Help! Odometer and Temperature Display Gone Dark
 

So the whole display where the odometer is and the temperature display is has gone dark. I've attached a picture below to show you what I mean. You can barely make out the numbers when you're close enough. I'm hoping its a simple fix, like replacing a fuse or something.
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6950/0605111033.jpg

mine is like that for the mileage. I thing there is a bulb that needs to be replaced. so the cluster needs to come out.

I was thinking that was the case. does somebody know what bulbs I'll need, and how hard it is to take the cluster out?

I think the hard part is getting the airbag off and the steering wheel off.

Hey guys, mine has been like that since I got my X5 back in Feb.
I did some research and it's not a bulb, it's the lcd ribbon ($30) that
has to be replaced. The ribbon is sold on ebay & there's a DYI on
how to do it. Or, you can send in your whole cluster and they'll
repair it for approx. $200.?
Actually the cluster is very easy to remove (2 screws up top) and
it slides out (no need to remove steering wheel).

bmw x5 cluster pixel repair | eBay

It's the bulb, not the ribbon. The ribbon will cause the missing pixel, not the light out. You do not need to take out the steering wheel and airbag. Adjust the steering wheel all the way toward you and down so you have enough room to take the cluster out. There are 2 torx screws that hold it in place. Disconnect 3 connectors on the back of the cluster and wiggle it out. Replace 2 small bulbs and it should be back to normal.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...5/DSC_0530.jpg

Interestingly those are the only bulbs in the entire cluster, just those for the OBC readout. Everything else is LED backlight.

Ok, so I just have to remove the cluster and not have to take anything apart? Sounds easy enough. Does anyone know which bulbs I'll need? I want to have all the things ready when I take it out.

TMV, your a champ! It worked amazing & it only took about 7min....

It's really easy, just remove the two torkhead screws, pull the cluster
forward (lower your steering wheel). Remove carefully the wiring harness's, take the cluster out & place it on a table. Then remove the
2 bulbs that TMV indicated. Replace with new bulbs from the stealership
& whala......
;)