Same problem on my 2009 March build 35d. Reported to dealer, and they started a PUMA case ... still no resolution. Lame.

Anyone also have the problem whereby your listening to a Music DVD ... Turn ignition off. Leave car for a bit. Return to car, and a completely different DVD starts playing !!

PUMA....hahahahahahaha...I heard that one a time-or-two...I have two PUMA cases open now....have been for months (maybe even a year now...)

Year's 1 and 2 of ownership
Baron: Hey PUMA...
PUMA: Yes.
Baron: Whats going on?
PUMA: I don't know.

2010
Baron: I'll call BMWNA Cust Assistance.
BMWNA: Can I help you?
Baron: Yes, blah, blah, blah
BMWNA: I will definitely call you back
Baron: Hi, any word yet, I never heard back from you
BMWNA: Oh, sorry. My fault. Didn't your dealer call you?
Baron: NOooo
BMWNA: PUMA seems to think replacing the entire iDrive screen will fix it. The fix was approved yesterday. Please schedule your car with dealer X.
Baron: OK, Lets try it. But what if this doesn't fix it?
BMWNA: Lets deal with one problem at a time.

Long story, cut down to a small script, cut down ever further....Lets see if replacing the iDrive screen fixes it. I doubt it because the control of the screen is from the CCC or Brain of the iDrive unit. A screen is merely a GUI interface of the computer data and settings. But, I will try to remain the optimist and will keep everyone updated.

But that is where the backlight is located... it might be a faulty backlight. One need to weed out the possibilities one at a time.... all part of troubleshooting.

Point well taken. I do a small amount of IT at my firm, and certainly have to fiddle with each item as a single problem to weed out each one. I just hope that when PUMA says it will fix the problem, they researched it well. Throwing parts at the situation is not financially smart of BMW and its waste's the clients time if the problem persists.

well....the new screen is in, AND....the problem still persists.

Contacting BMWNA again on Monday morning. Its a shame when both the dealer and the manufacturer recognize a problem, whether small or large, put the client out with the constant visits, and still cannot fix the problem.

While I still absolutely love this car, and most other BMW's, this is ultimately disappointing...

Since the new screen did not fix the issue, it was another back-n-forth with BMWNA/Regional management/dealer. Now they are going to replace the CCC unit (supposedly with one from an 09 build.)

Lets see what happens. Does anyone know where I can find out my CCC build number (or date) through the service diagnostic menu in the iDrive?

Oh ... I had the ccc replaced as well. No difference. BMW are idiots. It's a software issue ... Not hardware. I said well if you want to waste your time and money replacing hardware go for it ... Sure enough ... Same problem as before with the new ccc.

Is yours an 07? Sorry to hear that. IMHO, I don't believe its software. It must be hardware because I have the latest firmware and software updates, yet each model year newer than mine seems to not have this issue. As for BMW being idiots, well, I can't imagine they hire idiots. However, some personnel might not be as advanced as others. My dealer tech's were stumped and only after a phone call (sorry...many) to BMWNA and a conference call with regional svc management, did they attempt the screen replacement, and now the CCC replacement.

If this doesn't fix the issue, I do not know what BMW might do. I did suggest a complete removal and install of a new CIC, but I doubt they will do it. Only time will tell.

Mine is a 2009 and has had later software updates as well. Many people simply are not aware of the problem as they never change the screen brightness from the default setting.

BMW no longer are interested in the old ccc platform. They have moved on to the new cic. So unless it's a critical bug they won't fix it.