MitchBMW

Yesterday I went to get my Aux installed by a BMW tech after they were closed and after sitting there for an hour and a half, the guy came out and told me that he couldn't do it because he got an error when trying to program the car. The error was that I had a bad Instrument Cluster Module, and the programing wouldn't continue. He said that a replacement cluster would be around $800 just for the part. So that means any programming that I will need in the future for my car can't get done until I replace the Instrument Cluster Module. Has anyone else ever run into this? Or had to replace yours? Just curious. So I'm stuck with my CD Changer, and in-dash cd for now. Any suggestions?

Also, my Instrument Cluster seems to be fine. There are no signs that it's bad visually. Everything shows up and works just fine.

jay77

sorry to hear about your problems getting the car programmed.

If a member with NCS is nearby you can get AUX coded without the need for a full dealer update....

Also if your instrument panel is working get your car read by an indi to see if any faults relate to it... I think using the hidden ODB menu you can do an instrument test.... Could be the dealer just trying to fob you off so worth checking before shelling out for a new / used one.

MitchBMW

Thanks Jay,

What is a NCS?? And I have no reason to think the guy was trying to BS me because we were doing this on the side and he was going to get paid on the side. But thanks. Once I find out what a NCS is, I'll look around.

jay77

Sorry, NCS Expert is a coding tool, that can be used to enable options. Ok if your certain its faulty, I think you can swap it out for an M5 one have a search a few members have already done it...

stel_i79

go down to john at www.motorcepts.com


your best bet..

MitchBMW

And what will they do???

I'm in CT, not NY. But if the price is right, I'll gladly take the trip.

jaycal3

When I had my AUX installed I had a faulty rain sensor and because of that the program wouldn't take... BMW said that because it was necessary for the AUX install to work they covered it free of charge... I have an '04 545i with no warranty.

MitchBMW

Jay,

what dealer did you go to?

jaycal3

BMW North Haven.

MitchBMW

Wow.. I'm at a loss here. Not sure what to do. As bad as I want to be able to listen to my Ipod in my car.... I'm not feeling spending over a Grand ($800 for the part) and ($$$) to install) to get my Instrument Cluster replaced, especially when there doesn't seemed to be any visual problem with the one I have. Then to have to spend the money to get the car coded for the AUX.... man...

I'm wondering if I should just get a Dension unit and just have that installed. I have a CD Changer.. not able to play MP3 in the single in-dash, but I heard that the Dension would still work, just without text. If someone could confirm or deny, that would be great. I know, I know.. there are many threads out there about this.. but they all seem to say something a little different.

Thanks