http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/504260

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=457171

which one of these will work for the OBC on the e31's?

have any of your guys tried it before?

The second post also applies to the E31. The issue is the same between the E36 and E31 OBC. Here's another: MID OBC pixel repair attempt (long, disappointing) (http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/bmw/bmw-8-series-e31/8445758-1.html).

In case you don't feel like repairing the unit yourself, here's my standard reply on OBC repair questions:

On German boards people have always been very satisfied with the pixel repair services provided by Guido (nickname M8-Enzo (http://forum.clube31.de/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=241) at ClubE31.de (http://forum.clube31.de/)). Guido does not only fix board member's units, but he also performs official repairs for car manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes Opel,... In other words, Guido knows his stuff.

Alternatively you can try the repair service offered pixelarzt @ eBay (http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/pixelarzt/) - another German fellow who repairs E31 and E36 board computers.

One thing I must add; Guido does not fix units that have been "repaired" before. So if you mess up, Guido will probably not be able to help you.

One thing I must add; Guido does not fix units that have been "repaired" before. So if you mess up, Guido will probably not be able to help you.

In fact this is Guidos biggest problem! He cannot repair OBCs if there was done furb before...

Has anyone opened up one of his repairs to see what he does? Like new connecting method? Or some type of connecting glue? Not that I want him to go out of business or anything. Just interested in how people fix things.
LouM...

I have an X5 that has pixel problems too and I have a procedure on my other computer, but need to replace my power supply because I can't turn it on right now :( The following procedures are from X5 World for fixing the pixels in the instrument cluster display, so I didn't put the removal of the instrument cluster just the repair. The procedures I have on my other computer have some pictures but it is basically the same but has to do completely with cleaning the contact surface between the display and the glass if I remember correctly, not fiddling with the ribbon connection.

8.Now lay the tach/speedo assembly face up on the towel and remove all
of the torx screws on the face (about 8-10), this will NOT allow you to
open the housing, but it will loosen it enough so you can get a spray
nozzle into the circuit board under the cover.



9.Spray any and all connections you with the contact cleaner
(non-residue/quick drying/plastic safe). Quickly dry the connections
with compressed air (be sure to hold can upright to prevent liquid from
being expelled)



10.Spray all holes and connectors and the connectors that plug back
into the dash board. I also sprayed the actual connectors in the dash
as well.



11.Reassemble the entire unit and make sure it is DRY before reinstalling in the vehicle.



This is what worked for me, it restored all of the pixels to 100% brightness.



Good Luck to all, BE CAREFUL!!!!

do i have to remove the trim around the OBC to take it out?

No, but you must remove the radio. Underneath the OBC is a large plastic retainer tab you must depress. You don't even have to disconnect the radio - just put it aside and wrap a towel around it so the sharp edges can't cause damage to the trim. Once the radio is out, reach inside the hole with your hands, depress the tab and push the OBC towards yourself. A five minutes job...

thanks for the reply's, took about and hour but I fixed all the pixels....if anyone needs help let me know.