Home Forums Articles How To's FAQ Register
Go Back   Xoutpost.com > BMW SAV Forums > X5 (E53) Forum
Fluid Motor Union
User Name
Password
Member List Premier Membership Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Xoutpost server transfer and maintenance is occurring....
Xoutpost is currently undergoing a planned server migration.... stay tuned for new developments.... sincerely, the management


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-20-2024, 10:46 PM
msammy's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New England, USA
Posts: 381
msammy is on a distinguished road
2002 E53 X5 Cluster Temporary swap then replace

OK, I've been searching the forums and I have a question on Cluster replacement. I have the dreaded dead pixel problem in the display and can't read the messages and part of the odometer mileage. I'm not sure I want to tackle the display, ribbon cable replacement, so I'm thinking of buying a cheapo cluster for about $75 and sending out my original cluster for repair.

We can't go without the car for even one day, so hence the temporary cluster replacement until the original is returned.

I know the tamper dot will appear on the temporary cluster but my question is what will happen when I replace the temp cluster with my original cluster after it's returned after repair? Since the VIN number will again be the same, will the mileage be replaced by the LCM or do I need to re-code due to avoid the tamper dot? Will the tamper dot even appear after I put the original cluster back? Any/all help is certainly appreciated!
__________________
2022 X6///M - Toronto Red, Silverstone Full Merino Leather, Executive Package w/Remote Engine Start, Soft-close doors, Heated & Cooled Cupholders, Front Ventilated Seats, Front & Rear Heated Seats, Front Massaging Seats, Carbon Fiber Trim.

2002 X5 3.0i, Sport Premium, Titanium Silver, Grey Dakota, Cold Weather Pkg, Xenons, DICE, LED Tails, just a winter vehicle...

2007 550i, Sport Premium, Silver Grey Metallic, Grey Dakota, Nav, Cold Weather Pkg, Comfort Access, HD Radio, Xenons.
Reply With Quote

Sponsored Links

  #2  
Old 02-21-2024, 12:57 AM
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 157
Themoog is on a distinguished road
I have a 4.6 cluster that I wanted to put in my 4.4 but it obviously had all the lights on when installed. I couldn't find a solution to get it to be clear at the time so I just put the original back in. No problem.
If anyone knows how I can use the 4.6 cluster without it lighting up like a Christmas tree please tell..
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-21-2024, 07:22 AM
getty150's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: GB
Posts: 341
getty150 is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by msammy View Post

1. OK, I know the tamper dot will appear on the temporary cluster but my question is what will happen when I replace the temp cluster with my original cluster after it's returned after repair?

2. Since the VIN number will again be the same, will the mileage be replaced by the LCM or do I need to re-code due to avoid the tamper dot?

3. Will the tamper dot even appear after I put the original cluster back?
Any/all help is certainly appreciated!

1The original is repaired...the tamper dot should not reappear...the vin is still the same.

2The milage should revert back to the true milage which is also stored in the ECU (car's engines brain)

3The original is repaired...the tamper dot should not reappear...the vin now matches with the original car's vin.
END

Tell me have you found a place that will do this repair?
If so please post the name or site.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-21-2024, 11:21 PM
msammy's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New England, USA
Posts: 381
msammy is on a distinguished road
Thanks for the info Getty. I did a google search on BMW E53 X5 pixel repair and found a bunch of places that will do the repair for under $150 in SC, TX, CA and others. I haven't decided which one to use as I'm still contemplating on doing the repair myself. I gifted the car to my grandkids and they can't even go one nanosecond without it, LOL.
__________________
2022 X6///M - Toronto Red, Silverstone Full Merino Leather, Executive Package w/Remote Engine Start, Soft-close doors, Heated & Cooled Cupholders, Front Ventilated Seats, Front & Rear Heated Seats, Front Massaging Seats, Carbon Fiber Trim.

2002 X5 3.0i, Sport Premium, Titanium Silver, Grey Dakota, Cold Weather Pkg, Xenons, DICE, LED Tails, just a winter vehicle...

2007 550i, Sport Premium, Silver Grey Metallic, Grey Dakota, Nav, Cold Weather Pkg, Comfort Access, HD Radio, Xenons.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-21-2024, 11:31 PM
Henn28's Avatar
Premier Member
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 823
Henn28 is on a distinguished road
Contact Paul at Fixels…you’ll be happy you did. He modded at 4.8 cluster to work seamlessly in my 4.4i to 4.6 swap. Including the oil temp gauge and hidden menu. As a bonus, he modded the DSC warning icon to match the OE 4.4 look (different than the 4.8).
__________________
Current
Original owner 2002 E53 X5 4.4i to 4.6i swap
2025 G06 X5 50e
Former
1972 Audi Fox
1986 Saab 900S
1996 BMW Z3
1998 BMW E36 M3 Sedan
2004 BMW E46 M3
2006 Audi A3 Quatro
1993 Mopar 318 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2015 V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-23-2024, 07:24 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 236
Homerlovesbeer is on a distinguished road
Before ripping the cluster apart, check that it's not one of the back light bulbs that has vibrated loose making it look like the pixels are failing.

That was the cause of my dim and unreadable section.

You can DIY a pixel section replacement yourself fairly easily.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-24-2024, 04:50 PM
Lowblock's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Oregon
Posts: 260
Lowblock is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by Henn28 View Post
Contact Paul at Fixels…you’ll be happy you did. He modded at 4.8 cluster to work seamlessly in my 4.4i to 4.6 swap. Including the oil temp gauge and hidden menu. As a bonus, he modded the DSC warning icon to match the OE 4.4 look (different than the 4.8).
Op, I will say the same about Paul, hes on facebook under Fixels. I had the same exact situation as yours however I own 2 E53's one 4.4 and one 4.6. My 4.4 cluster had the dead pixles, well they both do, but I put the 4.6 in the 4.4 and shipped my 4.4 out to paul, while in transit I decided to do the 4.6 cluster in my 4.4 and paul provided the appropriate cluster, there was an upcharge of about $100 I believe but once I got it back, he walked me through flashing the DME so all the lights on the 4.6 work correctly with the 4.4. Mileage went back to normal and it works like a factory 4.6 cluster should. My 4.6 cluster now has the tamper dot on however once I send that back to paul to fix, he will clear that and when its back into the original car it will perform as it should. Shoot him a message on Facebook, he will get back to you promptly.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 02-25-2024, 12:34 AM
msammy's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New England, USA
Posts: 381
msammy is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by Homerlovesbeer View Post
Before ripping the cluster apart, check that it's not one of the back light bulbs that has vibrated loose making it look like the pixels are failing.

That was the cause of my dim and unreadable section.

You can DIY a pixel section replacement yourself fairly easily.

Thanks for the suggestion. I already replaced the backlight bulbs so we're good to go with them. I'm thinking all I need is a ribbon cable cleaning since the pixels will reappear occasionally so I think the display is good. I'm reluctant to take the cluster apart due to having to drill out the 4 screws that are beneath the gauge face plates.
__________________
2022 X6///M - Toronto Red, Silverstone Full Merino Leather, Executive Package w/Remote Engine Start, Soft-close doors, Heated & Cooled Cupholders, Front Ventilated Seats, Front & Rear Heated Seats, Front Massaging Seats, Carbon Fiber Trim.

2002 X5 3.0i, Sport Premium, Titanium Silver, Grey Dakota, Cold Weather Pkg, Xenons, DICE, LED Tails, just a winter vehicle...

2007 550i, Sport Premium, Silver Grey Metallic, Grey Dakota, Nav, Cold Weather Pkg, Comfort Access, HD Radio, Xenons.

Last edited by msammy; 02-25-2024 at 12:35 AM. Reason: fix typo
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-25-2024, 12:51 AM
msammy's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New England, USA
Posts: 381
msammy is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lowblock View Post
Op, I will say the same about Paul, hes on facebook under Fixels. I had the same exact situation as yours however I own 2 E53's one 4.4 and one 4.6. My 4.4 cluster had the dead pixles, well they both do, but I put the 4.6 in the 4.4 and shipped my 4.4 out to paul, while in transit I decided to do the 4.6 cluster in my 4.4 and paul provided the appropriate cluster, there was an upcharge of about $100 I believe but once I got it back, he walked me through flashing the DME so all the lights on the 4.6 work correctly with the 4.4. Mileage went back to normal and it works like a factory 4.6 cluster should. My 4.6 cluster now has the tamper dot on however once I send that back to paul to fix, he will clear that and when its back into the original car it will perform as it should. Shoot him a message on Facebook, he will get back to you promptly.

Thanks guys on the testimonials about Paul. I think that's the route that I'll go with. I'm thinking I'll buy a cheapo used cluster online for temporary use, then send out my original to Paul for repair and replace when it's fixed. I can keep the car rolling in the meantime. My grandkids need the car and can't go a day without it.


I'd do the repair myself, however, I'm a bit reluctant on the step where I need to melt the back plate under the gauges to gain access to the four screws. If it weren't for that step, I'd definitely do this myself.


That's great you had a spare car so you could send it out. Wish I had that option! Thanks again for the response.
__________________
2022 X6///M - Toronto Red, Silverstone Full Merino Leather, Executive Package w/Remote Engine Start, Soft-close doors, Heated & Cooled Cupholders, Front Ventilated Seats, Front & Rear Heated Seats, Front Massaging Seats, Carbon Fiber Trim.

2002 X5 3.0i, Sport Premium, Titanium Silver, Grey Dakota, Cold Weather Pkg, Xenons, DICE, LED Tails, just a winter vehicle...

2007 550i, Sport Premium, Silver Grey Metallic, Grey Dakota, Nav, Cold Weather Pkg, Comfort Access, HD Radio, Xenons.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 02-25-2024, 05:08 PM
Lowblock's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Oregon
Posts: 260
Lowblock is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by msammy View Post


I'd do the repair myself, however, I'm a bit reluctant on the step where I need to melt the back plate under the gauges to gain access to the four screws. If it weren't for that step, I'd definitely do this myself.
Yeah, I was the same, I actually tried it on my e39 and ended up messing the cluster up. I even got a kit from Europe that had needle pullers and everything and still ended up messing up a spare cluster from another e39 I had, Paul fixes the cluster so it wont happen again and turn around is quick, typically hes got clusters on the shelf that he just swaps out with, I say typically because its not always that way, he will treat you right for sure. Grab a cheap cluster and slap it in to keep the car on the road, youll be fine.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:42 AM.
vBulletin, Copyright 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. SEO by vBSEO 3.6.0
© 2017 Xoutpost.com. All rights reserved. Xoutpost.com is a private enthusiast site not associated with BMW AG.
The BMW name, marks, M stripe logo, and Roundel logo as well as X3, X5 and X6 designations used in the pages of this Web Site are the property of BMW AG.
This web site is not sponsored or affiliated in any way with BMW AG or any of its subsidiaries.