BMW Repair: 1987 325, fuse box, selector rod

Question
Hey,
I'm having a problem with my instrument cluster, the speedometer works but none of the other gauges function. i tried putting in another cluster but it did exactly the same thing, what do you think i should do? Also the is alot of play in the shifter(manual), I'm guessing i need to have the bushings changed, what do you think?
Thankyou,
Shahab Shaukat
[1987 325 4 door 5 speed]

Answer
Hey Shahab,
Regarding your instrument cluster, start by looking at Fuses numbers 10, 12 & 21 (all 7.5 amps).
But since you are in the fuse box already, checking all the fuses might be a good idea considering that the car has years behind it.
Also check the ground connection of the cluster at the left hand side of dash above brake pedal. If you found nothing wrong with your fuses and ground connections, check the cables and connections at the back of the cluster.
Now on your manual shifter, given enough time, wear and tear makes the shifter feel loose. Check the 2 spacers at the buttom of the shifter, the tension bush at the end of the straight selector rod (which is connected to the shifter), the bearing sleeve at the end of the shifting arm, and the main bearing of the shift lever.
Other than the above, just keep a sharp eye for loose parts movement.
Have a nice day.
Tino