Instrument Cluster Replacement
 

My instrument cluster has the usual pixel display fade out and I have ordered a flat ribbon cable and spare instrument lights in the hope of repairing it myself.

The perspex facing also has a couple of cracks which are not a major issue from an operational point of view but are nonetheless unsightly.

I came across a complete, new, unused cluster at a reasonable price so am considering just buying that and solving all the issues in one go.

My question to you experienced folk out there is - what happens to the mileage indicator readout?
Is the mileage stored somewhere else in the onboard computing system and will it magically appear when I plug in a new instrument cluster, or will the new one display zero?
If it does display zero, is there a way to reset it to show the current actual kilometers the car has travelled?

Rob

2003 X5 3.0d
E53
M57
Build Date - 12th Sept 2003

You'll have to get it coded at the dealership. The vehicle milage will not appear automatically. Milage is stored in the lamp control module. After installing it you'll also have a manipulation light that will aluminate until it gets coded to your vehicle.

The new cluster can be coded to show the correct distance recording but it's not a straight forward task. There a couple of threads here with info. about the process of swapping clusters; it would worth reading through some of them to gain an idea of what the process involves.

Had mine replaced. Didn't have to have any coding done.

If the cluster is replaced with a brand new cluster from BMW (via a dealer etc.) coding is not required.

If the cluster is replaced with a used donor cluster from another vehicle, it will need coding.

Pretty sure they all need coding to transfer the VIN and mileage of the vehicle.
Dealer will NOT do coding on used cluster as it is against the law to rewrite mileage here in the US. They only do new cluster and it about $800-$1000.
FalcoRob, you need to have it taken care of by a competent BMW shop.

FYI...due to the redundant data that is stored in the IKE (instrument cluster electronics) and the LCM...there are some specific rules required for replacing either.

First, a BMW dealership will NOT code a used cluster or LCM. Their equipment will only allow them to code new or officially refurbished units.

To install a used LCM or cluster without having any issues...requires aftermarket software/hardware that allows you to write the VIN to the replacement module....AND...gives the ability to "ZERO" the mileage so that correct stored mileage and other original data can be shared by allowing the new component to communicate with the old component.

Make sure you thoroughly understand each of the 6 datapoints in the info below on Redundant Data Storage:

These guys can repair the pixels on your cluster. I had them do mine. I've also seen the pixel strips available on ebay and some DIY instructions on how to do it. So you can either send it to these guys or DIY. In either case you don't have to have it programmed or coded as it's your original cluster. BMW e38, E39, X5 and M5 Instrument cluster repair, lifetime warranty

Here is the cluster fix that I used successfully. A little tedious but by following the instructions slowly and carefully, I achieved a great result.

Pixel Fix Kit

AK speedo

Keith James

akspeedo at hotmail dot co dot uk
+44 843 289 3701

Mike

Yes, of course. Sorry, what I meant is that a new cluster at a dealer won't require any "special" coding. :D

Thankyou all for your input -

I've come to the conclusion that I'll just install the ribbon strip that's on it's way to me (BMW LCD display pixel failure repair KIT - E38 E39 M5 X5 - LCD display pixel repair ribbon - instrument cluster OBC) and put up with the cracks in the perspex face.
Maybe I can source a dead cluster and just strip the case off it to get the perspex.

I'll "post before and after" photos in a couple of weeks when the ribbon arrives and has been installed.
The photos on their site look impressive, but I'm wondering if just the new ribbon will do the trick, as they say, or if I'll also have to buy a new LCD. :confused:

Rob

You can cover up the cracks using overlay face gauge.
This is my old E39 MSport.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...pseb3c18aa.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psd8c41a9c.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psa16eb024.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psf605936e.jpg