Bmw e36 318is 1997 instrument cluster help needed.Went dead while driving....now petrol and temp/guage not working.....What can i check? replacing the tem swicth and termostat

try to be more clear, what works now or not. just that.
tell both good and bad things now, just now.
key on, SEE self test of IP cluster (dash) all Lamps glow?
then engine starts or does not, key on to start.?
car does or does not drive.? well not with brakes dead.
you took it in for service with brakes dead?
pedal went down at a stop.<<means pedal went to the floor?
be more clear on brakes. please.

the cluster dies for 4 reasons (tech)
fuses blown (hood up fuse box called TIPM
Ignition (keyed) switch failures
communication failures (Can_bus network) a digital dash is it.
Car main battery dead.

all you can do lacking tools is check fuses for BLOWN?!

LOOK AT THE RELAY GENERALLY A HOLE INSTRUMENT WONT GO OUT WITH OUT A FUSE BLOWING OR A RELAY THE HOLE THING IS ONE UNIT BUT RAN SEPERTLY

As a first solution not being a BMW expert, sorry...try checking the fuse panel as in some cars, the instrument cluster is run via one or 2 fuses.

Hope this helps ,
Darren.

CHECK THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUSE.IF FUSE GOOD.THE INSTRUMENT HAS SHORT OUT.NEEDS CHECKING CHECK FOR LOOSE BROKEN WIRE.IF ALL IS GOOD CLUSTER NEED TO BE REPLACED.

did you check the fuse?
that sounds more like the problem!!!

Sounds like the instrument panel is missing a ground. Check it out before you purchase a new one. Hope this helps. Keep us posted. Good luck

I had a similar problem with mine. I had to replace the instrument cluster. The "new" cluster will need to be programmed to the pcm. If it is not programmed, the car will start and immediately flood out and die.

You need to perform a static discharge on the vehicle. Remove both cables from the battery and touch the two cable ends together(you may need a jumper wire) for a few minutes. Reconnect the cables to the battery and check it out.

the instrument cluster needs repair, the steppers on the motor need upgrade nothing else or buy a new instrument cluster

It sounds like you may have a poor connection in the ignition switch. When this occurs move the key a little and see if problems clear.