XSeries-forum

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.

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.

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.

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

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!!

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

here you go!!

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.

Just replace the whole screen not the LCD only


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

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


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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.

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

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 ?

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

[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!!!

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.