01 x5 cluster removal/repair
 

Hello,

Looking for instructions on cluster removal, have a new led bar coming and also a spare new old stock cluster for an x5 (slightly different part number, but same date range as the car).

What is the safest way to remove the instrument cluster from the car? Can this be done w/o touching the steering wheel/air bag?

I've tried google, but no luck :(

Thanks!

try the search function at the top of page
or even better try the articles button and you will find stuff like this .
I found this under interior mods .


http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...t-cluster.html

:thumbup:

Thank you very much! Looks easier than I thought it would be actually.

Removal is very straight forward as is re-installation. Likely you will need to reset the clock afterwards as it will have zeroed itself.

What's an LED bar anyway ? What's it for, where does it go ?

Note that, unless you have the replacement cluster recoded by the dealer (and they typically will not recode a used cluster), you will end up having a vehicle mileage tamper warning light come on in the cluster. Not good for resale of the vehicle, if and when you decide to sell the X5.

:iagree: I didn't think there is a led bar that one could replace....

I know the cluster needs to be recoded, that's not even the issue (if i even end up using a new cluster instead of just fixing the one in the car) The LED board I am talking about is the pixel board...you can buy these and replace in the cluster to fix the bad pixels.

See here - BMW E39 530i M-Sport Individual Aegean Blue Edition 2003

That strip is about $30 and the labor to do something like this ranges from $200 to $650 depending on where you go.

Oh right, now I get ya.

There are a few write ups on here about how to carry that out.

Alternately, keep your original cluster so you don't need to have it recoded and send it here and they will repair it and send it back to you - VDORepair.com | Automotive Instrument Cluster Repair

I am going to attempt the repair myself, new ribbon is on the way :)

$200-600 for this repair seems a bit on the high side.... I've been soldering since 10years old, so this shouldn't be too hard to do...

I do understand this isn't done in the same way, since it's ribbon cable but we'll see what happens.