Missing Pixels on Instrument Cluster

[bhuang1103]

My 2003 X5 has columns of pixels missing in instrument cluster (and the radio also). Anyone out there with same problem? How did you resolve? Any links?

Ben
2003 X5 4.4i
2000 528i

[nom3rcy]

We had that happen on our 02 4.6is - the dealer replaced it for us under warranty.

I saw this DIY repair for an X3 (similar principle). Haven't tried it myself.

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x3/...r-problem.html

[MrFixIt]

I had the same pixel problem. '03 4.4 at 82K miles and 6 years old, BMW NA did the "good faith" repair for me. They paid 75% for the new instrument panel and I paid O.5-hr labor at my local dealer. I also got a 15% discount on labor from my dealer. I ended up paying about $150 or was it $180?

BMW NA will consider the age/mileage of the vehicle, wheter or not you're the original owner, and how long you've been with BMW. I got 75% because the X is our 4th BMW in the past 20 years.

Give BMW NA a call. They'll probably offer to pay 50% for part...then you'll have to negotiate to get them to go higher. They used to give 100%, but not any more.

The MID pixel is not covered. I tried doing DIY fix, but ended up destroying the MID (note to self, don't mess with electronics). Ended up getting a new one at my expense of course.

[UCrewX5]

If you don't want to perform the DIY fix and don't get anywhere with BMW on compensation for your bad unit, this place will do the repairs for you - BMW, Porsche, Land Rover Instrument Cluster Repair and restoration of MID & LCD repair for the typical missing or faded pixel problem

[mele4nyc]

Originally Posted by MrFixIt

I had the same pixel problem. '03 4.4 at 82K miles and 6 years old, BMW NA did the "good faith" repair for me. They paid 75% for the new instrument panel and I paid O.5-hr labor at my local dealer. I also got a 15% discount on labor from my dealer. I ended up paying about $150 or was it $180?

BMW NA will consider the age/mileage of the vehicle, wheter or not you're the original owner, and how long you've been with BMW. I got 75% because the X is our 4th BMW in the past 20 years.

Give BMW NA a call. They'll probably offer to pay 50% for part...then you'll have to negotiate to get them to go higher. They used to give 100%, but not any more.

The MID pixel is not covered. I tried doing DIY fix, but ended up destroying the MID (note to self, don't mess with electronics). Ended up getting a new one at my expense of course.

I had BMW NA replace my cluster this summer. My father is actually the owner of the car and he is the second owner, but he also leased a 09 E73 a month before we called to ask for a replacement. They offered to cover 100% for the part, and charged us for an hour of labor. It was a bit of a hassle to deal with NA over the phone, but after about a month they ordered the part for the local dealership and called us in for the replacement. Give them a call, they will offer you something, how much they offer all depends on how much they "like" you.

[nom3rcy]

I should clarify that when ours was replaced the car was out of warranty but BMWNA paid for the parts and we paid an hour of labor.

[bhuang1103]

I thank you all for providing valuable inforamtion. The fact of BMWNA doing something while out of warranty (like mine) is quite interesting.

[X5driver214]

hey man, BMWNA paid 100% parts for my 2000 4.4 x5 last year. I just paid for labor. I told them that I always take my car to the local BMW dealership to get serviced and that my whole family owned BMW's.

[XV8]

Just got my 2003 X5 4.6is back from the dealership today with my new instrument cluster... courtesy of BMW NA's Good Will! Paid 1.5 labor rate - $210.00 plus tax. Originally quoted at the same dealership for $1695 w/o labor!!! Great feeling of seeing the right date. I had missing pixels since DAY 1 of ownership.

I contacted BMW NA on 12/28/09 and everything was completed by 1/20/10. If it wasn't for the holidays, I'm sure the turn around time would be much faster.

I have to give many "THANKS" to Xoutpost.com and the members for giving me the knowledge of this awesome program!

These are the steps that I took to get my "NEW" instrument cluster:

1. Call BMW North America (800) 631-1117. Tell them you are having problems reading your "mileage" and "error messages". Later on, mention that you've heard about BMW's Good Will program to have the instrument cluster replaced for the cost of labor only.
2. They will request for proof of ownership, simply fax in your vehicle registration as instructed.
3. Wait for BMW NA to call back for approval and setup your service with a BMW dealership (your preference)

NOTE: BMW NA honored this good will even if you are not the original/1st owner of the vehicle. If only BMW would have left the odometer at 0. Hurry and get your instrument clusters or MID radios replaced if you are missing pixels!!

Pix of my original instrument cluster with missing pixels and the new one!!! Cheers!!!

[440films]

I called BMWNA for burned out MID. I did and said everything I could posted on this site. They called me back today and said no dice :-(