1. OP, did you fix the signal issue in iDrive?

2. Not sure I agree the radio will work without the key...my recollection is 'no', but wait for a few people to reply before you decide you have the right answer (and not just the one you are looking for...)

3. My 2010 had an issue with the presets not working properly (not a 'sticking' issue, which TO ME seems to indicate soomeone spilled a sugar drink onto the radio) and some issues with selecting the proper discs...they wound up spending ~ $3500 on radio, dvd/cd charnger and programming. Under warranty.