335 iDrive

[Georgenberg]

Hiya!

So I'm looking at making the jump from my worn out 316 to a cheeky 335i however I've been reading that the slightly older versions have a pretty naff iDrive. At what point did these get refreshed to the CIC and how can I easily spot this? Is it possible to upgrade this and does anyone know anywhere I can get this done? I could do this myself but there's a good chance I'd break something and be massively sad face

On a separate note I'd be interested in getting it tuned/remapped so does anyone have any good suggestions for somewhere around London that's reliable?

Thanks!

Mark

[nitrodave]

if you want the idrive upgrade you need a LCI model, i think they're from late 2008 onwards. Way to tell is the rear lights are all red instead of red with clear indicators.

If it's out of your budget to get a LCI car, get a non idrive model and fit a dynavin N6

As for tuning the 335i, get a JB4 and fit it yourself. Massive bang for buck and great piece of kit

[ladderino]

I have the old iDrive in my pre-LCI model (M-ASK system, was called Business Navigation).

I think it's absolutely fine - the newer version looks a lot better, but really the only gripe I have is that it doesn't accept full 7 digit post codes.

Believe it is possible to upgrade (look at E90Post, number of people there that have done it).

The wikipedia article has good detail on the different variants of the system - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IDrive.

[Georgenberg]

Ah excellent. I'll take a look. From what I read the main gripe was to do with speed as it's DVD based vs HDD? I'm also reading a lot about 'coding' but don't quite understand what this gives/achieves?

[Smuler]

George,

If you are looking for a coupe, the newer i drive did appear on the pre LCI coupes as the coupe was face-lifted later, in 2010.
My coupe is a 59 plate, has the newer i drive but doesn't have 7 digit postcodes as that I believe came with a later update.

If you do your research, you can certainly update the newer version to 7 digit postcodes.

But personally, I'd be more interested in getting right colour combinations for your new car and deciding on which of the 3 transmission options (2 if you don't go for a coupe) suits you best.

[ladderino]

Georgenberg said:

Ah excellent. I'll take a look. From what I read the main gripe was to do with speed as it's DVD based vs HDD? I'm also reading a lot about 'coding' but don't quite understand what this gives/achieves?

It's not that slow - it's not instant, but I've never thought speed as an issue.

One potential annoyance about the single DVD is that you can't listen to a CD and have the navigation DVD at the same time. This isn't a problem for me as I've got a USB stick in the car with all my music on - the only times we use a CD is before we've ripped it, and I haven't bought a CD in ages anyway .

Coding is two things -
1. The ability to change settings in the car that aren't available through iDrive. I've coded mine, and as a result have the following options now enabled -
- Foglights turn on when unlocking the car, good as it highlights my path when walking to the car at night
- Rear wiper returns to home when car switched off
- Digital speedo in cluster
- Electric windows still operate when door opened
- DRLs using corona rings only (previously Xenons were always on)
- Alarm chirps when locking
- Mirrors fold in when holding down lock button
- Flashed my auto transmission to use the Alpina software instead of BMW stock

2. The vehicle order list - i.e. the car is coded to the modules and hardware that you have fitted - so if you replace the iDrive unit, you'll need to change the vehicle order code so that it knows it's got a different unit.

Coding isn't for the faint hearted though - E90 Post is again the best bet for learning how to do this.

[Georgenberg]

Ah right ok I got you now and understand all this coding malarky.

Does anyone happen to know where I can find a list of options for the 335i? Seeing a lot of traders with various 'pack' or options included but not sure what the full range is that's on offer, or what that actually entails!

Thanks!

[Smuler]

If you mean a specific car advertised, if you get the last 7 digits of the VIN and enter into bmwarchive.org you can get the build sheet.

If you mean, in general, download a brochure. I found quite a few online.

[Georgenberg]

Ah perfect I'll see if I can get the VIN numbers!

Cheers

[Smuler]

You can uually get VIN by putting the license plate into the "BMW warranty site" / get a quote. Only reason it does"t work is if car is under warranty already or they have it listed under a different plate.

[Badgerboy]

Upgrading the iDrive is not a particularly hard task, and on E90post there are a few chaps who will sell you an upgrade package. (Includes the bigger screen and newer controller). Some will also do the full install for you, including coding.

Looks like the going rate for an upgrade with all the bits and pieces and coding will run you to about £800. From all accounts, those that have done are rather pleased with it.

[Georgenberg]

Ah that's not too bad. I'll give the inbuilt one a go and if needs be shell out some coin to get it upgraded.

thanks guys!

[IforB]

I have the CCC to CIC upgrade in my e92 and it's well worth having. There is a chap on E90Post called Makkan (Sam) and he's got a CIC available now, but usually has a long waiting list of people waiting for it to be done.

It's well worth it in my opinion, though the previous owner did it, so I didn't really pay for it myself!

[Bungleaio]

Smuler said:

My coupe is a 59 plate, has the newer i drive but doesn't have 7 digit postcodes as that I believe came with a later update.

All you need is a newer version of the maps and you will get 7 digit postcodes. I got a code and a copy of the maps for about £60 when I did mine.

[Smuler]

Bungleaio said:

Smuler said:

My coupe is a 59 plate, has the newer i drive but doesn't have 7 digit postcodes as that I believe came with a later update.

All you need is a newer version of the maps and you will get 7 digit postcodes. I got a code and a copy of the maps for about £60 when I did mine.

Where did you get it from? Thanks

[Dannbodge]

Smuler said:

Where did you get it from? Thanks

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=995629

All you need is £32, 3x 8gb USB sticks and about an hour of your time.

[Smuler]

Dannbodge said:

Smuler said:

Where did you get it from? Thanks

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=995629

All you need is £32, 3x 8gb USB sticks and about an hour of your time.

Thanks for the steer, Dan, but as I am a bit thick, are you saying:-

I find out what maps I need to download, then download to a 32gb USB stick, pay for the code, and then stick USB into car?

If so, does the engine need to be on for the whole duration?

Edited by Smuler on Wednesday 29th April 10:43

[Dannbodge]

Smuler said:

Thanks for the steer, Dan, but as I am a bit thick, are you saying:-

I find out what maps I need to download, then download to a 32gb USB stick, pay for the code, and then stick USB into car?

If so, does the engine need to be on for the whole duration?

Edited by Smuler on Wednesday 29th April 10:43

Yes that's all you need to do. Its eaier with 3 8gb sticks rather than one 32gb.

Nope you only need ignition on with the key in.

The guy that provides the download link also gives a pdf of what to do and what to rename files to etc. It's really easy.

My nav finds addresses with the postcode but I don't think it will navigate to them.

[Smuler]

Dannbodge said:

Smuler said:

Thanks for the steer, Dan, but as I am a bit thick, are you saying:-

I find out what maps I need to download, then download to a 32gb USB stick, pay for the code, and then stick USB into car?

If so, does the engine need to be on for the whole duration?

Edited by Smuler on Wednesday 29th April 10:43

Yes that's all you need to do. Its eaier with 3 8gb sticks rather than one 32gb.

Nope you only need ignition on with the key in.

The guy that provides the download link also gives a pdf of what to do and what to rename files to etc. It's really easy.

My nav finds addresses with the postcode but I don't think it will navigate to them.

Thanks, Dan, I've sent him an email because I checked my I drive and I have Europe PREMIUM which is not listed on his downloads?
When you get a chance, would you be able to see if your updated NAV will be able to navigate to a 7 digit postcode address, as that is a big reason I want to upgrade. Thanks.

[Dannbodge]

Smuler said:

Thanks, Dan, I've sent him an email because I checked my I drive and I have Europe PREMIUM which is not listed on his downloads?
When you get a chance, would you be able to see if your updated NAV will be able to navigate to a 7 digit postcode address, as that is a big reason I want to upgrade. Thanks.

That's because you will need the 2014 map. The 2015 for premium doesn't exist yet. I just grabbed the first post of his I could see.

I will check later for you. I know if definitely finds address using it though.