New I-Drive Controller
 

Has it been confirmed yet that the New I-Drive Controller can be used with the old I-Drive system (assuming that I change the center console piece as well)?

That was how it was setup in my 2009 528i loaner. (New hardware, old software).

Though, I can't imagine how you'd be able to retrofit the new hardware into a X5 with the existing hardware. Too many variables.

Perhaps you are just referring to the new iDrive controller only. Still, not sure how the hardware would work properly.

Yeah, I just want the new controller. I would prefer a retro-fit of the new software, but I can only imagine the cost!

Not yet, but its being done in a MY 2008 M3 (which had the old i-Drive system). There is no center console piece available yet as the MY 2010 cars haven't arrived yet. Once they have, and that part becomes available, there should be no reason why you wont be able to replace the controller.

Just curious if this retrofit is possible.

Where does the iDrive controller plug into? Would the new controller and the old controller have the same hardware interface (ie: like in computers, would are they both usb or is one usb and the other serial)?

Assuming that they have the same hardware interface, wouldn't the old iDrive software need some kind of software driver to be able to properly operate the new iDrive controller hardware?

If this were possible, I'd totally be onboard too!

:iagree:

Some of the 2008 M3 owners have done this mod, and it works. I'm considering it...cost for parts (new console and new iDrive controller) is around $500.

Wait just a second...are you speaking of the X5??? Part(s) number please, part(s) number please, part(s) number please :wow::wow:

No, sorry...the mod is for the E92/E90/E93 M3. I don't think the part numbers for the E70 X5 will be available until the 2010s are out.

I'm considering the mod for my M3. When it's available for the E70 X5, I"ll probably do it.

As far as a update to the software required ... apparently not. It seems that the new controller will work today with the old CIC software ... We'll just have to see how it goes on the X5. If Awesome does buy the new controller for his M3, maybe he can do a quick test on his X5? :-)

I haven't placed an order for the parts for my M3 yet because they seem to be on backorder everywhere. :banghead: But I'm eager to see if it works with my X5.