idrive screen completely dark

[brian5]

As previously posted, my screen was dark twice late last year and then dim once this year.

When I took it in to the shop on Jan 27th, I had shown them that it was dim. After restarting the car, the CID was operating normally.

The following is from the shop's notes:
Performed short test with ISTA but no faults for CCC or CID showed up.
Performed test plans for CID background lighting and for CCC malfunction. Both ended without faults except the CCC test plan stated that over or under voltage can cause sporadic failures with the CCC.
Switched over to DIS TESTER and performed further tests. That test still showed the CID as O.K.
PUMA case submitted. R/I center dash vent assy and CID. Found the LVDS cable slightly kinked. Replacement of CID was recommended.

So they replaced the CID and re-programmed the car. I know that they had to wait to get approval from BMW NA for the CID replacement so they had the car for 3 days.

What's interesting is that the screen is brighter than before. I have always had it set to default Brightness (middle setting) and that's where it's set now. Definitely brighter. Not sure if it's sharper too.

[rh71]

thanks brian... can you clarify which the CCC and CID are so I have some idea of what I'm talking about when I refer your notes to my SA?

[brian5]

Originally Posted by rh71

thanks brian... can you clarify which the CCC and CID are so I have some idea of what I'm talking about when I refer your notes to my SA?

Sorry, I can't provide any more details I put up the info as it shows on the worksheet so that it would hopefully be able to help someone.

I think the CID is the display but we would need Weasel or someone else to interpret exactly what I wrote. I don't know what a "PUMA case" is (maybe a case that goes to BMW NA?) or a "LVDS cable" either...

[Craig]

Puma is a case that goes to BMW...

Craig

[GSmith]

First time it went out was 10/22/09. Has been going out with increasing frequency over the last couple of months, but the re-booting process always brought it back up. Not so anymore (went out yesterday afternoon for good). Nothing helps/works. Goes to dealer Monday AM.

[ABMW]

Could it be a problem with the ambient light sensor. The manual says the Nav screen adjusts to ambient light, at all times. You can adjust the brightness, but it still compensates on its own.

I wonder where that sensor is and if you cover it, will the screen still stay dark?

[piaabro210]

I have an 08 4.8 and this exact phenomina occurred to me for the first time 2 days ago. I wil have to keep an eye on it. I shut the engine off, gave it a few seconds, and restarted the screen came back up.

[GPSnV1]

Any update on this problem (i.e. display going dark)? This happened to me while driving our 2008 4.8 X5 a few months ago and I reported it on the next service visit but they could not verify the problem. The display went dark yesterday while my wife was driving the X5 and again the screen was normal the next time the engine was started.

I already have an appointment to go in this Friday but my original warranty has maybe 6 months left. I hope if there is a problem with the screen that it will be fixed now.

Also, is there a thread somewhere about things one has reviewed before the original warranty expires?

[rh71]

Sorry I should've updated. The issue was fixed after they replaced the screen. They have to verify the issue though, which is the biggest thing, so you have to have your camcorder/phone ready to record every time you start the car. If you have the same issue as I did, where the idrive is still working while the screen is dark, shine a flashlight on it and show it's still working otherwise. Show the brightness setting is all the way up. Compare it to the bright lights on the dash, etc. Record all of this.

After a month of daily attempts, I finally caught it happening. Show this video to your service advisor and he will mark it as a verified issue - at least that's what mine did. If you send me $19.95, I will send you my video to save you the trouble. I'm kidding.

As for a checklist for outgoing warranty, that would be a good idea but I don't recall ever seeing one here. One thing is I would have them check your rotors/brake pads since that's a hefty job covered under maintenance. I got my pads done but not rotors since apparently they were still above minimum spec. New wiper blades won't hurt either. They should also be doing the 32(?)-point inspection & oil/filter for the annual as you near your 4-year mark anyway. I just had my factory warranty expire 4 days ago actually... but I extended via 3rd party. I didn't extend maintenance.

[GPSnV1]

Helpful response, thanks much rh71.

My wife drives the 2008 every day so I will not have a chance to make a video. I have taken videos to the dealer before and the results have been mixed.

If this is not resolved on Friday then it will show up as twice reported. In the meantime, I will try to be on alert when I drive the 2008 on the weekends.