08 MS3 cluster swap to 09 w/white needles

[hollywood43]

I need some help, I purchased a 09 cluster w/white needles from ebay and went to have it programmed with my keys at the dealership today.

At first they said they could swap it no problem and transfer the mileage over. Then it was we can't swap the mileage, then it was it won't start and now we have to program the keys so it's going to cost more.

They programmed the keys multiple times and ended up giving up and puting the original cluster back in and reprogramming the keys to the old cluster and it luckily they didn't screw that part up.

So of course I had to pay something for the techs time and use of equipment, which just ticked me off even more, after waiting 2 hours now for them to finish.

The best reason they could come up with is that the new cluster needs to paired with the new "smartkey" and my 08 uses the old type key.

I know I have read that it can be done but what do I need to do to get it done?

I sure do appreciate any help that anyone can offer up. As it sits now I have wasted a lot of time and money for nothing.

 

[hollywood43]

this is not a good sign...

 

[hollywood43]

i suppose this is a lost cause ah well.

 

[ClunBB9]

Why not swap the needles themselves instead of swapping the whole cluster?

 

[DuoofDeath1]

I agree with just taking the cluster apart and swapping the needles. The cluster is the brain of the car and that is why you are having all the problems. Plus, if they cannot get the mileage correct then you are taking a chance of reducing the value of the car if/when you go to trade it in and things don't match up. The cluster can be taken apart as long as you are careful about how you orient it because there is oil in it to lubricate the needles.

 

[chimmike]

3 month old thread people.