2000 740il instrument cluster problem

I have a 2000 740il that has a problem with the cluster. the leds in the readout where the odometer and message center is are malfunctioning causing only about 50% of the leds to work. its very hard to read. i was wondering if any of you have seen this problem or know a shop that reairs these clsuters.

thank you

please email me at

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This is a well known failure of the display module in the central instrument cluster and in the radio/MID display panel. The dealer fix is to replace the entire assembly. There are a few people who believe that the display panels can eb repaired or that the cause is due to poor connections internally. I have yet to read of an effective fix, so I can only say that you need ot visit the dealer for the repair.

There is no fix for the LED's. The entire instrument cluster must be and recoded. I know this for sure.

musclecar neal

Neal,



Get to the dealer! , What are you waiting for?. Your car is under warranty is it not? The fix is a new cluster. Make sure to document everything in "case" it goes out again.

(It will go out again. it's not an "if" really, it's an "when"..... Just a matter of time)


Luckily for you your under warranty? For a good laugh/cry ask the parts guy what the cluster would run if you bought one.

You may want to scribe that figure on your calendar about 6 months after the warranty runs out.

BMW parts have an internal clock that initiates a self-destruct after the warranty period ends...


Wouldn't be so bad if the parts were cheap, or the replacement parts had a "lifetime guarantee".

Ask them if their replacement parts have a lifetime guarantee". Most manufacturers do this now as most people get rid of their cars every 3.2 years OR end up crashing it, or something like that so 99.95% of the time they never have to honor it.

I know HONDA did this on a muffler I got from them for a 1990 Civic.


As much as BMW charges for the cars and the parts they should have an lifetime guarantee on the parts...

I have a 1998 740iL. It has the same problem. Do you know how long the warranty is for this?

http://www.bmwe38.com/index.asp?mode=kb&submode=elec&article=12&page=1 (http://)

You have restore my faith in BBS. Thank you! Now I need to decide what my proficiency might be soldering. Again thank you.

Want to attempt to get BMW America to recall the OBD? I came across this website trying to get together a class action suite to get them to recall the OBD because of poor construction.

http://www.clineandfox.com/bmwpixel.htm