100% Free

No Scanner Needed

Carly logo

JohannesBerg

BMW Z4 Infotainment System Dead, No Display or Response

Hey everyone! Having trouble with my 2019 BMW Z4. The infotainment system is completely dead, no screen display, no audio, and the iDrive controller isn't responding at all. I suspect it might be a control unit communication error. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms? Really interested in hearing about your repair experiences and what the workshop did to fix it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

8 comment(s)

MaxSchr

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2017 BMW M4 last year (I have some experience working on cars, but nothing too advanced). The symptoms were exactly the same, complete infotainment blackout. I initially thought it was the CAN-BUS system too, but it turned out to be much simpler. My workshop found that the main control module just needed a reset and software update. The whole thing cost me 235 Euro, but it was worth it to have everything working properly again. They mentioned CAN-BUS issues are pretty rare, usually it's either software-related or a faulty control unit. Could you share more details about when this started happening? Like, did it occur suddenly or gradually? Also, have you had any recent work done on the electrical system? This info would help narrow down the possible causes. Let me know these details and I might be able to give you more specific advice based on my experience.

JohannesBerg (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience! Mine just died completely out of nowhere yesterday at 177674 KM. No warning signs or gradual issues, was working fine during my latest service last month. Haven't had any electrical work done recently either. I'm actually relieved to hear it might just be a software issue. Was worried I'd need to replace the entire unit. I'll try disconnecting the battery for a reset first, but if that doesn't work, I'll probably take it to the dealer for that software update you mentioned. Really hope it's that simple in my case too!

MaxSchr

Hey again! Yep, that sudden failure sounds exactly like what happened with my M4. When mine died, it was around 165000 KM, and it was just as abrupt, working perfectly one moment, completely dead the next. Disconnecting the battery is definitely worth a shot, that's actually what I tried first too! Just remember to wait about 15-20 minutes after disconnecting to make sure the system fully resets. Though I should mention, in my case, that only got things working for about a day before it died again. That's when I knew I needed the proper software update. A word of caution though, if you do end up needing that software update like I did, make sure they update all the connected modules too. My first attempt only updated the main unit, and I had weird audio glitches until they did a complete system update. Learned that lesson the hard way! Keep us posted on how the battery disconnect goes. If you do need to head to the dealer, at least it shouldn't be too painful on the wallet, assuming it's the same issue I had. Much better than replacing the whole unit!

JohannesBerg (Author)

Thanks so much for all the detailed advice! Really appreciate you sharing those extra details about your experience. I actually just tried the battery disconnect trick you suggested, waited the full 20 minutes and everything. Sadly, just like in your case, it only worked for a short while before dying again. At least that confirms it's probably the same issue you had. I'll schedule an appointment with the dealer tomorrow. Thanks for the heads-up about making sure they update all the connected modules, definitely don't want to deal with those audio glitches you mentioned! I'll make sure to specifically request a complete system update. You've really put my mind at ease about this whole situation. Was honestly expecting a much bigger repair bill when this first happened. Will definitely update the forum once it's all sorted out. Thanks again for taking the time to help!

Petri

Smartmec not workirg atleast with Mb A169 and W211?

Petri

Smartmec not workirg atleast with Mb A169 and W211?

CarlyMechanic

CarlyMechanic

Quotation:

@Petri wrote on

Smartmec not workirg atleast with Mb A169 and W211?

If Smartmec isn't working with your Mercedes-Benz A169 or W211, start by checking the compatibility of the device with your specific car models. Ensure that the device is properly connected and that all cables are secure. Also, verify that the software on the Smartmec is up to date. If the issue persists, try using the device on another vehicle to rule out a problem with the Smartmec itself. Let me know how it goes or if you have any further questions!

Join the discussion now: