[henwoodl]

Hi,

Anyone know anything about upgrading the iDrive on an 2008 E92 to the latest edition? (Mine's currently the one with the four up, down, left, right arrows on the home screen).

I've seen a friends new 325i Convertible with the new system and its awesome. Way better than mine

I've got a service due in the next few weeks anyway, so I'll ask BMW, but was hoping someone might have already enquired/had a go themselves!?

Cheers

[xenon]

The new system is not just a software change the entire hardware is different with a HDD and a different screen resolution. You would need to buy the entire lot so you'd need to really want it.

[henwoodl]

Thanks Ian.

Any ideas on what the change would cost? I'm guessing its not going to be worth it, but it is a very cool system!!

Lee

[xenon]

It is a very cool system. In honesty I have no idea, but you'd need the new processor unit, HDD, high-definition screen and the i-drive controller. I would expect you would not see much change from two grand. I guess you could sell your "old" one for a monkey so I'd think around £1500 (?)

Incidentally - I drove a B3 Bi-turbo recently. Fabulous car - you liking yours?

[henwoodl]

I'll speak to BMW about the parts, I expect its going to be extortionate, but I want to find out anyway. I know a guy that can hopefully carry out the work (or he can on E46's anyway), so its still a possibility.

The car is fantastic, really happy with it. I haven't driven the new M3 yet to compare, but the B3 is very quick, and very comfortable.

I'm getting 26.9 mpg too, thats with quite a lot of motorway, interspersed with a fair bit of hard acceleration. Not bad economy compared to what I'm hearing about the M3...

[xenon]

As far as the labour is concerned that would probably be easy - remove and replace.

[henwoodl]

Many thanks Ian.

If anyone else know anything about this, pls let me know!

[fyonn]

I would be very surprised if a dealer would even quote to do it. I imagine they would merely say impossible and leave it at that. I imagine the costs for the parts would probably be more than £2000 too. is it the same dashboard for example? it might be a different partnumber as it might be a slightly different shape.

I think that no-one but the very brave will even try it

[henwoodl]

Originally Posted by fyonn

I would be very surprised if a dealer would even quote to do it. I imagine they would merely say impossible and leave it at that. I imagine the costs for the parts would probably be more than £2000 too. is it the same dashboard for example? it might be a different partnumber as it might be a slightly different shape.

I think that no-one but the very brave will even try it

I think the only visual changes involve the navigation wheel and as a result maybe the whole centre console facia thing.

Otherwise the dash/screen size etc appears to be all the same, it would just be software and as Ian says, maybe a new screen and HDD.

I expect to receive what's known as a "f*** off quote" from Sytner BMW soon, but i'll post it anyway just so we know where we stand!

[E92Fan]

Originally Posted by henwoodl

I think the only visual changes involve the navigation wheel and as a result maybe the whole centre console facia thing.

Otherwise the dash/screen size etc appears to be all the same, it would just be software and as Ian says, maybe a new screen and HDD.

I expect to receive what's known as a "f*** off quote" from Sytner BMW soon, but i'll post it anyway just so we know where we stand!

Currently, there is no way of upgrading the pre-09 iDrive to the latest version. The swap out of the hardware is the easiest part (and the most costly) and you need a new CIC computer (which replaces the old CCC), new screen, new drive assembly, new controller, new trim parts - that in itself will probably be around £2500 inc VAT.

The biggest problem is the programming - it is not as simple as just plug and play unfortunately. The way our cars work is that each car is coded using the original BMW factory order sheet. Although you can update the coding for retrofit parts (like rear sunblind, heated seats, folding mirrors etc) it just isn't easy telling the car that the entire infotainment system has been changed from one type to another. The vehicle order information from factory will not allow for the CCC to be changed over to a CIC using the BMW GT1 coding machine (which all dealers use) What we are all waiting for is for someone like Autologic to rewrite the car software code, but as yet we don't know if it's possible, and if it is possible, when the coding system will be ready...

See here for the full thread on the CCC --> CIC upgrade...

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159604

[henwoodl]

Thanks e92fan, very helpful.

If you don't mind, do you have a link to a report on the upgrade on your brakes?

Great commentary on all the other upgrades!

[E92Fan]

Originally Posted by henwoodl

Thanks e92fan, very helpful.

If you don't mind, do you have a link to a report on the upgrade on your brakes?

Great commentary on all the other upgrades!

I haven't done a report on the brakes yet, but given that I've had many people ask me about them, I guess I'll have to get round to writing about them Soon, soon....

[henwoodl]

For anyone that wants to know - Sytner BMW Leicester didn't want to quote for the work, as the parts alone will cost "thousands" which is all I need to know! Maybe the price of a conversion will come down over the next few years, but I'm happy enough with my system. I guess the answer is to change cars at the beginning of the next generation of iDrive...