540i instrument cluster pixels

[o725]

I have a 2001 540i that has slowly been loosing the pixels on the bottom of the instrument panel. It has become increasingly annoying. I have been thinking of getting a used cluster. How prevalent is this problem? What advice does anybody have as to the direction I chould go with this? Thanks

[mattymo17]

I have a '97 and the dealer replaced it for a $100 labor charge. Your 2001 may get a free one---check with dealer. very common problem

[mfan]

That's funny, I have the same car (same year, model), and was about to post the same question. In my case, the temperature gauge is losing vertical pixel lines so that, on some days, I can't read the outside temp. I plan on taking my car in to the dealer. I'll post what happens when I do. If you take yours in, please do the same. Thanks.

[mfan]

Took my BMW in today. They replaced the instrument cluster for free. All appears to be working fine now.

[byurko]

I just had the display in my 1997 740il replaced by BMW. I have 112K miles on it too... They paid for the part, I paid for an hour labor - $85. Call BMWNA and work out a deal w/ them. I found the info on RoadFly under the E38 forum... Check it out here - http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forum...=3427368&page=2

Good luck!

Bryan
94 BMW 540
97 BMW 740iL
99 Land Rover Disco2
90 Olds 88

[Embrero]

Hi,

as I know the root cause of the pixel problem is the ribbon cable which goes from the panel to the LCD. Replace it, and your speedo will work as new. Do not take it to a garage - you can do it at home!!!


These ribbon cables cost peanuts, and are available on several places on the net: you can buy them on Ebay, or here: http://www.pixelfix.net/eng , and also on some Chinese websites. I bought mine on the link above, as this is at least a European manufacturer that I trust a bit more then the Chinese products…

I hope I just saved some time and money for you

[diyamap]

does it come with instructions/you have service/maintenance manual?

Originally Posted by Embrero

Hi,

as I know the root cause of the pixel problem is the ribbon cable which goes from the panel to the LCD. Replace it, and your speedo will work as new. Do not take it to a garage - you can do it at home!!!


These ribbon cables cost peanuts, and are available on several places on the net: you can buy them on Ebay, or here: http://www.pixelfix.net/eng , and also on some Chinese websites. I bought mine on the link above, as this is at least a European manufacturer that I trust a bit more then the Chinese products…

I hope I just saved some time and money for you

[Embrero]

It comes with full instructions, with a lot of pictures that show the steps of the replacement.