Multi-information display (MID) pixel repair

[revtor]

One of the returning issues with nineties BMW vehicles is fading or missing pixels, columns or lines in the liquid crystal displays (LCD) of instruments like radio and onboard computer. The multi-information display (MID) in the BMW 8 Series is no exception and many owners had to replace the unit at least once already. The issue is caused by deterioration of the flexible flat cable between LCD and printed circuit board (PCB). This flexible flat cable is a thin plastic film with conductive carbon traces printed onto that is glued to the LCD and PCB with thermal adhesive. With age, vibrations and temperature changes, the bond lets go and microscopic hairline cracks develop in the carbon traces. This leads to poor electrical contact. Sometimes the issue can be repaired by increasing the pressure on the flat cable where it attaches to board and display, but that often doesn't last or does not fix all pixel defects.



The only proper and lasting fix is the replacement of the flexible flat cable with a new one. In the past this was the territory of professional repair shops, but nowadays the parts and tools can be obtained relatively cheap in online shops. All you need is a replacement flat cable and a soldering iron with specially designed T-tip to thermally glue the flat cable to LCD and PCB. It is not that difficult to replace the flat cable, but the glass substrate of the LCD is very thin and breaks easily. If you are not confident in attaching the new flat cable to the LCD yourself, some shops offer a complete kit of a brand new display with flat cable attached. The latter is also interesting to replace broken or scratched displays. I wrote an article that provides a step-by-step guide to replace the flat cable or display:

Multi-information display pixel repair

If interested, please read through the whole article before ordering parts online or trying to open the MID. If not fully confident you can perform the repair, it's best to leave it to professionals. It's very easy to break the MID and repair services may not accepts units that have been tampered with. Following people offer repair services (no affiliation and no personal experience - just listed because they are often recommended in the E31 community):

• Guido Kulka (Europe, Germany, Werne)
• Chris at German Audio Tech (USA, California, Long Beach)

If you want to give the DIY repair a try, you can get the parts from Tomas at German Auto Recycler (search the store for E31 ribbon and iron tool). Again no affiliation but the seller was correct and promptly answered questions. If you need additional instructions to open the MID, read MID OBC pixel repair attempt. That thread has good pictures of the disassembly.

[4drian]

I sent mine to German Audio Tech with lots of missing pixels and a broken Check-button. Came back 2 weeks later in perfect working order! $140 well spent.

[boltnbrew]

+1 for German Audio Repair

[pollack137]

Thanks for the instructions Revtor, perfect timing as I just ordered my ribbon cable a few days ago.

[THADREAMIN]

German audio tech... Chris does great work.

[04SSHD]

Thanks for the info, I need to do this to mine very soon!

[moomba]

Go with Chris at German Audio Tech...

[Bmbbmw]

German Auto Recycling Riverside CA. 24 hour turnaround. MID works like new. Don't try to fix it yourself and don't deal with the guy from Hungary.

[newmexicomatt]

+100 for German Audio Tech

[mcalvano]

My 840 has about 50% of the pixels working. I see that German Audio Tech will do the repair or sell you a re-manufactured unit. Is it difficult to remove the MID from the dash - I have never opened it up before. I also have a slight crack in my burl wood trim in that area - is there a replacement available for that?

[tavosbm]

My 840 has about 50% of the pixels working. I see that German Audio Tech will do the repair or sell you a re-manufactured unit. Is it difficult to remove the MID from the dash - I have never opened it up before. I also have a slight crack in my burl wood trim in that area - is there a replacement available for that?

It's very easy. I just had mine done last week. Look at their website and it has a DYI procedure. I also have a DYI video I made that I can send to you.

[KMGuy]

Apparently GAT has gone downhill, I'm having a battle with them over a radio for my E36. It came defective and now that it's been returned they refuse to communicate with me. I've had to get eBay involved to get resolution. Do not use them, they've become a scam operation. There were only 7 negative comments (I added the 8th today) but they all lean the same way. Defective/Bootleg products, no communication, no resolution,etc. Stay away, they're a ripoff.

[pje]

I just used these guys for my e38 cluster . Very quick turnaround , and they were quite a bit cheaper than the others I looked at . http://www.bimmeronly.com/

[petersh]

I have just successfully repaired my missing pixels. After stripping down the MID, I slowly ran along the connector to the printed circuit board with a temperature controlled soldering iron and chisel bit set to 140 degrees. I followed this as I went with the blade of a right angle screwdriver to press the connector down onto the board and cool it at the same time. All my pixels have come back.

I did discover a little problem. I had unsoldered the three pins connecting the light assembly to the PCB. After soldering back together, the lights no longer worked. The circuit board tracks stop short of each of the three pins, and you have to bridge the gap with solder!

[Alec Cartio]

bavtek auto is the place to go to in Riverside county. Thomas. very nice guy and solid. responsive

[JDP530]

I sent my MID to BavTek last week and he had it repaired the day after he received it. Total turnaround time was 10 days. Cost including four new light bulbs was $119 and change plus shipping. Tomas called me when repair was completed. And it works great!
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