BMW Repair: 86 325ES Odometer, plastic screw, odometer

Question
have done so - you are correct - the drive gear was gone - the 2nd gear was injured- and the 3rd gear looks bad so I ordered all three -

Question when removing the guard shield - it has a small plastic screw that i need to remove to get the cover/guard off...what is it and does it need specific setting when I re-install the cover..

also if you have any insight in re-install on the dash - tips or hints - I would appreciate any thoughts ..

thanks again..
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Followup To

Question -
replacing the dash and have pulled the old one - have the instrument cluster(Motometer) out and have had no Odometer for about 2 years - Speedo and tach are fine - all guages are fine -

I wanted to get t serviced but all works great except the Odo...wanted to see if it makes more sense to just replace the transmitter for < $50 or to have the whole thing reviewed by a local guy  $180 or to send it to another shop? On a budget so dont want to spend $ if they are not really necessary to spend -

Is there another way to tell if the differential send is the problem or the cluster?

thanks in advance for your help...

regrds

Answer -
Vince,
 The problem is not the "transmitter" or sending unit.  The sending unit is located on the differential, and they do go bad.  However, it's job is to send a signal to the speedometer of how fast the vehicle is travelling.  It has no direct connection to the odometer.  I am very confident that your odometer gears are bad.  This is very common, and replacements can be found.  If you pull apart the cluster, and remove the speedometer, you can look at the side and see the gears that turn the odometer.  Most of the time these plastic gears simply crumble and break.  

 Check out www.odometergears.com, this company noticed the reoccuring problem and offers a solution.

 hope this helps,
 Josh

Answer
Vince,
 Unfortunately I have never completely removed a dash from one of these cars.  I've messed with everything under the dash, but never actually unbolted the dash from the car.

 As far as the screw on the odometer, maybe you can make a mark on the side, and remember how it was oriented.

 Unfortunately I have never removed a dash from one of these cars.  I've messed with everything under the dash, but never physically unbolted it from the car.

 Good luck,
 Josh