W203 Multi-Function Display Fading Class Action Suit
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W203 Multi-Function Display Fading Class Action Suit
Hi everyone,
Like many of you, the MFD LEDs on my W203 have faded to the point of being almost impossible to read during the daytime. Searching the forum, it seems that this is a systemic problem for a large number of W203 owners with the pre-facelift cluster, both in coupe and sedan models.
Incidentally, my father owned an E38 BMW 7-series that had a similar problem due to a design flaw in its LED construction. Like our W203s, BMW-USA was initially unwilling to redress the result of their manufacturing flaw and replace the faltering LEDs of many E38s instrumental panels and cabin control stacks. However, after the threat of a class action lawsuit by a sizable number of angry owners, BMW-USA eventually agreed to replace the parts for free, if owners would pay the cost of labor. This turned a multi-thousand dollars fix into one that cost most owners only an hour of labor at their local shop.
Thus, I'm working to mount a class action suit against MB-USA. Part of the discovery process is establishing that the problem is widespread and systemic.
Given this, if I put up a google doc/survey monkey/etc, would W203 owners with this problem be willing to offer their names and their make/model?
Like many of you, the MFD LEDs on my W203 have faded to the point of being almost impossible to read during the daytime. Searching the forum, it seems that this is a systemic problem for a large number of W203 owners with the pre-facelift cluster, both in coupe and sedan models.
Incidentally, my father owned an E38 BMW 7-series that had a similar problem due to a design flaw in its LED construction. Like our W203s, BMW-USA was initially unwilling to redress the result of their manufacturing flaw and replace the faltering LEDs of many E38s instrumental panels and cabin control stacks. However, after the threat of a class action lawsuit by a sizable number of angry owners, BMW-USA eventually agreed to replace the parts for free, if owners would pay the cost of labor. This turned a multi-thousand dollars fix into one that cost most owners only an hour of labor at their local shop.
Thus, I'm working to mount a class action suit against MB-USA. Part of the discovery process is establishing that the problem is widespread and systemic.
Given this, if I put up a google doc/survey monkey/etc, would W203 owners with this problem be willing to offer their names and their make/model?
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
lmao...the fading pixel is covered under the warranty bro. even the extended warranty. I had the MFD/dash replaced under warranty.
bad bulb is not covered however as any bulbs are listed as wear item.
bad bulb is not covered however as any bulbs are listed as wear item.
Last edited by FrankW; May 18, 2009 at 06:24 PM.
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I'm very aware. However, given that we're discussing a range of models from 01-05, it is very plausible there are a number of cars that are out of warranty and are facing this problem. Naturally, any warrantied part would be replaced the easy way. I'm looking for those that didn't have your foresight.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
I'm very aware. However, given that we're discussing a range of models from 01-05, it is very plausible there are a number of cars that are out of warranty and are facing this problem. Naturally, any warrantied part would be replaced the easy way. I'm looking for those that didn't have your foresight.
good luck with the class action suit tho.
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Frank,
Well, it worked for E38 owners. A few letters and they had BMW-NA against the wall enough that they were offering free parts. I'm not willing to chalk a part that clearly has a systemic design flaw up to "part of owning the car." Maintenance is different than design failure.
Who else has had this problem?
Well, it worked for E38 owners. A few letters and they had BMW-NA against the wall enough that they were offering free parts. I'm not willing to chalk a part that clearly has a systemic design flaw up to "part of owning the car." Maintenance is different than design failure.
Who else has had this problem?
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Bal'mer, Hon
C320
When it was replaced, I had one new "feature" of the MFI - if I go to leave the car with the sunroof open or tilted, an alert apears that I didn't see originally.
Am I to understand from the OP's comment that the replacement part *should* not result in the same fade problem over time?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: San Mateo, CA
2005 C230 Kompressor
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
I agree in that I think it's a badly designed part if it cannot withstand normal temperatures. Mine starts to fade at only 70 degrees or so, and becomes truly awful over 85.
Having said that, I doubt that a suit would do anything, but I'd be willing to offer my details to a list. It's one of the many reasons why I'll be switching brands next time.
I am sending mine to BBA in a couple of weeks, as it is an annoying situation, and I don't want to have to spend the money my dealership would have charged me.
Having said that, I doubt that a suit would do anything, but I'd be willing to offer my details to a list. It's one of the many reasons why I'll be switching brands next time.
I am sending mine to BBA in a couple of weeks, as it is an annoying situation, and I don't want to have to spend the money my dealership would have charged me.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Jersey
2004.5 C 230
I see what you are saying. I seriously doubt something can be done however. as it was/is a part that the manufacturer more than willing to replace under warranty. It's one of those thing that you just have to pay to get it repaired if you are out of warranty. same thing as the "pogo stick" door locks, alternator, intercooler pump, etc. the maintenance comes with owning a car.
good luck with the class action suit tho.
good luck with the class action suit tho.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: DC/VA
CL203
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: SoCal. Desert
'16 E350, gone: '03 c230k
Had this problem on my '03 c230 and the display was replaced under warranty. The whole outer edge would start to fade when it got warm out (over ~90F). Replacement has been rock solid. My replacement also now displays when the sunroof is left open.
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
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From: Charlotte, NC
2002 C320 Wagon, 2002 Chrysler 300M
fade away
I would absolutely add my name and car to the list. We have a 2002 C320 wagon that has the exact problem described, and we are soooo happy that warm weather is coming, because it will become nearly unreadable again!
I think a Class Action Suit warning letter would be a good idea, and might just convince them to do as BMW-USA did. Worth a shot if nothing else.
I think a Class Action Suit warning letter would be a good idea, and might just convince them to do as BMW-USA did. Worth a shot if nothing else.
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5
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From: Charlotte, NC
2002 C320 Wagon, 2002 Chrysler 300M
I would absolutely add my name and car to the list. We have a 2002 C320 wagon that has the exact problem described, and we are soooo happy that warm weather is coming, because it will become nearly unreadable again!
I think a Class Action Suit warning letter would be a good idea, and might just convince them to do as BMW-USA did. Worth a shot if nothing else.
I think a Class Action Suit warning letter would be a good idea, and might just convince them to do as BMW-USA did. Worth a shot if nothing else.
When you get a little further along, maybe consider posting on benzworld.org as well. I would be glad to spread the word locally (there are a lot of W203 owners in my area) through Craigslist or however else I can if that would be desired at some point.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: In Kush Land So cal
02 C320 Sedan
This is just bull****... Look how many people have a broken lcd screen when it gets warm outside...
When it gets really hot outside.. i can't read the outside temp / the time / i keep it on the digital MPH and i can still see that a little.
When it gets really hot outside.. i can't read the outside temp / the time / i keep it on the digital MPH and i can still see that a little.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
You have a 2005 with this problem? The 2005s have completely different gauges and displays. I have no issue, even in GA heat.
The rest of you are not alone with this issue. We had a 2008 G37 coupe that did the fade-away thing in the heat, too. So it isn't just Mercedes.
The rest of you are not alone with this issue. We had a 2008 G37 coupe that did the fade-away thing in the heat, too. So it isn't just Mercedes.
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Everyone,
Just as I expected! Pretty widespread problems. To get things rolling:
1. I'm going to create an email address where owners with this problem can email relevant information. Expect it sometime this evening.
2. Please publicize this thread. Mods, any chance of making a temporary sticky? Members, perhaps add a link to your sigs so we can make the most comprehensive list possible.
3. Starting the thread on other forums - I will do this as soon as I get the email address up. Are there other ones besides Benzworld?
??? Have owners with other models experienced this? Didn't the pre-facelift W209 have the same cluster? And the pre-facelift W463 G-wagon?
Just as I expected! Pretty widespread problems. To get things rolling:
1. I'm going to create an email address where owners with this problem can email relevant information. Expect it sometime this evening.
2. Please publicize this thread. Mods, any chance of making a temporary sticky? Members, perhaps add a link to your sigs so we can make the most comprehensive list possible.
3. Starting the thread on other forums - I will do this as soon as I get the email address up. Are there other ones besides Benzworld?
??? Have owners with other models experienced this? Didn't the pre-facelift W209 have the same cluster? And the pre-facelift W463 G-wagon?
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EMAIL ADDRESS FOR CLUSTER PROBLEMS:
w203pixelproblems@gmail.com
Please send your:
1. Name
2. Location (city/state)
3. Model and year
4. Approx mileage
5. Any additional info related to the problem (when you noticed the failure, what temperatures you have the most fading at, etc)
w203pixelproblems@gmail.com
Please send your:
1. Name
2. Location (city/state)
3. Model and year
4. Approx mileage
5. Any additional info related to the problem (when you noticed the failure, what temperatures you have the most fading at, etc)
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
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From: VA
THE C350
i have this problem but my dealer wouldn’t replace it. it did it today and i am really angry and now i see that others got it fixed i am going to call the dealer tomorrow morning and see if they can good will it lol i am only 28,000 miles over extended warranty.
