I picked up my new 530i earlier this year on the European Delivery program. (For questions/comments about this program, please see my post in the Newbie category.) When it finally arrived in the US, the dealer told me there was a "recall" on the computer which would take a day to fix. This consisted of a computer upgrade. Fortunately I drove the car for a week before taking it in for this process, because it never got finished! They had the car for over a week, finally I took it back, and they are to contact me when some further update is available. The computer/radio/navigation are all in a terrible state, although they say it will all be fixed soon. I was wondering if anyone else has run into a similar problem. Thanks in advance for any responses. [80?]
New 5-Series / Computer problems?
- Thread starter wdb44
- Start date
Yes, unfortunately. They said they were working with BMWUSA trying every possible fix, but nothing worked. Finally they said a new update (it's all software, of course) coming out around mid-August. When I had the car in Germany, everything was working fine. Then, just as I was heading to the dealer to take it in for the service I started getting static in the radio. They thought the problem was just being able to communicate with the mothership (BMW Assist), but it seems to be much, much deeper. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced such a thing. These people told me all the other 5's they had delivered worked fine! I have been trying to be patient, but it just doesn't seem right.
It really doesn't seem right, but the best thing you can do is just be patient and wait for them to fix your car. Unfortunately, iDrive is not like dealing with a regular stereo system, it's closer to a computer (which makes things a lot more technical). There are some new 5-series owners who have had iDrive problems with their new 5-series, but their local dealerships always took care of the problems after several days at the dealership.
wdb44, I had the same problem with my radio when I first got my car. It is a software issue. Since the upgraded software, I don't have any issues with it. Give them time and they will take care of it.
How do you like the drive. I love it. I have the sport package and the handling is like nothing other. Enjoy.
How do you like the drive. I love it. I have the sport package and the handling is like nothing other. Enjoy.
wdb44, I had MAJOR issues with my iDrive, I just had the entire computer sysytem replaced and have no issues (knock on wood) since. When it works, it will be worth the wait.....I LOVE the iDrive, I have yet to figure out why so many dislike it. Congrats on the new ride, what are the specifics? Meaning what options did you opt for?
Thanks for all the positive feedback, folks! I am feeling better already!!! I got an automatic with the sports package and the nav system. The drive really is awsome. I have never experienced anything like it.
I wanted the sat radio, but the dealer told me at the time that they didn't have all the software together for that one. I was told by the factory rep during delivery (in Germany) that the radio could still be added after the fact. FYI, he also told me that all the 5 series cars come equipped with Bluetooth hardware which will be enabled automatically by a software fix coming out later this year. We'll see if the dealer passes this along or decides to charge for it!!!
I wanted the sat radio, but the dealer told me at the time that they didn't have all the software together for that one. I was told by the factory rep during delivery (in Germany) that the radio could still be added after the fact. FYI, he also told me that all the 5 series cars come equipped with Bluetooth hardware which will be enabled automatically by a software fix coming out later this year. We'll see if the dealer passes this along or decides to charge for it!!!
iDrive Problem
I had the very SAME problem on my '04 530i (Nov 2003)
Static on the radio, and a lot of other issues with the iDrive.
I took the car in for a software update 3 days ago.
After the update, it got WORST!
Still static and I lost some features like Radio Text Messages (I thing it's called RDS), Display of A/C settings in the main screen, Telephone (it's gone. It says "contact BMW for further information").
Befor the update, the SOS button was connecting to BMW Assist, now it connects to 911 Emergency. I can't even call a tow-truck anymore.
I had the very SAME problem on my '04 530i (Nov 2003)
Static on the radio, and a lot of other issues with the iDrive.
I took the car in for a software update 3 days ago.
After the update, it got WORST!
Still static and I lost some features like Radio Text Messages (I thing it's called RDS), Display of A/C settings in the main screen, Telephone (it's gone. It says "contact BMW for further information").
Befor the update, the SOS button was connecting to BMW Assist, now it connects to 911 Emergency. I can't even call a tow-truck anymore.
Thanks for your note about the problems you are having. Looks like both our cars must have been made on the same day! It is now 2 months, and I am going to move to a much more agressive stance. From what I have heard here and from others, there are many cars with these options which do work correctly...so why don't ours. I just want a working car, and I don't think that is asking too much, considering the amount of money paid. I would really appreciate it if you would keep me updated on your situation, and I will continue to post any changes here.
Just an aside, I have not checked the boards for this, but I understand from the guard in my community that several of my neighbors who have 7 series cars with the even more complex iDrive are having similar problems.
Just an aside, I have not checked the boards for this, but I understand from the guard in my community that several of my neighbors who have 7 series cars with the even more complex iDrive are having similar problems.
To those with similar problems, I have just spoken with my dealer who said that BMW NA is very aware of these 5-Series computer problems. He promised that a new release of the software which will fix all the issues is due by early next week. Let's keep our fingers crossed, and I will post any further communications here.
RE: New 5-Series Computer Problems?
I continue to experience static on the radio and the cd starting at the wrong song when I turn the car on/off. I have taken it to get reprogrammed but I still have the same problems. I am glad to hear that a new software update is due next week. I hope it fixes the problem once and for all.
I continue to experience static on the radio and the cd starting at the wrong song when I turn the car on/off. I have taken it to get reprogrammed but I still have the same problems. I am glad to hear that a new software update is due next week. I hope it fixes the problem once and for all.
I go in tomorrow, They better get this radio, communication iDrive shit fixed, or I swear I will be in jail tomorrow night, for assulting the mechanic. I am so freaking fed up with this shit that I seriously considered driving my car into a wall just to total it out and get the insurance money out of it. My dedication to the BMW family rides on this appointment tomorrow. If they jack this up, I am outta here!