[bebmw0912]

I am looking for someone with some experience that can me if my dealer is trying to take advantage of me?

I took my car in because the IDrive controller is dark at night, (very hard to see the button labels) all the other parts of the dash and radio stuff is backlit orange.

They are telling me that it would be 624.99 with labor and parts because the unit has to be replaced.

Two thoughts/questions:

1) if I have the unit replaced does such item really have to be coded to the car?
2) is there a bulb or something less expensive then the whole controller that I can replace to fix my problem?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Brian

[Cuba]

i would just find a used unit on here and take it to a good local shop and have them code it.

[bebmw0912]

Do you really think that it needs to be coded? I was hoping it was kinda like the euro switch for the rear fogs it would be plug and play.

Brian

[stratplaya06]

There is no coding necessary, your dealership is trying to rob you.

Either fight and get it covered under warranty if youre still covered, or buy one online for <$150 and install it yourself.

[Cuba]

id call the dealership out on it,then get one online and install it myself.

[bebmw0912]

Thanks for the reply's, does anyone have any detailed instructions for the installation? How to get the dash apart?

I just spoke with a service tech and he said that all modules that are installed on a car must be VIN coded to the car. Has anyone done this swap that could tell what the problem might be?

Brian

[NoQuarter]

Originally Posted by briguy21

Thanks for the reply's, does anyone have any detailed instructions for the installation? How to get the dash apart?

I just spoke with a service tech and he said that all modules that are installed on a car must be VIN coded to the car. Has anyone done this swap that could tell what the problem might be?

Brian

I have retrofitted the 2009 idrive controller into my '08.
- I don't think you can get to a bulb to replace it
- It is not VIN coded to the car.
- Look for the CIC retrofit threads and you will learn how to take apart the console and replace the unit yourself. The center console comes out much easier then you think.

I see you are a couple hours away from me. I'd guide you through it if you want to do the work in my garage.

[bebmw0912]

Originally Posted by NoQuarter

I have retrofitted the 2009 idrive controller into my '08.
- I don't think you can get to a bulb to replace it
- It is not VIN coded to the car.
- Look for the CIC retrofit threads and you will learn how to take apart the console and replace the unit yourself. The center console comes out much easier then you think.

I see you are a couple hours away from me. I'd guide you through it if you want to do the work in my garage.

Thanks NoQuarter, I really appreciate your ideas, I am looking for a used one and may take you up on the repair. It also need a new strut, so I might have to give the strut priority.

Brian

[bebmw0912]

Anyone know of a link to center console opening, what tools I might need to do such an install.

Brian