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iDrive CIC Controller
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- Newbie
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iDrive CIC Controller
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
- Member
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- Location: Suffolk
iDrive CIC Controller
It should be a straight swap - it is on the E90.
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- Senior Member
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- Location: Lincolnshire, UK
iDrive CIC Controller
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.
Dave
2011, 23i, Grey with Red leather.
My E89 YouTube channel - BMW Z4 Mods
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttNBt ... UQnoEvKB2Q
2011, 23i, Grey with Red leather.
My E89 YouTube channel - BMW Z4 Mods
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttNBt ... UQnoEvKB2Q
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- Newbie
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- Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2021 4:10 pm
iDrive CIC Controller
Thanks. I was afraid that was the case
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- Newbie
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2021 4:10 pm
iDrive CIC Controller
Funny, I’ve called the second dealer and they have agreed with the first dealer saying that it will require programming.
iDrive CIC Controller
Maybe they are confusing the box of tricks as opposed to the selector / mode switch ?
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- Senior Member
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- Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 2:24 pm
- Location: Lincolnshire, UK
iDrive CIC Controller
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!!
They must be confusing the controller with the headunit, but even saying that it's not a 2 hour job, it takes 5 minutes!!
Dave
2011, 23i, Grey with Red leather.
My E89 YouTube channel - BMW Z4 Mods
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttNBt ... UQnoEvKB2Q
2011, 23i, Grey with Red leather.
My E89 YouTube channel - BMW Z4 Mods
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttNBt ... UQnoEvKB2Q
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- Newbie
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2021 4:10 pm
iDrive CIC Controller
I think I need to have an uncomfortable conversation with my dealer. Thanks for your input.
- Ole gits rule
- Lifer
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- Location: Pont-y-Pwll
iDrive CIC Controller
Is this a stealer or an indie?
M4 Vert in Yas Marina Blue
2011 23i M Sport Highline in Alpine White with Smart Top installed - Gone but not forgotten.
2011 23i M Sport Highline in Alpine White with Smart Top installed - Gone but not forgotten.
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OnlineNictrix
- Lifer
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- Location: Paisley
iDrive CIC Controller
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.
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.
E89 2014 35i M Sport Black with Black leather
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- Senior Member
- Posts: 1791
- Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 2:24 pm
- Location: Lincolnshire, UK
iDrive CIC Controller
Dave
2011, 23i, Grey with Red leather.
My E89 YouTube channel - BMW Z4 Mods
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttNBt ... UQnoEvKB2Q
2011, 23i, Grey with Red leather.
My E89 YouTube channel - BMW Z4 Mods
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttNBt ... UQnoEvKB2Q
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- Newbie
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2021 4:10 pm
iDrive CIC Controller
And do you agree that if I am only replacing the controller there should be no programming?
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- Senior Member
- Posts: 1791
- Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 2:24 pm
- Location: Lincolnshire, UK
iDrive CIC Controller
Yes, 100%
Unplug old one, remove it, screw in new one, reinsert the 4 pin plug, job done!! Enjoy your Z
Dave
2011, 23i, Grey with Red leather.
My E89 YouTube channel - BMW Z4 Mods
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttNBt ... UQnoEvKB2Q
2011, 23i, Grey with Red leather.
My E89 YouTube channel - BMW Z4 Mods
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttNBt ... UQnoEvKB2Q
- Strasse109
- Newbie
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2020 8:29 am
iDrive CIC Controller
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
G29 M40i