HELP! DIY Pixel Repair gone wrong- Instrument Cluster Headlight Question too

[kwalk]

I'm trying to do a couple of things and I am at information overload. I have searched these threads and now I'm just blank. 1) I attempted a DIY pixel repair on the MID and the Instrument Cluster. The MID was successful, but the cluster was not happening. I believe when removing the old ribbon cable, most of the pads came off with it. But my bigger problem is when I tried to drill I was in the wrong spot and didn't want to chance it anymore, so I removed the needles. After trying the pixels several times and still to no avail (hubby joined in by this time bc he felt sorry for me trying so hard), but we could not see the pads at all to line them up- it looks just as it did before, I put everything back together, but now my gauges are off and a couple will barely move (not like they should (the gas & temperature gauge). Did I ruin the motors? Is there a way to calibrate them? Will removing them again and cranking the car from cold, then replacing them help? If not who can fix them? I realize I will have to send them out to get pixels repaired anyway, but which company? Is my cluster ruined? Any suggestions?

2) I want to add Angel Eyes/ Halos to my existing xenon lights, me X is a 2003 so I realize they cannot be baked so I will dremel them. Can anyone direct me to a good set of eyes that are easy to put in like a simple plug and play? And what type of sealer should I use when putting them back together? Should I change anymore bulbs?

The only other thing I'm waiting for is my skid plate and I will be a happy camper. I have been dreaming about this stuff seriously, can't even sleep. Please and thank you in advance for taking your time to help.

[Ricky Bobby]

I have a set of angel eyes (LED) for your pre facelift lights with the relay wire harness. Was going to retro my lights but bought aftermarket housings. Pm me if you want them for what I paid ($60 shipped) as they are just sitting on my work bench

[davesx5]

For the pixel repair look on Ebay under e53 pixel repair. Some companys will not touch a screwed up repair, other claim that they can fix previous attempts. I just had a company from IL do mine. I didn't want to try it myself.
Good luck

[fmugur]

I did a cluster pixel repair once using the DIYs from internet mostly done for e39 which is the same cluster. When you removed the ribbon cable the actual copper from the old ribbon exfoliated, it got stuck on the pcb board. That's why you cannot see the pads on the cable. You need to buy a new ribbon cable from ebay and use the instructions from the diy. Clean the pcb pads very well and as per instructions use the some paper strips to increase the pressure between the ribbon cable and pcb board for a firm contact. You should be able to recover the cluster.

[kwalk]

Thank you very kindly for the responses. I really appreciate it. I really love the sense of community on these boards.

[kwalk]

Ricky Bobby can you send me pics? Is it as simple as plugging them in? And can anyone suggest the type of sealer to close the headlights back up?

[bcredliner]

The following thread may be helpful: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-eyes-diy.html

One of my headlights was the permanently sealed type. I tried a Dremel but it was melting the lens. I ended up using a hair dryer to soften the lip of the black part of the headlight assembly and scraping out the glue with an Exacto knife. It was slow going, needed lots of patience. The sealer I used was a flowing windshield sealant so I was sure the assembly was completely sealed. While I had them open I modified them. You can see how they look in my album.

I spiced one trigger into the fuse box at a connection that is hot only when the key is on. The other trigger is spiced into the interior lights so when I lock or unlock the doors the AEs come on and then fade to off like the interior light do.

I am away so I can't tell you what angel eyes I used but the ones I have were the brightest available at the time--not all are created equal so be selective.

Here is another thread that may be helpful: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...eadlights.html

[Ricky Bobby]

Kwalk I sent you pm. As far as reselling the housings after you cut them open I would suggest butyl rubber sealant by Kotio or if you want you could use acrylic latex siliconized caulk

[kwalk]

You guys thank you for all the help and advice, but I think I'm going to bowdown from DIY for right now and re-up my money. I've decided to get a new cluster from BMW, although I found BimmerOnly and talked to a rep who said he could absolutely repair everything and replace all the stepper motors that needed and warranty his work. But since I'm getting the cluster Brand new for dealer pricing+programming I'll bite for peace of mind. For now I'm just gonna do a headlight restoration and be content until my boldness comes back and then go for the Angel Eyes.

Funny thing happened while at the dealer, I rolled the window down to talk to an advisor and when rolling it back up I heard a loud boom! Then the window was stuck and the guy had to push it up with his hands. Turns out the regulator went out, lol. Is this real life?? Might as well get that done too and at dealer pricing again. Dratts! Thanks again everyone!

And thank you for the offer Ricky Bobby.

[Ricky Bobby]

No sweat man looking forward to updates!