97 540i onboard computer help

[bm4life]

I have a 97 540i and the onboard computer, the one under the odometer does not work right. The words and numbers do not light up correctly. Does anybody know how to fix this problem, without breaking the bank and taking it to the dealer.

[kowached]

Common problem, faulty LED boards.

The only solution that I have heard of is to have the board replaced. An attorney on another Forum (Roadfly) has been sucessful at getting BMW to pay for the replacement part as a minimum, sometimes even labor. Good luck.

[LOS]

Go to page 7 of this forum under this topic "lights in the dash board".
I had mine replaced at the dealer for $430. BMWNA paid for half!

LOS
'97 540i
77k

[LOS]

more info...

The last reply was on May 24 , Twin Que was the originator

Cosmos Black was the one who gave us all the info!!

Good luck

LOS

[bm4life]

thanks for all the info fellas, I will try to use some of these options.

[bm4life]

If I were to buy a used cluster, would that change the millage on the car.

[LOS]

The cluster only displays the info... Sorry but the millage is store in the computer!!!

[beautyland]

I had the same problem just fixed. Mine is E34 model. My problem is Odometer and trip meter aren't lighting up. These two are in one small window. I initially thought bad LCD's. But I was wrong. I pulled the dash and found out the bulb was blown. Just replaced one bulb. Cost $2.65 (brought from Dealer). Time 20 minutes. Using flash light you should still see the odometer numbers.

[///Matt]

Had the exact same problem...BMWNA paid for the part...only paid $96 for labor.

Contact: Lenora Vladovich at BMWNA

[97alpineM3]

I had the problem a long time ago in my old 325i.... just had to pay for labor....

Hey Matt... why is RIP next to the e46 M3...????