Problem: iDrive controller won't respond to press
 

Hi all ,

My controller gradually stopped from responding to the "PRESS" command. Everything else works fine.

I suspect a contact problem maybe????
Should I try to fix this myself and how hard is it to DIY or is this a dealer fix? No more warranty BTW.

Thanks

It may have just come a little loose. Mine popped right off when I pulling too hard to the side one time. I just pushed it back on hard and it's been fine since then.

Just pull it straight up to remove it.

Happened to me once. Did you try rebooting iDrive? That fixed it for me.
(Push and hold both eject buttons and the volume knob at the same time.)

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll keep you posted :thumbup:

Yes, I think you have a better answer. I thought "What are the eject buttons?" (I was thinking James Bond....). :)

Then I realized that you meant the DVD and CD eject buttons and the volume knob (or mute button).

part is easy to replace. There have been posts here or over on bimmerfest on this. search

Pulled out the knob. Couldn't do much from what I saw so I put the knob back and gave it a pretty heavy strike to pop it back in....IT NOW WORKS!!!!!

Good to hear that that worked :)

Well that didn't last for long...It's now officially dead.
Good thing is I now know how to replace the whole module (controller). A few easy steps to get access to the module and swap.
The real challenge will be to find an affordable controller. I don't want to end up spending the 200$-plus I saw so far on e-bay. I'll call the dealer tomorrow but I doubt it'll be cheaper than that.....

Mine is doing the same thing. My tech pulled the plate and cleaned some contacts. I'll update when I get it back from him.

Please do...I ordered it new from dealer (306$ + coding). I guess mine was shot cause i tried cleaning and re-assemble over and over until i lost patience with it. Please report back :thumbup:

Hi, would your iDrive work after the tech cleaned the contacts?

For a few days but I ended up replacing it eventually.

Same here. I ended up buying at dealer and installed it myself. Dealer told me it needed to be coded after but no need in my case , it was just plug and play.

Thank you giodog2000 and soldmystang. my 08 X5 idrive just works sometime when press. I already took it apart and sprayed with DioxIT D5, but still not improve. I will try to order from dealer and install myself. Hopefully, it will not need to be coded like giodog2000's.

My I-Drive controller unit went bad a few months ago. I did extensive research on the part and was able to pick up a used one @ Weber Brothers Auto. Weber Brothers Auto ask for Greg 717-867-2151
It only cost $75 for a complete I-Drive controller and I didn't even need to re-code it. I spoke with a BMW tech and he said to just plug it in and see if everything works. Sure enough everything works.... B/c it is a used one from another X5 with similar options... Thank God...

Replaced iDrive controller today with new BMW part from Pelican for $284. Like others reported the click or tap function had failed. Hardest part was prying up the black plastic surround after pulling off knob. Single connector. No dealer computer required. Plug 'n Play!