Hi,
The IDrive controller in my 2004 530I does not go up or down smoothly. How can I make it better?

 

Not sure what "move good" means... Is it sticking? Is it hard to move? Is it binding or feel like it's interfering with something? Have you pulled the cover off and looked inside? Maybe there is something like spilled drinks that have became sticky. Maybe worth giving this a shot to just see. Pry up on the controller with equal pressure and it will pop off.

 

I think I have to pull out the console cover to see under the controller and try to clean that. Do you know how can I pull out the cover and open the controller?

 

I see you are new to the forum ... are you also new to the '04 BMW? Perhaps the controller is operating properly but not as you expected.

BEFORE you go ripping into things I recommend you compare your car's operation to a correctly functioning one. FYI. the controller uses haptic feedback and will move freely sometimes ... and at other times will sometimes feel like it's clicking through steps. And, during start-up the controller may not be as responsive as you might expect (like while iDrive is loading maps or your phone is pairing).

 

Hey, i just got a new phone and it has "haptic feedback" too.....what the hell is that?

 

How it feels or a sense of touch, touch effects. It can mean several things.

 

No, don't do that! Just pull the controller cover off and have a look. It's simple. You might be surprised as to what you see if you are the second + owner. Someone could have spilled something like coke or coffee on it. If it's dirty then try and clean or wipe is off. If it looks clean then go compare to another car like suggested by Luigi524td.