Mileage readout pixels dimmed. Bad pixels or dead backlight?

[RenaissanceMan]

The mileage readout in my instrument cluster has suddenly dimmed to the point where you can hardly see the numbers. The pixels are all still lit but they are now much darker than the rest of the display. Any chance this is a DIY or do I need to send my cluster in for repairs?

[jdstrickland]

128781 is dimmer than 197.1, my money is on a bad bulb behind the sector. You also have a message waiting for you in the On Board Computer.

[RenaissanceMan]

Originally Posted by jdstrickland

128781 is dimmer than 197.1, my money is on a bad bulb behind the sector. You also have a message waiting for you in the On Board Computer.

Yes, my washer fluid is low.

Are those bulbs you are referring to replaceable? Thanks-

[RenaissanceMan]

Just found this thread... Looks like I can replace those little bulbs after removing the instrument cluster.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-lcd-dark.html

Thanks, Xoutpost.

[n_sievers]

Very easy procedure. Just remove the upper screws securing the IC then gently wiggle/pull the IC out. The bulbs are just quarter-turn sockets. The bulb is attached to the holder/base so the easiest thing is to pic up the bulbs online or at your local BMW parts department. I would recommend replacing all as with bulbs, when one goes the others aren't far behind (those that are on the same operation duration). I don't recall how many are needed.

[jdstrickland]

+1 on replacing them all. Save the ones that still work for spares, but Murphy's Law states that if you have spares for 5 years you will not need them, but as soon as you toss the spares out you will need one in a week.

[RenaissanceMan]

Thanks for the advice. So this is weird... That bulb is now working again.?? I guess there is a bad connection? Seems like a bulb like that would just die completely. I'm going to go ahead and change them anyways I think.

[jdstrickland]

Originally Posted by RenaissanceMan

Thanks for the advice. So this is weird... That bulb is now working again.?? I guess there is a bad connection? Seems like a bulb like that would just die completely. I'm going to go ahead and change them anyways I think.

The filament is touching occasionally, so the light comes on. It will shake and come apart some day, and the light will go out.

It's a standard light bulb, although very small.

[THE VEIN]

its a $3 bulb and a 5 minute job