Got My Instrument Cluster Repaired!

So I sent it off to germanaudiotech on ebay. Although it took a little longer to get back vs. when I sent them my MID Radio, I'm pleased with the result.

I went ahead and purchased satin silver M5 gauge rings that they install for free while doing the repair.

What do you think?

Looks good.

That does look nice! How much was your total out of pocket, and how long did it take from when you shipped?

Originally Posted by Dilligaf-IA

That does look nice! How much was your total out of pocket, and how long did it take from when you shipped?

Total out of pocket was about $325 but that's because I shipped two day with FedEx which is over $100. I did pay for return overnight shipping of $50 but they (german audio tech) didn't honor it and instead shipped Priority. I've requested a refund on shipping but they've been silent about it. I just won't leave feedback or I can leave a neutral rating.

In addition, they had computer issues and I'm not entirely sure if that affected any jobs they had going on but it took about 9 days to get back. That was much longer then when I sent them my MID for repair. On my MID I shipped on a Monday and had it back that following Thursday. With my cluster, I shipped on a Tuesday and received it the Thursday of the following week.

Looks good, I hope they make good on the $50. I used them and they repeatedly tried to fix my radio, with me returning it each time with dead pixels...this was three years ago, and apparently he had no way to QC check his work...after the forth try, he gave up and sent me a previously refurbished unit, that was much more worn than mine...but at least the display worked...this is after over a month with no radio...from all the back and forth shipping. After two years, the display went out again, and he refused to honor the "lifetime"warranty...same deal...no response to emails...so I shipped it with a copy of my reciept and a note explaining the problem, but he refused the shipment and I got stuck paying Fed Ex charges both ways. I ended up having it fixed again by VDO Repair...a much more professionally run company.

Beware, if you leave Germanaudiotech "neutral" or "negative" feedback, you are basically on his sh*t list and you will not get warranty coverage if you have a problem in the future. I believe that is what happened in my case, as I gave him a neutral rating after all the delays and hassles back and forth, and ending up with a radio with more wear than my nice original one. He made no bones that he was upset that I did that, but I felt that was fair and explained my reasoning to him, based on what transpired.

There is no doubt that Germanaudiotech can, and does perform great work, but on occasion, they can slip up...and those are the instances when a company can really shine with their customer service...in my case I was let down at every turn. Unfortunate for me....but again, it does not appear this is a common occurance with them, as their overall feedback is still quite good. I certainly hope you receive a refund.

Originally Posted by 540 M-Sport

Looks good, I hope they make good on the $50. I used them and they repeatedly tried to fix my radio, with me returning it each time with dead pixels...this was three years ago, and apparently he had no way to QC check his work...after the forth try, he gave up and sent me a previously refurbished unit, that was much more worn than mine...but at least the display worked...this is after over a month with no radio...from all the back and forth shipping. After two years, the display went out again, and he refused to honor the "lifetime"warranty...same deal...no response to emails...so I shipped it with a copy of my reciept and a note explaining the problem, but he refused the shipment and I got stuck paying Fed Ex charges both ways. I ended up having it fixed again by VDO Repair...a much more professionally run company.

Beware, if you leave Germanaudiotech "neutral" or "negative" feedback, you are basically on his sh*t list and you will not get warranty coverage if you have a problem in the future. I believe that is what happened in my case, as I gave him a neutral rating after all the delays and hassles back and forth, and ending up with a radio with more wear than my nice original one. He made no bones that he was upset that I did that, but I felt that was fair and explained my reasoning to him, based on what transpired.

There is no doubt that Germanaudiotech can, and does perform great work, but on occasion, they can slip up...and those are the instances when a company can really shine with their customer service...in my case I was let down at every turn. Unfortunate for me....but again, it does not appear this is a common occurance with them, as their overall feedback is still quite good. I certainly hope you receive a refund.

I'm not holding my breath on a refund. I emailed them about it and they haven't responded.

EDIT: As of May 15th, German Audio Tech has refunded me the difference in shipping costs! I'm a happy customer. Thanks GAT!

I may use them to repair my guage cluster, but after reading these reviews I'm not so sure now.

Originally Posted by Silver540i6

I may use them to repair my guage cluster, but after reading these reviews I'm not so sure now.

I can understand your trepidation...but can guarantee you the folks at www.vdorepair.com are outstanding. It ended up my radio display went bad after their repair too....but they stood behind it, apologized profusely, and decided the best thing to guarantee a lasting repair was to replace the entire display. I couldn't be happier with their service...especially after the bummer I had with germanaudiotech.

BTW, vdorepair even offerred to pay my return shipping, which I thought was a nice gesture, but I paid it myself.

you guys drive the bimmer when its sent out? i need to do this but its my dd. arg

Originally Posted by carlova78

you guys drive the bimmer when its sent out? i need to do this but its my dd. arg

Checkout bimmersonly.com they have a loaner service for the instrumentation panel for $30!

Will the car drive without the cluster installed?

^I dont think so. The ignition will be disable.

Originally Posted by carlova78

you guys drive the bimmer when its sent out? i need to do this but its my dd. arg

I drove the spousal unit's Audi during the 9 day downtime.

Yeah I don't think it will run with the cluster out.

Is there any coding required or just plug and play?

Originally Posted by BigCo540i

Is there any coding required or just plug and play?

If they are repairing you original cluster, no coding.

Originally Posted by Silver540i6

Yeah I don't think it will run with the cluster out.

It most definitely will run, but the question that I am unclear, is whether it will trip the "tamper dot" if you drive it without the cluster, then reinstall the cluster later. I am not fully understanding the system, but heard that the mileage is stored on the LCM (light conrol module) and the cluster. If they ever get out of synch, (the mileages do not match) it will trip the tamper dot on the cluster.

To 540 M-Sport and any others wondering,

I received a refund on the difference in shipping charges today from German Audio Tech. I'm a happy customer again and will leave them positive feedback. Thanks GAT!

Great to hear of a happy result Al!
Best wishes.