2002 E53 X5 Cluster Temporary swap then replace
 

OK, I've been searching the forums and I have a question on Cluster replacement. I have the dreaded dead pixel problem in the display and can't read the messages and part of the odometer mileage. I'm not sure I want to tackle the display, ribbon cable replacement, so I'm thinking of buying a cheapo cluster for about $75 and sending out my original cluster for repair.

We can't go without the car for even one day, so hence the temporary cluster replacement until the original is returned.

I know the tamper dot will appear on the temporary cluster but my question is what will happen when I replace the temp cluster with my original cluster after it's returned after repair? Since the VIN number will again be the same, will the mileage be replaced by the LCM or do I need to re-code due to avoid the tamper dot? Will the tamper dot even appear after I put the original cluster back? Any/all help is certainly appreciated!

I have a 4.6 cluster that I wanted to put in my 4.4 but it obviously had all the lights on when installed. I couldn't find a solution to get it to be clear at the time so I just put the original back in. No problem.
If anyone knows how I can use the 4.6 cluster without it lighting up like a Christmas tree please tell..

1The original is repaired...the tamper dot should not reappear...the vin is still the same.

2The milage should revert back to the true milage which is also stored in the ECU (car's engines brain)

3The original is repaired...the tamper dot should not reappear...the vin now matches with the original car's vin.
END

Tell me have you found a place that will do this repair?
If so please post the name or site.

Thanks for the info Getty. I did a google search on BMW E53 X5 pixel repair and found a bunch of places that will do the repair for under $150 in SC, TX, CA and others. I haven't decided which one to use as I'm still contemplating on doing the repair myself. I gifted the car to my grandkids and they can't even go one nanosecond without it, LOL.

Contact Paul at Fixels…you’ll be happy you did. He modded at 4.8 cluster to work seamlessly in my 4.4i to 4.6 swap. Including the oil temp gauge and hidden menu. As a bonus, he modded the DSC warning icon to match the OE 4.4 look (different than the 4.8).

Before ripping the cluster apart, check that it's not one of the back light bulbs that has vibrated loose making it look like the pixels are failing.

That was the cause of my dim and unreadable section.

You can DIY a pixel section replacement yourself fairly easily.

Op, I will say the same about Paul, hes on facebook under Fixels. I had the same exact situation as yours however I own 2 E53's one 4.4 and one 4.6. My 4.4 cluster had the dead pixles, well they both do, but I put the 4.6 in the 4.4 and shipped my 4.4 out to paul, while in transit I decided to do the 4.6 cluster in my 4.4 and paul provided the appropriate cluster, there was an upcharge of about $100 I believe but once I got it back, he walked me through flashing the DME so all the lights on the 4.6 work correctly with the 4.4. Mileage went back to normal and it works like a factory 4.6 cluster should. My 4.6 cluster now has the tamper dot on however once I send that back to paul to fix, he will clear that and when its back into the original car it will perform as it should. Shoot him a message on Facebook, he will get back to you promptly.

Thanks for the suggestion. I already replaced the backlight bulbs so we're good to go with them. I'm thinking all I need is a ribbon cable cleaning since the pixels will reappear occasionally so I think the display is good. I'm reluctant to take the cluster apart due to having to drill out the 4 screws that are beneath the gauge face plates.

Thanks guys on the testimonials about Paul. I think that's the route that I'll go with. I'm thinking I'll buy a cheapo used cluster online for temporary use, then send out my original to Paul for repair and replace when it's fixed. I can keep the car rolling in the meantime. My grandkids need the car and can't go a day without it.


I'd do the repair myself, however, I'm a bit reluctant on the step where I need to melt the back plate under the gauges to gain access to the four screws. If it weren't for that step, I'd definitely do this myself.


That's great you had a spare car so you could send it out. Wish I had that option! Thanks again for the response.

Yeah, I was the same, I actually tried it on my e39 and ended up messing the cluster up. I even got a kit from Europe that had needle pullers and everything and still ended up messing up a spare cluster from another e39 I had, Paul fixes the cluster so it wont happen again and turn around is quick, typically hes got clusters on the shelf that he just swaps out with, I say typically because its not always that way, he will treat you right for sure. Grab a cheap cluster and slap it in to keep the car on the road, youll be fine.