pixel break up on dashboard

[nik b]

Hii,
MY lcd display on my dashboard has massive pixel break up

Does anyone know if this is an easy fix or andexspensive fix??

Thanks
Nick

[Wagner]

Do a search, this has been covered a couple times. You will find your answer.

[AudiBMWSX45]

Search the forum. There is a BMW NA goodwill program if you're out of warranty - you just pay for 1 hour of labor at the dealer. I had it done last year.

If you're not in North America, you might try calling up your country's BMW headquarters and inquiring. I don't know if we've discussed this program in any other country...

[BrianX54.4is]

The DIY repair guides are not worth trying in my experience. I'ts not possible to access the display connector/ribbon cable (which is the cause of the problem) without removing the gauge needles. Trying to remove these without specialist tools will damage the hairsprings on the spindles and the needles won't retard properly and movement of the needles on the spindles will render an incorrect reading needing re-calibration. (I've been through this with my previous E39). Some guides suggest partial dissasembly and spraying in a contact cleaner (didn't work for me).

Dealers can only replace the entire cluster at immense cost. You can try contact BMW UK and appeal for a "good will" repair and pay partial cost if they agree.

If BMW won't entertain you then there is a specialist repair outfit in the UK Cluster Repairs UK who can repair and re-calibrate (they actually break off the needles so as not to damage the spindle springs and then fit new needles). You're probably looking at about £180 or so but they post back to UK for free. It won't cost you to call them and discuss a price. You will be without the use of the car during the repair (or if your close to one of their centres - they might do a "while you wait" repair). It's important not to turn on the ignition while the cluster is removed or all sorts of error codes will be stored and need clearing at the dealers.

Hope this helps.