[Max555]

Well after my success with the DIY on the Steering wheel sensor, I thought I'd give the iDrive controller a go. Like others mine has been intermittently playing up and getting worse not recognising when i push down. The below DIY took me less than 15 minutes and iDrive is responding like new with no issues.

Tools required torn 20 and 10 screwdriver.

1/ Place key fob in ignition and start car
2/ Place shift from Park to Neutral, Press stop button and turn off car.
3/ While holding button on shift pull knob upwards, (may require both hands and a little force)
4/ Pinch on boot lid and pull up
5/ Disconnect two connector plugs

6/ Rest of trim will pull up from the centre by hand, just lift gently (open centre console first)
7/ Disconnect iDrive plug
8/ Remove iDrive from trim by removing 4 outer torx 20 screws.

9/ Open iDrive by removing 4 inner torx 10 screws
10/ Clean sensors with alcohol swab.

Sensor at number 1 is the offender, pic shows the switch part removed, it comes of and on easy jet don't lose the spring, I cleaned all three sensors


Reverse above to put car back together, knob pushes back down firmly.

[Socket]

Nice DIY
Thanks for sharing

[Aussie_550i]

Thanks for this.... Got some time off before the new year... now I've something to do

[sydneyman]

This is a very helpful DIY...Thanks.

Unfortunately this does not fix my problem, my controller is still not responding when I press it down. The issue is not the sensors or such, it is the #1 switch, the u shape thing. It must have been worn out after years of ups and downs. No matter how I clean it, it is just not working for me, eventually I broke it too.

I have found this guy through ebay in Germany, supposed to be able to fix these controllers. I sent mine to him this morning, see what happens.

A couple of useful hints I found during the process...
#1 - No need to remove the gear shift knob as I found it very hard to pull it up. You just have to pull up the leather boot and the plaster gear cover carefully. Once you pull up the centre trim, just have to manoeuvre the trim to free it from the gear shift.
#2 - No need to detach the controller from the trim, just have to open the cover from the bottom.
Hope these help....

[Max555]

Sorry to hear that it did not work for you. I have seen a video where one guy re heated the solder joints, which I was not prepared to try. The sensor hole is quite small and you need to get into it to clean the lens. It is triggered by the beam being broken as the controller get pushed down. Let us know how you o with the guy in Germany.

[sydneyman]

It has been a long time, luckily it works out well in the end. As I posted before, I found this guy in Germany through eBay who repairs these controllers. I sent mine to him at the beginning of January but he didn't receive it until late in the month, apparently due to delay with the customs. Anyway, he did fix it and sent it back to me by courier. Again, it took almost 2 weeks before I got it back last Friday. I had to drive with this hole in the centre console during the time. I put it back to where it belongs and have it connected, like a miracle, all works well. I can now use the GPS and other functions without any issues. All up, including postages, it costs me about $130 something. Hopefully it can last until I sell the car.

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by sydneyman

It has been a long time, luckily it works out well in the end. As I posted before, I found this guy in Germany through eBay who repairs these controllers. I sent mine to him at the beginning of January but he didn't receive it until late in the month, apparently due to delay with the customs. Anyway, he did fix it and sent it back to me by courier. Again, it took almost 2 weeks before I got it back last Friday. I had to drive with this hole in the centre console during the time. I put it back to where it belongs and have it connected, like a miracle, all works well. I can now use the GPS and other functions without any issues. All up, including postages, it costs me about $130 something. Hopefully it can last until I sell the car.

why didnt you just buy a replacement?

[sydneyman]

Obviously for cost reason, a brand new one costs over $400 easily, if purchased from overseas. Besides, if a faulty one can be fixed, why not.

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by sydneyman

Obviously for cost reason, a brand new one costs over $400 easily, if purchased from overseas. Besides, if a faulty one can be fixed, why not.

these can be had used for $50

[Max555]

Problem I have with an electronic component that is used, is that it may be close to developing the same problem. Different if you can see a part that is broken or missing.

[sydneyman]

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

these can be had used for $50

If I knew, I had spent a bit of time looking for a replacement of reasonable cost but could not find any.

[Bours]

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

these can be had used for $50

Where ??? I need one asap and is this DIY good for my e90 lci with Cic ?

[Bours]

With what should i clean it

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by Bours

Where ??? I need one asap and is this DIY good for my e90 lci with Cic ?

OP had CCC AFAIK, CIC will be more expensive!

[Bours]

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

OP had CCC AFAIK, CIC will be more expensive!

Do you know where to get a good one for cheap ?

[Bours]

I fixed it myself i took it all apart and sprayed the motherboard with electrical contact cleaner !! ITS ALIVE AGAIN !!!

[spr4ite]

I was lucky to fix my iDrive - simply re soldered joints as on the picture.
Hope it will help somebody. Those cracks really hard to see until you pull it to the opposite side. That switch is responsible for push button control.
Good luck!!!

[Socket]

Nice tip

[MMM335]

guna fix mine tonight

[iknoh]

I tried re-soldering the joints and damaged the neighboring parts.
Is there anyone who knows where I can get a 2nd hand controller???
Car is 2008 E90 320D and the idrive has only one(Menu) button.
I am in Sydney.

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by iknoh

I tried re-soldering the joints and damaged the neighboring parts.
Is there anyone who knows where I can get a 2nd hand controller???
I am Sydney.

CIC or CCC?

I've got a CCC if you want it for $20 (surplus due to upgrading to NBT)

[iknoh]

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

CIC or CCC?

I've got a CCC if you want it for $20 (surplus due to upgrading to NBT)

Oh, Yes.
Mine is CCC.
Please tell me how I can pay and how you gonna send it.