My dad's 2000 E53 is starting to have some electrical gremlins. He took it to the dealership, they had it for about 3 weeks ($600 diagnostic fee), and came back saying that the gauge cluster is drawing some current and killing the battery and causing some of the gauges to not work correctly. They recommended replacing the cluster with a brand new one. After labor and coding it comes out to approx $3,000. I'm trying to save him a buck and possibly but a used cluster and having it coded (if possible).

They also recommend replacing the OEM navigation unit because it seems to have some issues as well. I was thinking about going with an aftermarket double din and get rid of the factory nav altogether. My dad said somewhere around $6k for the whole repair..

Does anyone have experience swapping clusters? Is it possible to buy used and code to the vehicle? Or is brand new the only option? I might do some shopping around to see if I can get a better price online if new is the only option. Anyone have experience bringing in a new cluster to the dealer to code? Any help would be appreciated

Currently around 90k miles. Recently dropped big money on a rebuilt engine with zero miles. Recent battery and alternator replacement. Definitely planning on keeping this vehicle for a long time

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2000 E53 4.4
2011 E70 35d