95 525i instrument LED module - BMW Forum

banjomike · 07-19-2008, 05:24 PM

OK looks like I need to replace the module..(And the front lens cuz I just broke it.
Need to replace because the LED gets a weird readout jumbled on occasion.
Soemtimes it seems to work other times it just doesn't.
Dont know why.

So, when replacing the cluster, how is the mileage affected?
The LED has the mileage readout on it.
Does the replacement cluster need to have miles reset?
Info appreciated.

Kapu · 07-19-2008, 05:27 PM

New cluster will have to be coded to have correct mileage...

darkhorse737 · 07-21-2008, 12:21 AM

the LED gets a weird readout jumbled on occasion.

<<< i think what you mean is the backlighting of the LED is faulty, thus, the readout "looks" jumbled.

LED's hardly go bad. in almost all cases(except overvoltage probs) it's a backlight that is at fault.

I would check the photoselectric sensor and make sure it works correctly before replacing LED... or the cluster.

banjomike · 07-21-2008, 09:26 AM

Interesting
Well the led literally starts blinking, the lighting on it goes across the panel back and forth, and the odometer milage flickers to other numbers.
In the normal state, the fasten belts message or the key in ignition messages, etc. are fine, in the wacky state, its just a bunch of lights and lines.going back and forth. Strange.
I already had it out once and after replacing it, the odometer doesn't read at all
It give the initial messages such as fasten eat belt and then it goes blank. Photoelectric sensor?hmm

Kapu · 07-22-2008, 10:26 AM

If you have already checked the inputs to the cluster...sounds to me like a heat soak problem with the cluster...

shadowpuck · 07-23-2008, 01:08 AM

had almost an identical problem on our '93 525i. the middle section, in particular, would go nuts and appear to be spewing alien characters or messages.

after ruling out our 525 was not, indeed, receiving messages from ET, i bought a used cluster, cleaned all connectors, swapped clusters, and the problem went away.

i transferred the coding plug (kinda like a playstation memory card) from the old cluster to the used cluster and mileage and all came right over, no problems....

banjomike · 07-27-2008, 11:44 AM

Theres the info I was looking for!
I got a new condition replacement module (used)
out of a 94 540 whcih appears to be identical..I hope!
for 18.00 off Ebay!
Gonna go through the replacement process this week.
Only thing that I'm not clear on is the coding card/plug
to assure the same existing mileage.
Thanks and wish me luck!
Mike