Hey I just got lucky :)
But is seems an easy check for people to pop thelr clusters out a little and see if the connectors are on the top or in the back.
If they are on the top it's the old style with the black box. You shouldn't even have to pull the cluster all the way out to check this.

• HOWTO: replace instrument cluster '97 no re-code - d26818 2008-01-02 18:41:42 (4381 views)
  • Very Cool! - kfister 2008-01-03 02:50:36 (243 views)
    • Re: Very Cool! - d26818 2008-01-03 09:37:34 (195 views)
  • you DO know that the cluster you describe was only used up to 9/97 build date (pic) - Q 2008-01-02 23:17:23 (596 views)
    • Re: you DO know that the cluster you describe was only used up to 9/97 build date - d26818 2008-01-03 02:02:00 (235 views)
  • Any chance I can buy your old cluster? - rimasl2 2008-01-02 22:34:10 (181 views)
    • Wouldn't it have to be coded in order for it to work? not to mention tamper dot? (nt) - IBHenry 2008-01-02 22:35:55 (200 views)
      • According to this post, as long as you keep the same 'black box' it won't. (nt) - visionbmw7 2008-01-02 22:53:21 (178 views)
        • I see. (nt) - IBHenry 2008-01-02 22:57:03 (108 views)
  • SHIT! Then I need to get my old cluster back from my wrecked 96!!! (nt) - visionbmw7 2008-01-02 22:11:39 (175 views)
  • I always knew the no re-code thing was a rip off - tomf301 2008-01-02 21:22:07 (194 views)
  • Now why couldn't they have left this design throughout the MY's? (nt) - absessler 2008-01-02 19:32:49 (130 views)
  • Good job man. Looks like you put an end to the myth..........................;o) (nt) - beechy 2008-01-02 19:09:33 (137 views)
  • Pics of the 2 cluster so we know what to look for? TIA. (nt) - bmw635 2008-01-02 18:47:37 (290 views)
    • Here's the pics. (pic) - d26818 2008-01-02 19:07:14 (835 views)
      • Wowhooo, looks like 95 clusters is going through the roof soon. :-))) - bmw635 2008-01-02 19:11:41 (159 views)
        • Re: Wowhooo, looks like 95 clusters is going through the roof soon. :-))) - d26818 2008-01-02 19:16:35 (132 views)
    • Re: Pics of the 2 cluster so we know what to look for? TIA. (pic) - d26818 2008-01-02 19:00:03 (510 views)