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Thread: Dead pixel hidden warranty...

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Exclamation Dead pixel hidden warranty...

    Well guys...it worked. Contacted BMWNA regarding the bad pixel issue on my '00 540iAs with approx. 96k on the OD and they authorized a 100% part replacement for me. All I have to do is fork out the bucks for the labor. Unfortunately, the stealership I chose here in NorCAL charges $180/hour and told me it would take an hour and a half. I know...helluva lot cheaper than forking out the dollars for the cluster AND the install but I still am trying to get BMWNA to allow me to do the install at a non-stealership (Bavarian Professionals in Berkeley cause they only charge $110/hour). I'll keep you posted on the results of this request...

    For those of you experiencing this problem, don't give up on this issue as we all know BMW is obligated to take care of this very common and frequent problem. I am the second owner of this fairly high mileage 540 so this just proves they know that they are responsible for the problem...

    '00 540iA Sport w/235k+ Original TCG's, Vanos and transmission.​*Trans failure at 244k+...FS Now

  2. #2
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    tank
    wtf...$180 an hour

    my pixel on the radio is crapping out on me too....29k miles on a 2003... how did u get BMWNA to agree to it?
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  3. #3
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    I called them directly and they called me back. They asked a couple questions and authorized the repair. I'm not sure about the radio as it isn't critical like the safety warning system on the speedo cluster, however, your '03 should definitely be covered if my '00 is...GL!

    '00 540iA Sport w/235k+ Original TCG's, Vanos and transmission.​*Trans failure at 244k+...FS Now

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    $180 an hour

    I hope that includes a "happy ending"

    That is a lot an hour for labor.

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by sirtiger View Post
    wtf...$180 an hour

    my pixel on the radio is crapping out on me too....29k miles on a 2003... how did u get BMWNA to agree to it?

    I just had both the instrument cluster and MID replaced at the dealership without any qustion or hesitation - this is without even contacting BMWNA. Most dealerships (many E39's out there) know of this problem and it really depends on their service quality. I think I paid around four hundred for both peices to be installed. The MID included a new CD player as well.

    IIRC...$130/hour

  6. #6
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    tank
    so even if your car is out of warranty, the dealer is willing to replace the dead pixel out of the goodness of their heart? I find that kinda hard to believe
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  7. #7
    BMW Loe is offline representing south dakota
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    I'm still waiting for my BMW field rep to reprogram the new cluster to match the old cluster since the dealer can't do it At least the part is free
    -Loe- 2004 M3/2000 328Ci (some mods)

  8. #8
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    $180/hour? OMG!!!

    I had my MID replaced under BMW goodwill a few months back. All I had to pay was half-hour of labor, and even for that the dealership ended up giving some discounted labor rate so all it cost me was around $40.

    My cluster was replaced due to dead pixels a few years back, while the car was still under warranty (previous owner).
    .

  9. #9
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    http://vdorepair.com/

    Has anyone seen this? And if so, has anyone any experiance in this? They say they fix your current cluster and fix it so this won't happen again. And they charge 300 bucks for it + plus shipping offcourse.

    Don't know if they're any good but I guess I'll find out when this happens to my car (and I say when, not if).
    1998 Honda Civic 1.5i
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  10. #10
    Join Date
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    Clarification

    Are we talking here about the dash pixels, or radio? A couple of radio display pixels have started to go on mine, right after purchase of course!

    It's probably not out of the goodness, dealer is getting paid by us for labor and the part is prob compted by BMWUSA, so why not say yes?
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  11. #11
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by Edgy99 View Post
    Are we talking here about the dash pixels, or radio?
    In my case, the goodwill covered the radio (MID).
    .

  12. #12
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by Edgy99 View Post
    Are we talking here about the dash pixels, or radio? A couple of radio display pixels have started to go on mine, right after purchase of course!

    It's probably not out of the goodness, dealer is getting paid by us for labor and the part is prob compted by BMWUSA, so why not say yes?
    Chris, go to BMW of Fairfax and ask for Glen Walker. He will replace the MID and all you have to do is pay for labor. You will not have to contact BMWNA, especially since your car is an '01 and low mileage.

  13. #13
    Join Date
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    Congrats! I had BMWNA replace my instrument cluster and all I had to pay was labor. Luckily it only cost me $80. I noticed I have 1 line of pixels out on my radio, but I don't think they will be so kind a second time to replace my radio for me.

  14. #14
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    Chris, go to BMW of Fairfax and ask for Glen Walker. He will replace the MID and all you have to do is pay for labor. You will not have to contact BMWNA, especially since your car is an '01 and low mileage.
    Thanks Michel for the contact. It's just a few pixels now, but when it gets worse that's just what I'll do. Is it a two hour job? That's $250 I believe at Fairfax.
    BLUE HEAVEN:
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  15. #15
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    Just read this. I will be contacting BMWNA soon myself..

  16. #16
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    e39 been around for 7 yrs and I would guess they have the dead pixel ironed out by then. I have 2003 models and mine started to crap out in 2006 and the radio is crapping out on me now. What a awful problem to have. :
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  17. #17
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    When I had mine done, I asked and was told in advance it was a one hour job. I then was charged two hours labor at like 110 per hour. I have never heard of someone being charged for more than an hour.
    Oxford Green 1998 540i/6
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  18. #18
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    The funny part is that the MID takes 5 minutes to replace - and I'm not joking. I could do it blindfolded.

  19. #19
    Join Date
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    Is there a DIY for the MID?? Is the entire MID replaced or something behind it that shows the pixels??

    Current:
    2016 BMW 535i xDrive
    2017 Volvo XC60
    2000 BMW 540i

    Past:
    2012 Audi A4 S-Line
    2011 BMW X5 50i
    2010 Mercedes ML350
    2002 Lexus IS300
    1998 Audi A6 Quattro
    1988 Honda Prelude

  20. #20
    Join Date
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    few weeks ago i just replaced mine for 80 bucks... they were trying to make me pay alot more...but you can call near by dealerships and they have to match thier prices... and some dealers are just nicer!

    FS:NEW_BF_Goodrich_245/35/17

  21. #21
    Join Date
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    I got mine covered 100%, and the dealer charged $70/hour based on it being a warranty repair. Their standard rate is $110/hr. BMWNA initially offered 50%, but after explaining what a BMW nut I am, they upped the offer.

  22. #22
    Join Date
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    2005 525i; 04 Pilot
    Once you contact BMWNA, and they will follow it up with you. Got mine replaced at a dealer $110.

    It stinks to see those dead pixels and having to explain to someone when they ride in the car.

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by BlackSapphire View Post
    The funny part is that the MID takes 5 minutes to replace - and I'm not joking. I could do it blindfolded.
    5 min? really?
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  24. #24
    Join Date
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    Cool Update...

    Just spoke with Jason at BMWNA and it's a no go with Bavarian Professionals ($110/hr.). They MUST be an authorized BMW dealership so I asked to change locations (considering Concord BMW wants $160/hr. and 1-1/2 hrs. labor ). I explained that I know how much time it actually takes to replace the cluster and recode it so Jason said no prob and that he will also notify Weatherford BMW ($155/hr. OUCH) that I should be charged no more than one hour for labor.

    Sooo...if all goes well, it should only set me back $155 and some of my time. Not bad for a $1000 job...although many of you seem to be getting a better deal.
    Last edited by ViolinARC; 09-21-2007 at 11:07 PM. Reason: pricing misquote

    '00 540iA Sport w/235k+ Original TCG's, Vanos and transmission.​*Trans failure at 244k+...FS Now

  25. #25
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by sirtiger View Post
    5 min? really?
    Pull off the volume knob, insert T-8 torx into hole, turn 90 degrees, MID pops out. Disconnect modular plugs on the back.

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