

Here is a great video on iDrive Controller removal and repair.

You don’t need to be an expert at soldering to complete this, but if you do not feel comfortable you can purchase a replacement iDrive Controller for under $200. Once you have the iDrive Controller removed, the most common issue is that the important connecting points need to be re-soldered. You will need a plastic pry tool, a rachet, and a set of small metric sockets. The good news here is that the iDrive Controller is straightforward to remove. Possible Solution: Remove the iDrive Controller and check for any damage to the motherboard. If the iDrive knob becomes sticky and difficult to turn, it may be because a sugary drink has been spilled on it or the connections on the iDrive motherboard are bad. The iDrive Knob Becomes Sticky Or Tough To Turn This is one of the most common issues with iDrive controllers, as by its very nature of being installed in the center of the vehicle it is vulnerable to all kinds of drinks and debris getting into the controller. The circular control device develops a fault.

What To Do If The iDrive Controller Is Not Working?Īs explained later in this article, the term “iDrive Controller” often refers to one of two devices. It is the heart of the system, and if there is a fault, it probably is within this unit. The iDrive computer is generally referred to as the “navigation” and this article will use this term even though it provides much greater functionality than merely the navigation function. If the button or iDrive controller unit is defective, cleaning or re-soldering the motherboard pins may fix it however, it will need to be professionally repaired if the computer is defective. If the BMW iDrive controller is not working, it may be a faulty iDrive circular dial or the central iDrive control computer is defective. That being said, the Drive system utilizes a lot of electronic components and things do go wrong from time to time.

Over the years, however, it has grown into a slick central control that places all of the BMW cabin functions into a single system.
IDRIVE CONTROLLER DRIVER
The positioning of the displays, in all vehicles of the BMW Group, and the suitably optimised text size reflect thoughtful ergonomic design and aid optimal data inputting – whether using the iDrive Controller or the touchscreen.When iDrive was first launched by BMW in the 2001 7 Series, it received a mixed reaction as the early systems were slow and cumbersome and involved the driver taking eyes off the road to manipulate the control. Regardless of whether the iDrive Controller or the touchscreen is used, both systems conform to BMW’s strict standards on safe data inputting while on the move. The advantages of intuitive iDrive operation can therefore be supplemented by an additional option, giving the user more choice. Even while entering letters, it is possible at any time to switch between the iDrive Controller, the iDrive Controller touchpad or the touchscreen. A virtual keyboard opens up on the touchscreen as soon as the user’s hand approaches. To take one example, the research application on show at CES offers users the choice of either scrolling through playlists or navigation addresses using the iDriveController or entering numbers directly on the touchscreen. This is an important difference over existing hybrid systems that comprise a main control unit and a second interface that can only be used to operate certain functions. The touchscreen and iDrive can each be used to control all functions. The BMW Group has noted this change in user habits and at CES in Las Vegas is unveiling an infotainment system that can be operated not only by the iDrive Controller/iDrive Touch Controller but also by touchscreen.
