'96 740iL - info lines on instrument panel

My info lines on my instrument panel will not show words or numbers, just vertical lines. What's wrong and how to fix? Also check engine light just came on. Where is the hookup for the computer?

For the pixel problem, see Edwins fix on E38.org. No disrespect, but if you doubt your abilites, don't do this. It is achievable, and it works, but care and finesse are required. Whatever you do, don't attempt to remove the gauge needles, however tempting.

Port is either the 20 pin round one in the engine bay, or a 16 pin which may be next to the the front cupholder, or under the drivers side dash. Some Euro cars have both..

Do you guys share the same pixel problem as the E39?

If so, these from the E39 bestlinks may help:

- What are 'all' options when your instrument cluster or MID pixels slowly die due to a press-fit pink electrical-connection tape lifting off its contacts over time (1) & how to remove the E39 instrument cluster (1) (2) & a summary of the BMW NA cluster-repair goodwill policy (1) & how to fix the MID pixels yourself (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) & how to remove the MID (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) and how to test the MID (1).