E89 2015 idrive computer screen flickering off

[tonyg]

Hi
Just bought a 2015 Z4 E89.
The flip-up idrive screen, although fully operational, every minute or so is momentarily flickering off. This happens just as much when parked as when driving so assuming might not be a loose connection. It can happen every few secs or there could be a few min in between. My dealer who I bought it off less than 3 weeks ago is recommending I contact RAC Warranties who i have a guarantee with. Idrive is working as normal except for this flicker.
1. Has anyone else had similar?
2. Although I would have liked my dealer to have fixed it, there’s nothing I can do I don’t think after checking on the definition of a “faulty car” given it’s 7 years old.

In my 3 weeks with this car I’ve also had the coolant light go on (dealer then topped it up), a TMPS message on the computer that had to be reset, squeaky and rather jerky brakes ( though it does brake well), a little dent and related marks on the door that was hidden by a valetter (I’m paying £350 to fix this myself), and a number of internal rattles around the car.

I don’t think the dealer needs to do anything about these unfortunately but I’m wondering about the reliability of this car (I had a previous 3 series e36 for over 20 years with not a single breakdown or dashlight go on!)

 

[AnubisZed]

Random, often unrelated, faults can potentially relate to a failing battery. Due to the nature of all the different, but often connected, control modules a failing battery can throw up some very strange faults. It's certainly worth checking the age of the battery, check the top if the negative terminal for the date code

Oh and welcome to the club :driving:

 

[Ole gits rule]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Have you looked at the sale of goods act, the car must be fit for purpose and as described - dents not in the description but not much you can do about that.

Brakes are a safety concern and should be looked at by the dealer and the iDrive is expensive to replace if it is gone, therefore car not fit for purpose.

Get a vehicle inspection and if it shows loads of issues get the garage to resolve or reject the car, normally a garage must be given one attempt to repair before rejection but they just don't seem interested.

Oh and RAC Warranties only allow 1 hour of diagnosis and you will be liable for the cost after that to find the fault - could get very expensive

 

[tonyg]

Here's a video of my idrive flickering - does anyone know anyone, preferably somewhere around Herts/ North London who can diagnose/fix?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUlU_MvyF04

Thanks in advance, Tony

 

[Scubaregs]

tonyg Unless the dealer specifically told you the idrive was not functioning correctly before purchasing, or it was in the ad for the car, don't let them fob you off. If buying a used car or bike, I always keep a copy of the ad for just such scenarios.

 

[Deepseaskateboard]

Contact RAC warranties, and get a decision from them in writing.

If they will fix, then get it fixed. This will likely involve a replacement screen, and or complete system, which will be very expensive.

If they say they won’t fix, get this in writing and forward to the dealer. Give the dealer first refusal on fixing the issue.

Get the dealers decision in writing.

If they refuse to fix, then take the car back.

You didn’t want to buy a problem.
Plenty of other cars out there, I suggest looking at main dealer stock, as they will fix issues without any quibbles (in my experience).

Perhaps others on here can offer better advice, but the above is how I would deal with this.

 

[Ole gits rule]

Contact RAC warranties, and get a decision from them in writing.

If they will fix, then get it fixed. This will likely involve a replacement screen, and or complete system, which will be very expensive.

If they say they won’t fix, get this in writing and forward to the dealer. Give the dealer first refusal on fixing the issue.

Get the dealers decision in writing.

If they refuse to fix, then take the car back.

You didn’t want to buy a problem.
Plenty of other cars out there, I suggest looking at main dealer stock, as they will fix issues without any quibbles (in my experience).

Perhaps others on here can offer better advice, but the above is how I would deal with this.

I think thats pretty good, I would have skipped the RAC but at least it shows you have tried, I think they may refuse as it seems like it was existing when the car was bought rather than failed today

 

[Pondrew]

One of my cars has an RAC "platinum, gold, gold, plutonium, platinum ++++++ with added whistles and bells" warranty.
Last time I looked the list of things it doesn't cover is WAY longer than the things it does. Most of the things it does cover are mechanical IIRC.

 

[tonyg]

The good news: The window opening "by itself" problem on the drivers side ...well, I've discovered that this is meant to happen (to make it easy access into the car???!!!!!!) if you press the remote twice on the E89.

I'm still looking for a solution for someone to repair my flickering widescreen E89 CIC iDrive screen. There seem to be a few places who repair these, but struggling to get anyone to respond just yet. I am still considering rejecting this newly bought Z4 but to be honest given I'm almost back at work after my summer holiday (I'm a teacher) it's going to be such a major hassle going back to step 1 to try to buy another car (and this particular Z4 soooo meets my desired spec!)

 

[Scubaregs]

Just tell the supplying dealer it is their problem, not the warranty companies as the car was sold to you with the fault.

If you don't get anywhere, send them to the headmaster.

 

[clarker63]

Obviously not a BMW dealer then if they've fobbed you off with a RAC warranty. As others have said these really are mechanical warranties and I one I had was of very limited value. Dave/AnubisZed is your best bet for any knowledge I'd have thought around the potential issue or costs of replacing the screen (which is likely to be expensive).

Definitely time to take it back to the "dealer" - the other faults you mention are just part of owning a car!

Hope it doesn't take the shine off your newly purchased Z! Which variant have you got? They all have their own foibles... some more than others.

 

[Zed Baron]

Hi, I remember once reading about an iDrive screen that would turn off and on around every minute. It was the bluetooth module in the boot overheating, causing the iDrive to reboot. It could be anything, you need to see if there are any error codes showing.

 

[tonyg]

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

The first step is going to be getting a software upgrade. Both a specialist electronics car audio shop and my most-trusted
(but too busy to ever book into!!) BMW independent garage suggested this would be a good first step. I'm not convinced but if it's not that then I'm guessing it'll have to be the screen or the main unit.

Thanks, Tony