96 528i Instrument Cluster problem

Another new member!!

Hi there 5 series people,

I have recently purchased my first BMW a 1996 528i and with it came a "Dicky" cluster. Sometimes the basic status line is there intact , othertimes bits of the letters are missing and still other times it's is like looking at stars in the evening sky. (I have a feeling it is best in the early morning when it is cooler and gets progressively worse as the day wears on and it gets warmer... just a suspicion at this stage) There is also a complete cluster missing (This could be the service cluster and there are no lights at all going)

Can anyone point me in the right direction with this, I have a friend who is pretty handy when it comes to electonics but it would help to know something about it for a start. e.g. a dash wiring diagram or what ever.

Thanks heaps, I look forward to talking with you in the future.

Cheers

Richard (New Zealand)

I just had the same problem with my 2001 540i. I first contacted my local BMW service department. They gave me an estimate of $602 plus tax to replace the cluster. I then called BMWUSA. After explaining the problem (it doesn't hurt to throw in a little bit of the frustration factor), she informed me to take it to dealer and have the problem diagnosed. It then required the dealer to call in the official diagnosis to BMW. After a little wrangling, they replaced the cluster for free. I agreed to foot the instalation bill ($83). This is a very common problem and they know it. I was very satisfied with the whole thing.