S instrument cluster on base 986?

[particlewave]

There are 3 different 986 clusters.
The Mk1 cluster on earlier models like yours can only be replaced with another Mk1 cluster, though you can upgrade to the 996 five gauge cluster.
The later models came with either the Mk2 cluster (Chuck's first picture) or the Mk3 cluster with the dot matrix display if the car came from the factory with the OBC option (Chuck's second picture).

The Mk2 and Mk3 clusters are interchangeable with each other, but neither is compatible with the earlier cars with the Mk1 cluster. All 3 have 996 Carrera five gauge cluster counterparts that can be swapped in. Any cluster change will require programming to transfer over your mileage and VIN.

Yours is fixable, though.

[boxster]

Originally Posted by particlewave

There are 3 different 986 clusters.
The Mk1 cluster on earlier models like yours can only be replaced with another Mk1 cluster, though you can upgrade to the 996 five gauge cluster.
The later models came with either the Mk2 cluster (Chuck's first picture) or the Mk3 cluster with the dot matrix display if the car came from the factory with the OBC option (Chuck's second picture).

The Mk2 and Mk3 clusters are interchangeable with each other, but neither is compatible with the earlier cars with the Mk1 cluster. All 3 have 996 Carrera five gauge cluster counterparts that can be swapped in. Any cluster change will require programming to transfer over your mileage and VIN.

Yours is fixable, though.

Fixable? In what way, that it can easily be modified to have the correct mileage? So the Mk 1 clusters are the ones with the white, blue and black plugs like chuck mentioned?

[Chuck W.]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Any cluster change will require programming to transfer over your mileage and VIN.

I am not sure this is correct regarding the VIN. I did nothing more than have the mileage on the 996 cluster adjusted.

There are a lot of 996 clusters out there for sale. I prefer to buy from either Woody qualityporscheparts on eBay as there are a lot of broken clusters being sold out there. Just make sure that the plug colors are correct and you're good to go.