E39 Instrument Cluster replacement mileage questions - BMW Forum

BaksTab · 11-26-2005, 05:56 AM

As I mentioned in a previous thread, I need to replace the instrument cluster in my '98 540 for 2 reasons...first off the gauges are metric, which is pretty annoying, secondly the displays are pretty much unreadable due to pixel loss.

Anyway, I had planned on getting the dealer to do this for me, but their initial estimate was around $800 ($700 for the new cluster, $100 labor).

I got curious and went to ebay, and found plenty of used and aftermarket clusters for ~$100, then looked around a bit more and discovered that swapping the part out is pretty darn easy.

So here's my questions, assuming I pick up a used cluster with slightly different mileage than my current 1) will it work and 2) can I get it recoded to my actual mileage (and how much does the dealer charge for this, and what kind of proof will they require?)?

Thanks in advance

CosmosBlack · 11-27-2005, 01:19 AM

The dealer that installs it will have to reset the mileage on the new part to correspond to your current mileage on the old part.

AND...how many miles do you have on your car? If you write a nice letter or email to BMW customer relations, they might replace it for you for free, and you just pay for labor. That's what I did for mine, I had about 80k miles then, and the car was just over 3 yrs old (out of warranty becoz' of mileage). They did it for me out of goodwill, and also coz' it was a common manufacturer's flaw in the instrument cluster. I paid $78 for labor and remained a happy and loyal customer!

Here's a contact person but I'm not sure if she still works there,
She will respond promptly, and refer you to a local dealer if she approves of it.

Leonora.Vlaovich@bmwna.com

Good Luck!

BaksTab · 11-27-2005, 04:19 AM

Well it has about 73000 miles on it I guess, I'm not the greatest at math but that seems about right (118,000 kilometers or so). I wouldn't want a new cluster that was in metric though, do you think they would swap? I'm kinda doubtful, but I'll give it a shot.

LOS · 11-29-2005, 10:38 AM

.... Or you can try calling, 201-573-7852... Leave a message

LOS

BaksTab · 11-29-2005, 05:04 PM

I actually got a response from Leonora today, she says she is assigning someone to my case, whatever that means. I'll post updates as I get 'em.

CosmosBlack · 11-29-2005, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaksTab

I actually got a response from Leonora today, she says she is assigning someone to my case, whatever that means. I'll post updates as I get 'em.

That means exactly what I told you, she's refering you to a dealer nearest you to handle your case. Most likely it's labor only for you.

Someone will call you, OR, you will have to call someone...
who will tell you he's co-ordinating this case with your local dealer,
and you should have your car checked-in at your local dealer for them to inspect the instrument cluster to confirm that it is indeed the same common issue that everyone else is having.

emzet · 08-04-2007, 12:23 AM

Just got a response from BMW Customer Relation regarding my request for cluster replacement. After "careful consideration" the BMW is willing to cover 50% on parts (labor is on me). Called the local BMW dealer and it would end up around $350-400 for the instrument cluster plus ~&150 installation. I will pass on that. I guess they got smart (or greedy). The vahicle is 2000 528it, so I can understand it, thou.

There is however a miracle solution from Germany available on eBay. For $20someone is selling a pdf instructions on how to fix the pixel problem. Did anybody here hear about (have any experience with) such a guide? It it worth considering?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Best,

MZ

LOS · 08-06-2007, 09:40 AM

Emzet, do a search under "pixel" on this forum. There is place that fixes the pixel problem. They used to advertised on this site as well.

LOS

emzet · 08-09-2007, 03:22 PM

The place that you, LOS, are refering to, I believe, is
BMW, Porsche, Land Rover Instrument Cluster Repair MID LCD repair FOR the typical missing or faded pixel problem
If going with them, the repair would run $299.00.

What I saw was a $20 DIY instructions sold on eBay (eBay Motors: BMW 5 , 7 Series + X5 Instrument Cluster Pixel Repair (item 110156982089 end time Aug-13-07 14:10:56 PDT))

Anybody has tried this fix?
Please advise.

Thanks

MZ

benzin · 10-20-2007, 04:06 AM

Im not positive on this but i fixed mying by-Turn the key to the on position.Press and hold the reset button for about 10 sec.,or so.You will see rest apear.Then keep pressing the rest button.It should say reset 1-16.Then turn the key like your going to start the car.Then all the insterment lights will come on and speedometer will go all the way to the 140 and max rpm will show.It sound crazy but it worked.Let me know if it worked for you.This was on a 2000 528i.