Internet search shows the red idrive screen issue described above by dr_john seems fairly common among all BMW models going back a while.
Today playing music from USB stick in the arm rest. Went to change album with Idrive joystick and the CD/Multimedia option showed no disc.Took USB stick out when arrived home, re-inserted and engine on all seemed OK.
Took car out later and the screen came up as usual but nothing other than a red screen. Fiddled with joystick and console buttons e.g. radio which played and screen went black but no visible sign of life. Clearly a video output issue.
Switched off and went shopping. Came back and re-inserted USB stick, engine on and all seemed to be back as it should be.
Un-nerving as I am likely to be going on extensive travels soon.
Many reports suggest it is an intermittent glitch. Fixes range from idrive reboot by holding down vol button for 25 secs, go shopping for a few minutes, hope it's not there next time you start up etc. etc. .
Poor video cable connection, loose or faulty battery cable, too hot, too cold, too moist, dead or dying unit ... have all been mooted as possible causes via internet search but with no real confirmation of likely cause.
Anyone on the forum had more serious issues with this glitch? I'm within warranty so no issues there but doubt dealership can or will do much while it currently seems OK but will see what they say. Don't want to be let down on travels with sat nav not visible so would really appreciate any info on this.
Many thanks.