[mikesmith2]

Does anyone know why sometimes the pixels don't light up?

They can be fine on first start up, then if i switch off and leave for 30 mins they then become unreadable.


This doesn't happen all the time though just the odd occassion.

 

[craigledden]

as far as im aware your pixels arent not soposed to light up but if i recall there is a guy on ebay that will fix your pixels, Ill try find a link for you

 

[craigledden]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E38-E39-E...14&_trkparms=72:1683|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

 

[xXNealXx]

If you are good with a soldering iron, then I will explain how to do it :thumbsup

 

[mikesmith2]

If you are good with a soldering iron, then I will explain how to do it :thumbsup

If you could post the instructions then i can decide if i'm capable of doing it.
I'm not too bad with a soldering iron.

Thanks

 

[xXNealXx]

See HERE

 

[mikesmith2]

Thanks Neal.

May have a go next weekend.

 

[ghb]

I have a similar problem with my own E39 (a 2002 525i) and have got a solution guide from the guy on e-bay linked above. I have to say I am currently stuck on getting the cluster apart which appears to be the trickiest bit as I don't want to force anything and break it! Any top tips gratefully received on that!:confused

However, his solution does not involve any soldering or complete disassembly of the instruments; apparently you can get at the LCD assembly and then need to spray the PCB-LCD contacts with contact cleaner (available from Maplins) and most times all is then fixed according to the guide.

Having not got there yet I cannot vouch for it and it may not be as long lasting as the soldering solution Neal has linked. I have to say the soldering option would leave me more nervous than applying a shot of cleaning spray.

 

[xXNealXx]

I have a similar problem with my own E39 (a 2002 525i) and have got a solution guide from the guy on e-bay linked above. I have to say I am currently stuck on getting the cluster apart which appears to be the trickiest bit as I don't want to force anything and break it! Any top tips gratefully received on that!:confused

However, his solution does not involve any soldering or complete disassembly of the instruments; apparently you can get at the LCD assembly and then need to spray the PCB-LCD contacts with contact cleaner (available from Maplins) and most times all is then fixed according to the guide.

Having not got there yet I cannot vouch for it and it may not be as long lasting as the soldering solution Neal has linked. I have to say the soldering option would leave me more nervous than applying a shot of cleaning spray.

I have heard about the spray contact cleaning method (isopropyl alcohol), but unfortunately, it will not solve the problems of having dry solder joints.

 

[robshaw]

Tried the spray technique. Was a wast of time. Bottled out of the solder method. Not because of the soldering but because of having to take the dial needles off. (had a bad experience with an Audio TT and dial needles :mad)
Ended up sending the cluster away to the guy on eBay from Southampton. Charged me 80 quid for a superb job, all pixels working and had it back to me in a day.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E38-E39-X...14&_trkparms=72:1683|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

 

[ghb]

Tried the spray technique. Was a wast of time. Bottled out of the solder method. Not because of the soldering but because of having to take the dial needles off. (had a bad experience with an Audio TT and dial needles :mad)
Ended up sending the cluster away to the guy on eBay from Southampton. Charged me 80 quid for a superb job, all pixels working and had it back to me in a day.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E38-E39-X...14&_trkparms=72:1683|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

Thanks for that, will give the spray a go and if that doesn't work I'll get in touch with the guy in Southampton.:thumbsup