HELP: Gauge cluster pixel repair
 

So by now you guys may know I'm slowly bringing my x5 back from the dead. One thing that is very irritating is the pixels on the gauge cluster. I did some basic research and found that sometimes the ribbon gets lifted from where it attaches and therefore the pixels go out. There are some videos on YouTube but they only show once the cluster is all apart.

I think I can get the cluster out of the car, couple of screws and two or three electrical connections I'd imagine it will be out and on my kitchen table. This is where everything becomes fuzzy.

I'm looking for a good DIY on how to take the cluster apart. I've searched and haven't had much luck. If anyone has a good DIY, that would be awesome! I just really don't want to get half way thru the project and find out I don't have the necessary tools or what not.

Lenny, just send it to George in Rahway NJ (bavarianaudio on ebay)

He will repair it perfectly for $120, did mine 1.5 years ago

You'll have it back in 2 days based on how close he is.

He will also let you know if the LCD itself is bad or just the ribbon. It's delicate work once the cluster is open so I don't mind the $120, I don't have steady enough hands.

BMW E38 E39 M5 x5 Instrument Cluster Speedometer LCD Pixel Repair Service Fix | eBay

^2nd suggestion on George. I have a spot on a group buy he was running on bimmerforums to fix my M5 cluster (only missing 1 line) Now I have second thought and decide to not go through with it. I already paid him so you can take my spot if interest. PM for details.
I fixed 2 cluster myself before. The one in my old 3.0i and the 540i MSport. As RB said, delicate and tidy works but it's not hard.
Here is the DIY if you want to try it yourself. DIY: Pixel Repair (Lots of pictures) - BMW M5 Forum and M6 Forums

BMW NA might help too "Good will repairs"

- Based from other forums and my experience for mixing pixels on the gauge/instrument cluster (mileage, outside temperature display and etc), BMW NA covers it (but it is a case to case basis. % of the part and labor BMW NA will cover). Try google to learn more about this. If this option is too much of $ compared to RB's response, then I will do the ebay option as the cost effective alternative.

- But mixing pixels on MID is NOT covered by the good will program.

^^^BMW might have helped on good will 5 years ago (maybe) but since his X is over 10 years old I wouldn't even waste my time on a repair thats $100.

Im a DIYer too and had this issue on my e39 and e53 and just sent them out to have them repaired it truly wasnt worth the hassle given cost. I used a guy on recommendation from the m5board. Worth every penny, quick turnaround too. I dont have a DIY others here may have more info

Just curious...is that CD (concrete donkey's) group repair you're referring to on BimForums? If so, I 2nd the motion to send it in unless you're really good with delicate work....and the group price is about half the price you'd have to pay with the best offer from BMW NA (if they are still offering anything).

The cluster is slightly more difficult than repairing the MID...and if you mess up the needles...the cluster is toast.

It is a hit and miss, for my case BMW NA was very good.
BMW NA can be flexible.

Setting expectation before picking up phone.
- you have to be patient. customer service will say all the excuses at first since it is out of warranty and kinda old...blah blah blah
- if you have good relationship with dealers to avail courtesy "free" diagnostic and they will file a good will claim for you (faster route to take), because they will earn from this too.
- by calling BMW NA it will help collect complaints to be looked at - it might help extend the good will program.

I have a feeling the BMW NA route will not work for me. This is my third BMW and under my ownership, none have been taken to the dealer for service. I am DIY guy or I let my indy handle stuff. I think after reading how easy it could be to ruin the cluster, $120 sounds like a good investment.

That's the one, Q.