Instrument Cluster Pixel Fix (beware)

chapsman · #1 06-17-2010, 09:45 AM

My experience: I have an '03 X5 4.4i with nav. The non-working pixels were driving me nuts so i tried the 'fix' from the Tips and Tricks section.

It went from bad to worse. I now have more inoperable pixels and the left side of the readout is quite dim...it wasn't before. My intention of this post is not to blame the author, only to make you aware that this may not work very well.

I followed the instructions to the T minus model differences. Removal from the dash is very easy and separating the heart of the cluster from the clear lense part isn't too difficult. As the instructions note, you will not be able to expose all of the electronic parts, even after removing the torx screws. It will loosen enough to get the nozle of your non-residue electronic cleaner inside.

After reassembly and re-installation, I noticed more inoperable pixels and dimming of the left side desplay. So I took it all apart again and tried to dissasemble further. This is where it went from worse to more worse...Do not try to dissasemble further by removing the needles of the guages!! I removed 1 and it no longer works. I figured I'd try it because I had nothing to lose. It didn't help anyway.

So, I have the part on order from the dealer. This isn't a part you can get from eBay or the local parts shop. The dealer has to program the mileage. It will be nice to have all the pixels back again...but the price tag stings!

Good luck!

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UCrewX5 · #2 06-17-2010, 09:56 AM

Total replacement of the panel isn't always necessary, there are several companies that specialize in fixing this problem:

Bmw Pixel Restoration

BMW, Porsche, Land Rover Instrument Cluster Repair and restoration of MID & LCD repair for the typical missing or faded pixel problem

Additionally, BMW has stepped up and covered some or all of the replacement for many members here.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope everything works out for you in the end.

HPIA4v2 · #3 06-17-2010, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chapsman

My experience: I have an '03 X5 4.4i with nav. The non-working pixels were driving me nuts so i tried the 'fix' from the Tips and Tricks section.

It went from bad to worse. I now have more inoperable pixels and the left side of the readout is quite dim...it wasn't before. My intention of this post is not to blame the author, only to make you aware that this may not work very well.

I followed the instructions to the T minus model differences. Removal from the dash is very easy and separating the heart of the cluster from the clear lense part isn't too difficult. As the instructions note, you will not be able to expose all of the electronic parts, even after removing the torx screws. It will loosen enough to get the nozle of your non-residue electronic cleaner inside.

After reassembly and re-installation, I noticed more inoperable pixels and dimming of the left side desplay. So I took it all apart again and tried to dissasemble further. This is where it went from worse to more worse...Do not try to dissasemble further by removing the needles of the guages!! I removed 1 and it no longer works. I figured I'd try it because I had nothing to lose. It didn't help anyway.

So, I have the part on order from the dealer. This isn't a part you can get from eBay or the local parts shop. The dealer has to program the mileage. It will be nice to have all the pixels back again...but the price tag stings!

Good luck!

Chap,
you may want to contact BMWNA.
they fixed alot of customer pixel problem out of waranty. Not guarantee but my point to BMWNA was my car is bought new, always garaged, low mileage and they picked up the tab for the fix at local dealer (well I had to pay discounted $95 1 hour labor so not bad).

gitchies · #4 06-17-2010, 11:10 AM

keep me posted...i was thinking to do the same thing...i a few pixels missing on my odemeter...and was going to try to fix it....

chapsman · #5 06-17-2010, 12:51 PM

This is why I joined this forum. You guys rock.

After fishing for a good phone number for BMW North America for a while, I ended up with 800-831-1117. I was able to speak with a customer service rep who promptly sent me to the escalation dept. They took my info and forwarded it to the manager. Now I'm waiting for a response from them about what they will do.

I'll keep you posted about what I hear from them.

Thanks for your help!

gitchies · #6 06-17-2010, 01:03 PM

i may try giving them a call too!!!! i don't mind paying for some of it...the dealer quoted me $800 here for a new cluster...said it couldn't be fixed.....

sunny5280 · #7 06-17-2010, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chapsman

My experience: I have an '03 X5 4.4i with nav. The non-working pixels were driving me nuts so i tried the 'fix' from the Tips and Tricks section.

It went from bad to worse. I now have more inoperable pixels and the left side of the readout is quite dim...it wasn't before. My intention of this post is not to blame the author, only to make you aware that this may not work very well.

I followed the instructions to the T minus model differences. Removal from the dash is very easy and separating the heart of the cluster from the clear lense part isn't too difficult. As the instructions note, you will not be able to expose all of the electronic parts, even after removing the torx screws. It will loosen enough to get the nozle of your non-residue electronic cleaner inside.

After reassembly and re-installation, I noticed more inoperable pixels and dimming of the left side desplay. So I took it all apart again and tried to dissasemble further. This is where it went from worse to more worse...Do not try to dissasemble further by removing the needles of the guages!! I removed 1 and it no longer works. I figured I'd try it because I had nothing to lose. It didn't help anyway.

So, I have the part on order from the dealer. This isn't a part you can get from eBay or the local parts shop. The dealer has to program the mileage. It will be nice to have all the pixels back again...but the price tag stings!

Good luck!

What are you going to do with the old one? I'd be interested in getting my hands on one to give repairing it a try.

chapsman · #8 06-17-2010, 02:20 PM

We'll see what happens with the dealer and if they'll let me keep the old one. We might be able to work something out.

chapsman · #9 06-25-2010, 01:27 PM

I got my new cluster installed today. It is nice to have all the pixels and guages working correctly again. BMWNA would only cover 50% of the part but it saved me $300. I'll take it! So my total bill was for half the cost of the part and 1 hr of labor...$380. They replaced the entire unit...clear plastic piece and all. Hopefully I'll get 100k miles out of this one too!

gitchies · #10 06-28-2010, 10:52 AM

well called BMWNA....can't help me...gotta call BMW Canada.....we'll see how this goes...i think i'm gonna get the nice shaft and a nice salute of the middle finger from them....
yep....called BMW Canada....nothing....going to try NA again....

Just got off the phone...no luck...they said its too old of a vehicle for Bmw Canada to help..
Bmwna, said because i'm in Canada and the vehicle is no longer in the US, they can't help me...looks like im SOL......
Ebay is gonna have to be my friend!!!

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