OBC/MID Repair

[DStein]

Just bought my '99 323is. What's the word on repairing a pixelated On Board Computer/Multi-Informational Display? Is it a fuse issue, or do I basically need to find a new one and pop it in?

Thanks,
D

[MrSaikou]

Here you go:

Pixel DIY

[DStein]

WOW. This is perfect, your the best man.

Has anyone done this - difficulty scale? Doesn't seem to bad. Maybe like stereo installation level. :>

[MrSaikou]

Probably, but I am about to chuck my OBC since nobody can give me a reason to keep it.
I want the space for some gauges

[DStein]

Is yours in perfect working order? What kind of gauges are you looking to install?

[MrSaikou]

No, it is not in perfect working order. LOL

I am thinking about Water temp, and Oil pressure. 2 things that can go horribly, horribly wrong....

[advertisehere]

No, it is not in perfect working order. LOL

I am thinking about Water temp, and Oil pressure. 2 things that can go horribly, horribly wrong....

If I were you, I'd do oil temp too since cold oil=thick oil=oil that doesn't lubricate well when you rev your engine

[coconutmnky]

If I were you, I'd do oil temp too since cold oil=thick oil=oil that doesn't lubricate well when you rev your engine

But then again, no oil pressure = no oil = lolcrankbearings

[MrSaikou]

If I were you, I'd do oil temp too since cold oil=thick oil=oil that doesn't lubricate well when you rev your engine

Well, I will have room for a 3rd gauge likely. Hmmm...oil temp or clock.....
tough call there

[Windsma]

I have an 18 button (unknown condition) and a 7 button OBC. make me an offer.

[flyfishvt]

I have read very mixed reviews on that OBC pixel fix. I tried it and it didn't work. In fact I did more damage taking it apart. The only thing that makes it worth trying is because your OBC is basically useless as it sits. In my case I had a few dead pixels that I wanted to fix. After I saw the result I was thinking I should have just lived with it. I ended up getting another used one for about $75.

If this one goes bad while I still have the car I will replace it with guages. Engine temp, Oil Pressure, Outside air temp. I really like knowing what the temp outside is. I have a clock feature on my head unit so I dont really need that.

[DStein]

Hey All,

Did this fix. 1 hour - worked great. Very little pixelation left in the middle area. All in all completely worth it, now there is no need to replace mine.

It's like you said, I had nothing to lose. The hardest part was really the removal from the dash... other than that everything was easily explained and done. I could do it in 15 min. if I started over.

Give it a shot.

-D

[MrSaikou]

I have read very mixed reviews on that OBC pixel fix. I tried it and it didn't work. In fact I did more damage taking it apart. The only thing that makes it worth trying is because your OBC is basically useless as it sits. In my case I had a few dead pixels that I wanted to fix. After I saw the result I was thinking I should have just lived with it. I ended up getting another used one for about $75.

If this one goes bad while I still have the car I will replace it with guages. Engine temp, Oil Pressure, Outside air temp. I really like knowing what the temp outside is. I have a clock feature on my head unit so I dont really need that.

I'm in the same boat. Absolutely no change whatsoever, which is surprising. I understand the theory, so I should have at least gained some pixels. Total fail.
But that settles it, the gauges are going in the OBC slot

However, I am now an expert in doing the procedure, since I went through it about half a dozen times. It takes me 5 minutes.