a problem in every BMW

[GQ244]

That sounded like a long procedure ... and the website cost $300 without shipping and handling nor the hassle and the workshop that will take it out for me so I can send it to them.

I'll just buy a new one ..it costs around $450 from BMW last time I quoted.

[zzzzkev]

Originally Posted by GQ244

As you all might have experienced with the instrument board that has the speed needle with the digital message center and milage... that after a few year the digital lids disappear until you can't read them anymore.

NOW ... What do you do in this case?? .. because it can't be fixed or repaired .. and if you buy a whole new one ..you might have to only install it in a real BMW dealer .. because it will need their computer to upload back the information like the milage and other stuff.

What do you do? .. Or what have you done if you had this problem already??

I had the dissappearing pixels on my '02 X5 also. Before leaving on a business trip I removed my instrument cluster and shipped it to VDO Repair in CA. When I returned UPS had delivered the repaired cluster. I will caution that the speed indicator does not move in concert when decelerating as it does when accelerating. Also I have noticed that the speed indication is not accurate. My dial set at 30mph I drive past a "Your Speed Is..." sign and it's like 24mph.

To remove the cluster: simply extend the steering wheel as far away and down from the dash as possible. Use a #10 torx driver to remove the two torx screws at the top of the cluster. GENTLY (cover the column with a blanket) remove the cluster. Do NOT pry anything!!! There are 3 connections on the back. Remove the connections. Don't bother to label them as they are unique from each other and easily identified. Now you have the cluster in your hands. The entire remove labor should take a total of 15 minutes if you're slow and deliberate. You can use it as a doorstop, a football, or a fragile instrument you intend to repair. BTW - The car will operate without the cluster installed. Good luck

[FrankX5]

Originally Posted by motordavid

Our '01 is heading on it's 8th year, with 67k miles, and all my
digits work fine...

Holy shit an '01 with 67k miles? my '01 has 93k...you drive down the street and back?

[motordavid]

OT...

Originally Posted by FrankX5

Holy shit an '01 with 67k miles? my '01 has 93k...you drive down the street and back?

We have that '01 X, an '02 VetteVert, an '03 pos Honda CR-V
and I have 3 motorcycles...and, we are early retired Bums, so
we aren't commuting anywhere except to the golf course or the
bridge table.

I can't drive all 6 rides in the stable much more than we already do.
BR,mD

[rogerkiu]

My 01 X5 4.4i with 95K Kms, replaced cluster half year ago due to dead pixels, I paid US$1200 for parts and labor. In HK, no good-will replacement offerred.