iDrive CIC Controller

rob camp · Post by **rob camp** » Tue Aug 03, 2021 8:52 pm

I have a 2011 E89 35is and need to replace the controller. Is it simply plug and play or will the new unit need to be programmed? My dealer is quoting 2 hrs of programming.

Jakg · Post by **Jakg** » Tue Aug 03, 2021 10:31 pm

rob camp wrote: ↑Tue Aug 03, 2021 8:52 pm I have a 2011 E89 35is and need to replace the controller. Is it simply plug and play or will the new unit need to be programmed? My dealer is quoting 2 hrs of programming.

It should be a straight swap - it is on the E90.

AnubisZed · Post by **AnubisZed** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:30 am

rob camp wrote: ↑Tue Aug 03, 2021 8:52 pm I have a 2011 E89 35is and need to replace the controller. Is it simply plug and play or will the new unit need to be programmed? My dealer is quoting 2 hrs of programming.

Find a new dealer, they are outright missinforming you and talking b#@%&$. Absolutely no programming is required for a controller, they do not know what they are talking about.
When searching for a replacement, you can go for the E9x and E8x series controllers. You need to swap the mounting bracket over (they just clip off). Depending on what you have you current controller will either have the top left button marked as "CD" or "MEDIA", operationally wise it will make no difference, it just means that with the MEDIA version you have the combox fitted, other than that they do the same job.

rob camp · Post by **rob camp** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 4:51 pm

Thanks. I was afraid that was the case

rob camp · Post by **rob camp** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 5:03 pm

Funny, I’ve called the second dealer and they have agreed with the first dealer saying that it will require programming.

Pbondar · Post by **Pbondar** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 6:50 pm

Maybe they are confusing the box of tricks as opposed to the selector / mode switch ?

AnubisZed · Post by **AnubisZed** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 7:45 pm

I can 100% guarantee that an iDrive controller is a simple plug-n-play item. As a retrofitter myself and using BMW's own programming software, there is no option to code the controller. You can code the headunit (CIC), you can code the screen (CID) and you can code the Combox or MULF (depending what you have) but the controller is not a codable item (it's a switch not a module).
They must be confusing the controller with the headunit, but even saying that it's not a 2 hour job, it takes 5 minutes!!

rob camp · Post by **rob camp** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:49 pm

I think I need to have an uncomfortable conversation with my dealer. Thanks for your input.

Ole gits rule · Post by **Ole gits rule** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 9:08 pm

Is this a stealer or an indie?

Nictrix · Post by **Nictrix** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 10:03 pm

If you are good at working upside down I think it is possible to change this almost in situ.
Pop the centre trim up and undo the 4 torx screws holding the controller and undo the connector.
It could probably be swapped in 10 minutes.

AnubisZed · Post by **AnubisZed** » Thu Aug 05, 2021 5:27 pm

Nictrix wrote: ↑Wed Aug 04, 2021 10:03 pm If you are good at working upside down I think it is possible to change this almost in situ.
Pop the centre trim up and undo the 4 torx screws holding the controller and undo the connector.
It could probably be swapped in 10 minutes.

I have included this in my latest video, jump to 07:08....
https://youtu.be/wYQgNDj4Fac

rob camp · Post by **rob camp** » Fri Aug 06, 2021 8:42 pm

And do you agree that if I am only replacing the controller there should be no programming?

AnubisZed · Post by **AnubisZed** » Fri Aug 06, 2021 10:10 pm

rob camp wrote: ↑Fri Aug 06, 2021 8:42 pm And do you agree that if I am only replacing the controller there should be no programming?

Yes, 100%

Unplug old one, remove it, screw in new one, reinsert the 4 pin plug, job done!! Enjoy your Z

Strasse109 · Post by **Strasse109** » Sun Aug 08, 2021 11:40 am

2014 e89 35is, mine went wrong and sourced an E90 version far cheaper than E89 version, as Dave state change the bracket, plugged in and all works fine. No coding required

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