Get missing dash pixels repaired by BMWNA (E39)

She will in turn send you a response email asking for this information:

As coordinator for National Customer Relations, I will assign a representative to assist you; however, I need some additional information. Please respond to this email with the name and address on the registration, contact phone numbers, mileage to date, and the last 7 digits of the VIN.

Also, please identify your BMW dealer.

Thank you for your cooperation.

On the "Also, please identify your BMW dealer", what should I respond if I bought my BMW from a private party?

Where you would take it to have service, but better, where you have taken it before to have serviced.

Sent in a request last october, a follow up in november and still no reply

To Leonora?

Send daily or weekly emails until you get a response. The squeaky wheel gets the grease!

just give them a ring. 800-831-1117

it took around 10 days from the day i called them to my appointment made. fast and simple.

Originally Posted by kingdunke

just give them a ring. 800-831-1117

it took around 10 days from the day i called them to my appointment made. fast and simple.

Thanks kingdunke,

I sent 3-5 emails to Lenora V starting in early Dec 2007, and got no response from her, so I just called BMWNA (800-831-1117) a few minutes ago and spoke with Dan. He said they'd "see what they could do for me." He requested a fax of my registration, which I just sent over.

I guess we'll see what happens.


Wish me luck...
Steve

Well, here's the update, 2 days later, I had Charlene from BMWNA call me, after playing phone tag for a day, I talked with her on the 3rd day.

She pretty much asked what everybody else here confirmed:

Describe the problem?
How long have I owned my BMW?
What's the mileage on my BMW? (she said it doesn't matter what the mileage is.)
Where did I purchase my BMW?
Have I owned any other BMWs?
She described the "program" and said they cover 100% of the parts, but I cover the labor at any BMW dealership of my choice.

I checked, and my two nearest BMW dealerships, Irvine BMW and Crevier BMW charge $140 and $145 an hour, respectively.

I have the appt set for Irvine BMW a week from now.

Thanks guys,
Steve

good job steve!!

I am a new an proud owner of a 2000 540iA. (This is my first foray into BMW land). I have the temperature/odometer pixel curse. I am so glad to hear that this offer is still valid. I will get on it right away. How long does it usually take from start to finish? any hints on how to expedite the process?

Call or email BMWNA, a few days to a week before initial response, then answer some questions and get another response in a week to 10 days; they'll agree to either a provide the part for free or about 1/2, but you must pay for labor at a local BMW shop. Figure 2 to 3 weeks from first call to installation of the part. Read above for more info.

You might be able to save some time by providing all the info up front in a polite letter. VIN, dealer, miles, and all the other stuff described in the previous posts.

Has anyone tried this with BMW Canada? If so, do you have any contact info.

Much appreciated as always.

Several people tried and had no luck with BMW Canada...

Hi guys,

Just wanted to give you an update. I just got my dashboard instrument cluster replaced today at Irvine BMW. Although BMWNA covered the part, the dealer took 1.5 hours for a total of $210 in labor charges. Oh well, at least it's done.

The reason for the delay between initally calling BMWNA and the installation was a little bit of miscommunication between whether I was to call the dealer or if the dealer was to contact me when they received the part. No biggie.

Good luck.
Steve

I am also in Southern California and have got BMWNA to cover 100% of the parts and I am responsible for the labor. I have called around a few dealerships and they are all quoting 2 hours of labor @ $130 to $150 per hour. I have read on here that people have had this done in 1/2 hour to 1 hours time. One dealership quoted $260 to install and program the new cluster but said they could "fix" my current cluster for $130.

Are the dealerships quoting a 2 hour job but end up charging only for the actual time? Or do they charge 2 hours labor for a 30 minute job?

Any advice?

is there a DIY to fix this problem?

I understand that there IS a way to fix the pixels using a soldering gun and a LOT of patience. You also need a pretty good idea about how to remove the dash and open the proper area to access the pixels. Try bimmerdiy.com for a link, I think.

Honestly though, for a couple hundred bucks it's nice to have a whole new dash, so just get it replaced....

Originally Posted by TWSboarder

I am also in Southern California and have got BMWNA to cover 100% of the parts and I am responsible for the labor. I have called around a few dealerships and they are all quoting 2 hours of labor @ $130 to $150 per hour. I have read on here that people have had this done in 1/2 hour to 1 hours time. One dealership quoted $260 to install and program the new cluster but said they could "fix" my current cluster for $130.

Are the dealerships quoting a 2 hour job but end up charging only for the actual time? Or do they charge 2 hours labor for a 30 minute job?

Any advice?

Keep calling around. It *should not* take more than an hour. Maybe BMWNA can help you?

Just sent the initial e-mail, I am in the Atlanta , GA. area, will keep eveyone posted on my experience. Thanks for the info.

I called a few more dealerships and found one that quoted one hour labor. Got it fixed today and I was in and out in an hour. I can see my odometer again!

Hi All,

Anyone know if you can swap out the MID from one car to another? I know someone that has a perfect MID out of his car that he does not need (car totalled!). Can I install it in mine, or is the ODO and other information stored on the MID?

Thanks
Biz

I believe this is possible but you will need it programmed for your car to set the correct mileage and perhaps some other things like VIN and such.

the cluster matters, the mid does not.

Hello, has anyone had any luck in trying to get BMW North America to up their offer. I have a 2002 530i and both the odometer and stereo have the pixel issue. I contacted them and they responded today offering to cover half of the parts for both and I pay full labor.

Thanks to all for any assistance,
-Matt