BAVMODS® Digital Dashboard Gauge Cluster Update Tutorial

  • Materials Required

  • Purpose

    Updating your digital gauge cluster to the newest software will improve overall performance as well as offer the ability to customize the cluster. Some of the new customizations include added logos and emblems of many different BMW models.

    Disclaimer: this tutorial works for our BAVMODS® Digital Dashboard Gauge Cluster, we are not responsible for damage that occurs from trying to install it on other branded digital clusters.

  • Install USB Drive to Computer

    Install a fully empty USB drive to your computer. The USB drive must be 100% empty in order to upload the software update package.

  • Download 'Dashboard Update 1'

    Download the software file labeled 'Software Update 1' to your computer. This file should be 51.2MB.

  • Transfer File to USB Drive

    Transfer the 'Dashboard Update 1' to the fully empty USB drive by simply drag and dropping the file.

  • Rename File

    Rename the 'Dashboard Update 1' to 'dashboard.zip'. If you do not rename the file file to 'dashboard.zip', the gauge cluster will not register the update file.

  • Safely Eject USB Drive

    Safely eject the USB drive by pressing the 'Eject' button. Do not pull the USB drive from the computer without first ejecting as this can corrupt the file.

  • Loosen Digital Cluster

    Loosen the digital cluster by removing the two T-20 screws. Once the two screws are removed, the cluster can be tilted forward and the update port will be accessible.

  • Connect Update Cable to Gauge Cluster

    Connect the update cable to the USB port located on the back of the digital gauge cluster.

  • Turn On Vehicle to Accessory Mode

    Turn your vehicle on to accessory mode by inserting the key into the ignition and pressing the push-start button until all electronics turn on. Do not turn the engine off.

  • *NOTE

    The update cable can be routed to the driver-side dashboard side panel, to make future access easier.

  • Connect USB Drive to Update Cable

    With the digital gauge cluster in accessory mode, plug the USB drive into the update cable.

  • Allow Gauge Cluster to Update

    Allow digital gauge cluster to fully update. Do not unplug the USB drive or turn the vehicle off while cluster is updating.

  • Unplug USB Drive

    As soon as the digital gauge cluster launches back to the home screen, immediately unplug the USB drive. Leaving it plugged in will force it to update again.

  • *NOTE

    The first part of the update is now complete, but the cluster still needs the second update to be complete.

  • Reconnect USB Drive to Computer

    Reconnect the USB drive back in to the computer.

  • Delete Files from USB

    Delete all of the files you just downloaded from the USB drive, computer and recycle bin. The USB drive must be 100% empty for the next part to go smoothly.

  • Download 'Dashboard Update 2'

    Download the software file labeled 'Software Update 1' to your computer. This file should be 9KB.

  • Transfer File to USB Drive

    Transfer the 'Dashboard Update 2' to the fully empty USB drive by simply drag and dropping the file.

  • Rename File

    Rename the 'Dashboard Update 2' to 'dashboard.zip'. If you do not rename the file file to 'dashboard.zip', the gauge cluster will not register the update file.

  • Safely Eject USB Drive

    Safely eject the USB drive by pressing the 'Eject' button. Do not pull the USB drive from the computer without first ejecting as this can corrupt the file.

  • Turn On Vehicle to Accessory Mode

    Once again, turn your vehicle on to accessory mode by inserting the key into the ignition and pressing the push-start button until all electronics turn on. Do not turn the engine off.

  • Connect USB Drive to Update Cable

    With the digital gauge cluster in accessory mode, plug the USB drive into the update cable.

  • Allow Gauge Cluster to Update

    Allow digital gauge cluster to fully update again. Do not unplug the USB drive or turn the vehicle off while cluster is updating.

  • Unplug USB Drive

    Once the BMW boot logo appears, immediately unplug the USB drive. Leaving it plugged in will force it to update again.

  • Update Complete

    Good job updating your BAVMODS® digital gauge cluster! You can now navigate to the 'Factory' tab in the settings and choose from many new vehicle models to display in the center.