computer.

Did some initial research and established that there are the two cluster types - VDO and Yazaki. Also pre-1995 and post 1995.
post 1995 have the green plug from the cluster to the computer while pre-1995 have the grey ribbon.
Switch the same on both.

Found a trip computer and checked my cluster to find its a yazaki. Seller said it would still work. Seaching on forums seemed to conflict but looked as if it might work.

Purchased it.
Fitted it.
Clock works and inital ignition cluster check lights it all up okay, but then only the clock works from there on. Had it in the car a week now building some miles in case it needed more information to start calculating but still doesn't work.

Seller refunded selling price but not postage - I'm okay with that. Says he's going to check with other people he's sold them to to see if they had problems/found solutuions but to be honest I doubt I'll hear from him again. I don't think he was shonky - just unknowledgable.

Done deeper research and although a couple of people on forums reckon there is a compter for the Yazaki cluster, a lot of the research seems to suggest the Yazaki doesn't have the electronics to run the computer - only the VDO does.

So does anyone know if there's a mod needed? perhaps a wire change in the plug, or a jumper or something? or it is fact that the yazaki just doesn't come with the trip computer optional facility at all despite it fitting up and plugging in?

Some guessers suggested programming from the dealer but others say the 1995 850 wasn't that sophisticated a dashboard cluster and didn't get programmed.

I'd love to hear from someone who's been through all this and can set the facts straight if possible.
Thanks.

[erikv11]

I don't have an answer to your question, maybe somebody will, but as far as getting a trip computer, I would seriously consider just getting a whole new 850 VDO cluster. We can get them very cheap here in the US now at the junkyards, not sure if that is the case for you. Heck I have a spare I would send you it for a few bucks plus shipping, if you are happy with one with US faces.

[SS2115]

Thanks erikv11.
Nothings cheap in Australia. I buy my BMW parts from BMA in California and even with shipping they are 2/3rds to half our prices.
High new prices here push up wrecker prices accordingly -ie: they know what you'd have to pay if you don't buy their used part.
But the US dash wouldn't be any good here as we are metric - klms, l/100k, degrees C etc.
But thanks for the thought. Much appreciated.