12pin vs 18pin climate control black connector
 

I recently picked up a used climate control module from a junk yard due to mine having a bunch of dead pixels. Turns out the one from the junk yard (out of a 2004 X5), uses a black 18pin connector where mine uses a black 12pin connector. I figured I could swap the panels between the two without having to repurchase another 12pin climate control module. I did the swap, tested it, and it actually worked surprisingly. I even retained my previous temperature settings also.

With that being said, due to the differences in pin count between the two; is there anything i should be concerned about electrically? Also, are there any difference between 12pin and 18pin climate control modules? Although it works as it should; id like to prevent any potential fire hazards from this modification.

Any thoughts?

So you repinned the connector according to diagram?

The pins between the display circuit board (front plate, with the buttons and all) and the connector housing (with the blue & black connectors) appear to be the same between the 12pin and 18pin connector housings; that's how I was able to combine the working display board from the junk yard to my existing connector housing (the 12 pin one). And it subsequently working when I tested it. I believe the pin count is the same so no repining is needed. I'm just wondering if anything will be shorted during long periods of using the entire control module. I don't want any electrical fires while driving. 😬

I had to re-read your original post. So you only swapped the front panel. They should be exactly the same, so no problem there. I thought you changed the board too.

That's good to hear. Thanks for the info