When you say the screen was faintly there - it makes me think the backlight went out. Try this, shine a bright flashlight directly on the screen and see if you can make out anything.

Old trick I've done with laptops.

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2000 E46 323Ci 5spd Sport
2001 E38 740iL Security
2002 E53 X5 3.0i 5Spd Sport
2003 E39 540i/6 MSport #501
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