[Snakes]

When driving and not using the iDrive for navigation, I can hear the noise of the DVD being accessed every few seconds. I presume this is just the SatNav keeping track of my current location should I need it. But as it is a bit annoying I thought I'd check that it's normal.

I assume that the only way to stop it would be to remove the DVD?

I also hear the noise as soon as I get in the car, even before placing the key in the port. I have assumed, perhaps wrongly, that the SatNav facility has started when unlocking or opening the door but my anxious self is wondering whether this is going on all the time!

Your knowledge is needed guys!

[Dr Dave]

What DVD are you using? A genuine one or a *copy*?

I found the copies *cough* made my drive work very hard, constantly indexing.

But yes, it is normal to hear the drive working as you get into the car first thing.

[mikekilpatrick]

I have a genuine Idrive in my 2008 3 series sedan and it is the latest 2011, not the 2012 version. YES, I get noise all the time and I even get noise when the car is turned off. I have had the entire drive replaced under warranty, but still, it seems that the dvd is accessed for not only navigation but just basic functions of the radio.

I also have noticed if you buy a pirated copy of the nav disc, you WILL get failures occasionally on the display. Go to ebay, there is a guy that sells the East OR the West OEM BMW discs for about 89-99 US dollars. So half price for just one of the discs. Since I do not drive past the Mississippi very often, this solution covers 99.9 percent of my needs and is an affordable option!

[Mart1000]

Your gps is always working when you drive so the DVD in theory should constantly be being accessed. Must admit though mine is not noisy to the point of being distracting.

[nicktyler]

I agree with Mart. Mine is allways going but I can only hear it if I turn mute the radio and listen for it.

[Snakes]

OK, thanks everyone. My DVD is a genuine one and I can only hear the noise if the iPod or Radio is muted so it seems my symptoms are in the "they all do that, Sir" category, but just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing something.

[RichJ]

If it starts becoming very noisy it's a sign the laser/dvd drive is on the way out. Mine was replaced on a car only 2.5 years old...!

[m1bjr]

Originally Posted by Rich Jones

If it starts becoming very noisy it's a sign the laser/dvd drive is on the way out. Mine was replaced on a car only 2.5 years old...!

Or dirty.

They can be cleaned but require removal and a steady hand with some IPA on a cotton bud.

Little light oil on the lead screw and jobs a good 'un

Save ££££s