Incomplete Outside Temp Display / 2001 540i

Herr Leber · 11-28-2005, 06:34 AM

My outside temperature display is acting weird since the onset of colder weather this Fall. Not all of the bubbles / pixles /LED's are lighting up so many numbers appear incomplete. The temp degree sign is also missing.

All other gauges/dipays are working fine. Any thoughts folks?

Thanks in advance.

turborat · turborat's Garage

I know that this is a common failure among BMW cars. I have heard the solution to be as simple as re-plugging the connector to as complicated as having to replace the complete module. Good luck

Herr Leber · 11-29-2005, 07:36 AM

Yeah, I didnt want to get in there and start monkeying around back there with all that electonics. I'll need to research the tech manuals. I wonder if the warranty covers this.

Warmtone · 11-29-2005, 08:03 PM

Patrick, sounds like the familiar display problem that appears to be prevalent amongst E39 cars. I have exactly the same problem on my 99 540 - except more of the display is effected eg odometer, mileometer as well as the service lights. The annoying part is the problem is intermittent and temperature dependent.

On a "ggod day" everything works fine.........for about 1/2 hour!

I understand the problem may stem from a contact problem between the digital display IC's and the sockets which they plug into .........over time contact resistance builds up and the display becomes intermittenmt and appears to be faulty. Annoyingly it's a $1 problem but getting inside the speedo housing to fix is not for the faint hearted.

Inthe US I understand that BMW in North America have a replacement program ( they replace the whole binnacle) Here in Australia it seems customers are "on their own".......faced with a hefty bill @ $2K.

But the rest of the car is so good(!)

Herr Leber · 11-30-2005, 03:09 AM

Wow, that alot of cash to fill in the blanks.

I'll lean on the dealer to see if it is covered on my extended warranty. I bought the car dealer certified.

Thanks again. To be continued....

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

there's supposedly a recall and a goodwill fix for this. Someone hit 'em with a class action lawsuit.