Instrument Cluster Problem
 

Well folks, i had a water leakage issue that has since been fixed but in doing so i now have a cluster that doesn't work properly. Signal lights work outside but not in cluster, high beam not displayed in cluster, reverse light not working when bulbs are fine. However, the tach, temperature gauge, and speedometer all work fine. I have thought of buying a cluster on ebay just to determine if it is the cluster. Thoughts anyone? I am at the point of complete frustration!

Suggestions anyone???? Anyone know of someone who repairs clusters or light control modules?

Given the many problems you will encounter trying to fit anything other than a brand new OEM cluster to your X5, maybe a repair service like this is your best option.

BMW e38, E39, X5 and M5 Instrument cluster repair, lifetime warranty

I can't voucher for this particular repair service - but there are a few like this in the USA.

You might want to contact them first and discuss your particular issues - many cluster repair services only address missing pixels on the alpha-numeric (OBC/CC) display segment.

Let us know how you get on. :thumbup:

I used these guys to fix my cluster. They did good work.

Thanks guys for the suggestion. However, it appears that they only fix pixels.

The messages to turn those on come over the i or k bus (I forget. In e46 they are the same). Should verify that the bus is working and the messages are being sent. Look up ibus analyzer on the web if interested.

You had water damage...but you never told us where this damage occurred. :dunno: The. E53 has 3 different cluster's & 2 different communication bus systems...help us help you better by giving us your model/model year/build date (you haven't created a signature) because it can help fill in the blanks when details may be missing. :)

Your cluster is having issues & you also mention light issues. All external lighting is controlled by the LCM. So was the water damage to the area where the LCM is located or was the damage near the cluster...or was the damage near a major fuse/relay location or other control modules?

Well the truck is a 2002 E53 x5. The sun roof tray was leaking into the passenger footwell. I took out the entire interior, including the headliner, and repaired the leak. However, I made the BIG mistake of reconnecting the battery to open the sunroof with most of the interior components unconnected. I actually saw all the lights of the cluster come one when i connected the battery. Well to make a long story short, we now have the issues with the signal lights working from outside but not through the cluster. No high beams or any other instruments working in the cluster. However, the tach, temp gauge, speedo, gas gauge all work fine. Also, reverse light does not work. Other that that, all is fine.

Thanks, that info was informative. The LCM is located in the front passenger footwell...and if the module got wet...it could be the cause of your exterior light issues and functions.

The LCM and IKE (instrument cluster electronics) are also connected in that they share some important redundant data to help prevent loss (mileage, VIN, & SI info).

Also, water damage to the LCM is a pretty well discussed BMW e38/e39/e53 issue...so you should be able to do a Google search using a few key words like "BMW e53 wet LCM" ...you could also type in e38 and/or e39 and the info would apply to the e53 since they share the same design and are generational cousins.

Thanks QSilver7, I will look into that!