The reboot issue has followed the iDrive through all generations, beginning with the 2002 E65 7-Series and continuing to the most recent G-Series models. While the symptoms are similar from generation to generation, the causes differ. In some cases, the iDrive will reboot once a year, while in others, it will reboot repeatedly. The standard diagnostic test plans frequently fail to solve the problem because there are no fault codes to even begin the diagnostic process. So, let’s start with the most common causes that apply to all iDrive generations. Most, if not all, reboots of the F and G Series’ iDrives are caused by data processing overload. It doesn’t matter which head unit – CIC, CHAMP, NBT, EVO, ENTRY, or the latest MGU – they’ll all come to a point where there’s no RAM, ROM, or processing power left to handle the tasks put on them. To clear the cache, you must reflash the iDrive head unit. I learned this a long time ago by following the pattern of most BMW techs when they are stumped: let’s try with the software update and see what will happen. So if you’re having similar issues let’s try fix it. If we can’t fix it there is no charge.
