OBC Screen Replacement?

[164353]

My screen has been dead since I bought the car, but it only bled over the bottom part. It still lights up, and the tops of the digits are visible, so I feel like the unit is probably fine. Could I just replace the screen without an obscene amount of hassle? If so, anybody know where I could come about a replacement?

[richardodn]

Just pick up a good used one. Swap the coding plug from yours to the replacement.

[164353]

Just for clarification- you mean I should buy the whole computer? Does that imply it's simpler or cheaper or something?

[Stroke5]

Just for clarification- you mean I should buy the whole computer? Does that imply it's simpler or cheaper or something?

The "OBC" in the panel is just an interface device, like your keyboard, video & mouse, & the display bleeding is common. As Richard says, the easy option is to swap it out for one that works, but if you want to do some searching around you'll find threads that deal with renewing them.

[ndame09]

There is no way of just replacing the display of the OBC unit, I have tried already. Only way is to find another unit, as the others have said.

[mvrk10256]

Yup, if its a 6 button you can get it for about 20 bucks hsipped to your door. if a 13 button about 35. Check out some ofthe e30 specific sites.

[mvrk10256]

Yup, if its a 6 button you can get it for about 20 bucks hsipped to your door. if a 13 button about 35. Check out some ofthe e30 specific sites.

[mlbryant8]

what and where is the coding plug?

[bimmernoob11]

My leds are out

[richardodn]

When you remove the OBC unit you'll see it on the back. It's a little module with a small circuit board and memory chip inside. The chip holds some constants that the OBC uses for calculations.

@bimmernoob11 - When you say your LEDs are out, do you mean the backlight is out? If so, there is a light that can be replaced. The part is around $30. Some people have converted the light to LEDs.

[Stroke5]

what and where is the coding plug?

The coding chip tells the OBC what car you have, they're model specific.

[ndame09]

The coding chip tells the OBC what car you have, they're model specific.

Coding plugs are the white things in the top-rear of the OBC units

[Paddydrum]

Well lads I know this i a old thread but any help would be great I have a 13 button obc in my e30 and when I switch on the car only the background light comes on there is no writing on the screen does this mean I need a new obc
Thanks in advance

[richardodn]

Sounds like it. I assume its blank no matter what function it's on.

[Summerlinbrayde]

So before you go and buy a new one try and just clean the screen. I did this on my 318ti and all the pixels are working now

Edit: the very next day it went black again and now the clock works momentarily when I press it but that's it. Sad day.