iDrive Backlight Not Working ...and No Warranty - Help!

[fas702]

Hi,

4 weeks ago - privately bought '08 3.0 SD - one with TV in it. It had full BMW service history, etc.
Last night I started it and I couldnt see anything on the front LCD Panel. Shining some light on it - I can see everything but all looks very dimly lit. Checked Rear TV screen - and it working fine.
Looking through forums seems people have intermtently getting this problem - but most got fixed as they were under warranty - unfortunately I'm not 

Saw on the forums people suggesting that it might be to do with over heating due to Sunshine or battery. I use the car only really on weekend, but everything else seems to be fine. Also, everyone is saying that BMW will replace screen which will cost an arm and a leg - approx. 2K-2.5K. Ridiculous !

I rang up Spire BMW and they said just to do diagnostics (when its obvious what issue is) is going to cost £85  + VAT for minum 1 hour.

I loved the car - it was my first purchase in luxury car bracket, now having regrets.....can anyone help me fall back in love with my X5 ? Any solutions would be highly appreciated.

Cheers,

F.

[X5Sport]

Welcome to the Forum.....even on a somewhat sad note  :'(

Back lights can go at any time unfortunately 

Have a look on line for anyone who can repair the backlight/display unit.  It's probably either an LED of CCFL type and needs a replacement.  It could be a ribbon cable failure.  You'll need to get the display out regardless to find out.

BMW will only offer a complete new unit and at silly money.  They do not do repairs for most items, it's not a service they offer at all.

Revtronic in Bradford may be able to help.  Certainly worth a call to see.

[fas702]

Thanks for the support.

I live in London - can you recommend any company who will be able to fix this type of issue, without going back to BMW ?

F.

[X5Sport]

I know of no one, but try Revtronic, they may do.

[kjb1]

If all else fails buy a complete ebay used set at about £480 for your nav system, use the screen and sell the rest off!!

[kjb1]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161228006718

here you go!!

[fas702]

Thanks kjb1 - unfortunately, I dont know anything about replacing the screen - its sealed in, so not sure how I would take out to replace. Anything on YouTube to show how to do this ?

In the meantime, I called up a few BMW specialists - found one that said this was rare, and potentially might be a fuse issue. Company is A1BN in Stevenage (seem to have good reviews) . he charges £50 + VAT for diagnosis. So will probably take there and see what they say.

Will keep you posted. Any other ideas in the meantime would be useful.

[kjb1]

Just replace the whole screen not the LCD only


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[kjb1]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FyYL7cE1C9Y

Here is a really easy how to to replace screen with like for like


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[fas702]

Cheers kjb1 - thats very useful to know.

Plan is to get diagnostics done - get confirmed what it is, then if needs new screen, I'll probably follow your instructions and replace myself.

Diagnostics booked in for Monday - will let you all know.

F.

[kjb1]

i wouldn't even bother wasting money on diagnostics!!

[fas702]

So - the latest:

Took in today for diagnostics, took them about 25 mins. Still charged full whack! Seemed like decent guys.

Gave me the report - showed for Central Information Display (CID) - "A475 Hardware fault". They said its suggested first step is to do a software update - £295 + VAT !
Then if it that doesnt fix it, then change screen ! So fork out for software upgrade and likely £2K+ for new screen.

Logic tells me (being an IT bod) that if its a hardware fault, not sure how software update can fix it.

(Kjb1 - looks like you were probably spot on!)

What are your thoughts others ?

[X5Sport]

If the software fix doesn't work, don't pay for it!  They're the ones who suggested it I presume?

I refused to pay a £500 bill from my local dealer for my X5 a few years ago because they didn't fix the problem but wrecked the tracker instead.  The fault was later found to be the starter motor!

Richard

[kjb1]

[quote="fas702"]
So - the latest:

Took in today for diagnostics, took them about 25 mins. Still charged full whack! Seemed like decent guys.

Gave me the report - showed for Central Information Display (CID) - "A475 Hardware fault". They said its suggested first step is to do a software update - £295 + VAT !
Then if it that doesnt fix it, then change screen ! So fork out for software upgrade and likely £2K+ for new screen.

Logic tells me (being an IT bod) that if its a hardware fault, not sure how software update can fix it.

(Kjb1 - looks like you were probably spot on!)

What are your thoughts others ?
[/quote]

do not do software update nor buy screen from them!!! buy a used screen off ebay and do what i said!!!

[fas702]

Thanks Guys,

Will (at last) take kjb1's advice and buy and install myself. From ebay as suggested - there are a few on there.

Again - will keep you all posted.