Is the actual iDrive computer under the knob or is it part of the CD unit or is it somewhere else?

My iDrive goes crazy on very hot days (slow response, crashes, speakers crackling, radio turning on/off by itself). It works fine unless the car has been baking in the sun. Once the car cools down, the iDrive works fine.

And... I'm out of warranty.

I know there's a fan behind the CD player. I wonder if that's not working. Is that the right place to start?

Thanks for any advice!

 

I'd say the "brain" you're looking for is behind the CD slot (or CD & DVD slot if you have navigation). There are other "brains" for different modules that are located all through the car that tie into iDrive system so there's not one single brain that you can point to but my guess is that the one causing you the problems is the main "CCC" (navigation) or "M-ASK" (no navigation) module which is part of the CD/DVD drive module.

If you search on CCC or M-ASK, you should find a ton of information on these modules...

 

Isn't it under the spare tire?

 

agreed, if by "brain" you are referring to what controls the information that is displayed on the screen, it's the unit with the CD or CD/DVD slot. There is a fan on the back (at least of the CD/DVD CCC unit, don't remember on the M-ASK) and it is possible that is stuck or broken, or even just disconnected.

 

That's the MPM (micro power module) which I consider one of the other "brains"...