iDrive Retrofit

M

Mr_Magoo

Member
Hi all,

Been stalking for a while and thought it's about time I came out of the shadows so to speak....

So I have an 09 23sdrive and I love it, however it never came with iDrive and as ever I understood like many that it's impossible to retrofit until yesterday when I stumbled on these guys!

http://bimmerretrofit.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=78_93_102&product_id=56

Would like to know if anyone knows if this is a goer and how much modding would be required, as I am hoping the units would simply replace both storage bins in the dash and console. Of course it will require more than that but the supplier appears to know whats needed and I saw a link on another forum with what seems many happy customers in Europe for other models of bimmer.

Could this finally be the answer? Hope so....
 
It's expensive and quite a lot of work. If you're keeping your car forever and really want it, do it. If not, then don't or wait until the next Z4 which will have a far superior idrive.
 
Maniac said:
It's expensive and quite a lot of work. If you're keeping your car forever and really want it, do it. If not, then don't or wait until the next Z4 which will have a far superior idrive.
Click to expand...

Thanks Maniac, I won't say more than I've had it from new and as I know you are well aware, it's not been a cheap thing to do so I want to keep it. IMHO for me it only lacks the iDrive, so would be worth the expense as the alternative is just too painful to bear again. Also had an E85 from new and enough is enough :cry: , this may be an expensive upgrade but in the context of the alternative (kerching) and given this is now a weekend car then as long as it's possible to actually do this I'm keen to upgrade.
 
Please don't post things like this.

I will only find stuff I NEED to have!!!!

Used to read of a guy called Patrys who is big in such retrofits, so yes, it can all be done, but at a cost.
 
That does seem like a lot of money to retrofit that. Would it not be cheaper to trade in yours and buy one with it already in?
 
plus "CIC head unit, Screen and iDrive controller are used, but very good quality and individually checked and inspected prior to shipping. All other parts are new. All used hardware is covered by a limited 90 days warranty; all new hardware is covered by a limited 1 year warranty."

So 2nd hand and only a 90 day warranty.....
 
Personally, while I like the iDrive in my car, its not the be-all end-all and the car doesn't need it. Given there's a new system out now with the LCI, I'd be tempted to wait for that and see if that can be implemented.
 
Maniac said:
Personally, while I like the iDrive in my car, its not the be-all end-all and the car doesn't need it. Given there's a new system out now with the LCI, I'd be tempted to wait for that and see if that can be implemented.
Click to expand...
There is an iDrive update with LCi?? I haven't heard of this, do you have any details? Software/hardware??
 
Well, I might have to withdraw that statement, I'm sure I'd seen the LCI on a video with the new iDrive system (like the 5 series etc) but looking at photos of the interior, the graphics show the old iDrive interface (well, I say old, to me its current!).

edit: Yep checked again and it looks like it might be the current(old) iDrive in there... which makes the LCI even less worthy IMHO. Deary me. Not sure where I thought I saw the new iDrive then... I suppose given it took them years to give us LED halos when the rest of the range had them already, its probably the all new (if they ever do one again) Z4 that might have the latest iDrive I guess...
 
I actually looked at trading for a 35is LCi last weekend and with 27k miles on mine I was offered 14k trade in, given the depreciation of any new zed I'm not convinced that is the best route now especially as mine is paid off. Also I'm sure I would struggle to get that trade in on any used zed in the current market so ultimately it would likely cost me more to obtain a used example with my spec and level of pampering than the upgrade. So all in I though the retrofit while it is expensive is possibly the cheapest way for me to get CIC iDrive.

When I was in at the local dealer they did say the LCI model had a bigger and higher res screen than older models, so not sure if this is any better than the current one or not, if anyone knows please do say.

One concern really is how much if any modding of the dash/centre console is needed, again hoping in reality I can simply remove the storage bin in the dash and insert in the centre console to allow the screen and iDrive controller to drop in without much hassle. The company have stated to me that the cosmetics i.e. the cover for the screen is best sourced from a dealer to ensure I get the right type and colour.

Been quoted £1655 for the entire kit, and yes it's expensive, especially as the main elements are used (my biggest concern) however as an option from BMW on a new one @ £2,165 its still considerably cheaper!

I understand that this isn't the point of the Z4 as a sports car for many, but for me gadgetery is important and I have never been happy at not having iDrive.
 
Just confirmed with a US owner of a recently delivered LCI that the idrive hasn't been updated.

What a completely crap facelift IMHO.
 
Hey,

I contacted Bimmer Retrofit and tried to get the detail on what mods would be needed. Frankly while they were clear about the kit and how to get it going once fitted they were extremely vague about what would be needing done to the dash to make the display module fit.

Quoting their sales team 'Some modification is required', when I asked what modding they just repeated that statement. So no way would I hand over thousands to a company who wouldn't be up front about what was needed. As Maniac says it's not the be all and end all, but it would be really nice. Think they are more geared to 3/5 series retros tbh for obvious reasons.

Ah well the joys of having a rarer car :cry:
 
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