"Sticky" iDrive knob

D

djstan

Active member
 Bristol
Hello all,

Just after some suggestions - have tried searching and not found anything. I've got a stiff knob :rofl:

Seriously though, the knob has all of a sudden become quite stiff to turn, and then when you do, it's difficult to feel the notches so you end up missing the thing you were looking for - overshooting.

Anybody got any suggestions? Can I remove it and try cleaning it up or anything? If so, how?

Thanks :)
 
My Idrive controller does this in cold weather. My dealer said its a manufacturing fault when I got the car and that they'd replace it but I forgot to pursue it as it only happens rarely.
 
I wonder if it's covered on the Mondial warranty?
From memory I think it has to be deemed as a failure so probably not!
 
So you've always got a stiff knob that overshoots?

What a problem to have...

Did you try lube? WD40? KY?

Maybe it's wearing out because you keep fiddling with it?

Best to stop playing with it when you're diving, its a distraction anyway.

And please record the conversation you have with the warranty company when you tell them you have a stiff knob. For your own sake, avoid Google when researching this problem.
 
Thanks for the replies all :)

Yes it's not a problem I usually suffer from - getting a stiff knob that overshoots....

If it's just because of the weather then I suppose I could leave it; how easy would it be to get a replacement part and refit it - is it easy to take off the aluminium trim that surrounds the controller?
 
Its fairly easy to remove the trim but the controller will be screwed to the bottom of the trim along with everything else that you can see.
The trim is not bolted down, just clipped in place.
To remove you need to remove the gearstick and surround and the trim under the radio.
After that its just a case of prising the console out of its clips and then disconnecting all the electrical connectors.
 
Hope you get it sorted but this post did make me laugh and yes you have seriously got to record the phone call to bmw if you do call them :rofl: :thumbsup:
 
I'd suggest spraying some proper contact cleaner into the joint. - Not WD40, but you can get stuff made by them specifically for this. It evaporates so leaves no residue. I used it on a 'sticky' indicator switch and it made it work like new. It is designed to be sorayed into electrical joints/connections.
 
Only happens in really cold days for me and it's really not worth faffing with. PTFE spray might help if it bothers others.
 
Zed Five said:
I'd suggest spraying some proper contact cleaner into the joint. - Not WD40, but you can get stuff made by them specifically for this. It evaporates so leaves no residue. I used it on a 'sticky' indicator switch and it made it work like new. It is designed to be sorayed into electrical joints/connections.
Click to expand...

+1

I use Electrical contact cleaner all the time at work, when the bus drivers drop their beverages on their 'knobs', it works wonders.
 
Only just seen this thread ... cold 'ish weather a month or so ago and I noticed I had it on my 2013 35iS. CBA to do anything as it works but is odd. Must be an issue we can all suffer from. At 50 I shouldn't complain I guess :P :oops:
 
It seems like another one of those random things!

I don't think I will do anything about it as the car gets garaged from October /November time .
 
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