Ceramic iDrive controller retrofit
 

I'm looking to retrofit the ceramic iDrive controller (and later the shift knob) from the new 5 and 7 Series to my X5. Anyone ever tried it or have taken apart the center stack so you can get access to the iDrive controller wiring?

re: the shift knob, you can pop off the 'silver' component and replace that with the 'ceramic' fascade in a jiffy ...

Really? How will I do that? Do I wedge in a plastic trim remover tool between the black plastic and the metal face and push outward?

Yep, I vainly wanted the M/// logo on my 2012 xDrive50 shifter, so I bought one on eBay, I happened to have a small (PC) repair kit which had small trim removers ... the 'silver' component is held on via friction of a number of little 'clips' that are part of its molding ... just prize it open with the trim tool ... and viola ...

this is of course assuming the shifter trim is compatible with that on the X5...

takes less than 5 mins

Many times. Trim removal tool. Insert into bottom edge. Between center console and trim. This entire piece pops off including idrive controller (if new controller)

The shift knob and shift trim remains. 5 screws will unscrew this piece where you can disconnect the shifter connections.