Dash board text display has missing columns

[lion2000]

Since two years ago, my 2001 X5 started to loose columns in the dot matrix displays. These include display in the instrumentation panel, and the radio. A few columns are permanently gone and, a few columns would go on and off. Anyone knows how to resolve the problem?

[Gravy]

Originally Posted by lion2000

Since two years ago, my 2001 X5 started to loose columns in the dot matrix displays. These include display in the instrumentation panel, and the radio. A few columns are permanently gone and, a few columns would go on and off. Anyone knows how to resolve the problem?

There is no cheap viable method to repair this problem, what ever you do dont contemplate purchasing the schemers recipe to fix the fault that is advertised on Ebay and other web sites. The use of solvents to reestablish continiuty betwen the cct board and the LCD can result in a total disaster pending on what vintage your cluster is, I know I totally stuffed my 2000 cluster.

Pending where you are in the world BMW may give you some form of warranty claim.

Dont purchase a second hand cluster you WILL inherit the deaded tamper light even if you have BMW Service exchange the cluster. Plenty of fibs out there on this subject I am providing this info because I have first hand experience. I have tried all the above options.

Presently I am waiting on the opportunity to have BMW fit a brand new cluster that I had to purchase myself. BMW Aus wouldnt come to the party to replace my failed cluster.

Best news is that BMW have considerably reduced the purchase cost of a new cluster cannot comment whether this policy is world wide.

Considerable $ are involved in this exercise, in hind site I should have lived with the missing pixels, HO HUM.


Gravy

[trev0006]

Thanks for the info.

Originally Posted by Gravy

There is no cheap viable method to repair this problem, what ever you do dont contemplate purchasing the schemers recipe to fix the fault that is advertised on Ebay and other web sites. The use of solvents to reestablish continiuty betwen the cct board and the LCD can result in a total disaster pending on what vintage your cluster is, I know I totally stuffed my 2000 cluster.

Pending where you are in the world BMW may give you some form of warranty claim.

Dont purchase a second hand cluster you WILL inherit the deaded tamper light even if you have BMW Service exchange the cluster. Plenty of fibs out there on this subject I am providing this info because I have first hand experience. I have tried all the above options.

Presently I am waiting on the opportunity to have BMW fit a brand new cluster that I had to purchase myself. BMW Aus wouldnt come to the party to replace my failed cluster.

Best news is that BMW cars have considerably reduced the purchase tires cost of a new cluster cannot comment whether this policy is world wide.

Considerable $ are involved in this exercise, in hind site I should have lived with the missing pixels, HO HUM.


Gravy

[Kunphuzi0n]

I don't think there is any problem with doing the diy listed on this website. I took mine out as per the instructions and used some compressed air (the kind in a can for computers) and blew out the connections and restored all my pixels except one on the odometer. I really didn't feel comfortable taking it apart more but others have had much success cleaning or replacing the ribbon.

Do a search you will find a lot of material on here and other forums via google.

[lion2000]

I had the instrument panel replaced by BMW dealer with discount on the replacement part. If you call BMW USA central office, they used to give out free replacement parts. But they stopped doing that. You would have to negotiate with the representitive to get discount. The labor is 2 hours, including re-calibrate the steering wheel with the panel.