BMW E39 instrument cluster pixels disappear
Why do the E39 instrument cluster pixels disappear?
It is a typical cluster fault: the contact strip between the display and the circuit board comes loose or gets dirty. More rarely the fault is in the display itself or in its driver circuit.
How is the pixel fault repaired?
The strip and the circuit board surfaces are cleaned and the strip is realigned or renewed. Contact spray or heating does not give a permanent repair. If pixels are still missing, the display or its driver is replaced.
Is it worth repairing or replacing the instrument cluster?
A pure pixel fault is worth repairing before replacing, because another cluster does not fit as it is but has to be coded. The repair takes about 2 hours including removal and installation.
Can I take the instrument cluster apart myself?
The cluster has to be taken apart completely, and the needles must not be pulled off. Wrong removal can damage the cluster, so without experience and the right tools the job is best left to a professional.