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sebastianstern1

BMW Infotainment Screen Goes Dark, Audio System Dead

Hi all. Has anyone dealt with a complete failure of their infotainment system? My 2017 BMW 2 Series (diesel, 76,712 km) suddenly started showing a flickering display before it went completely dark. The audio system is also dead, and there's an error code stored. I had a bad experience with my previous mechanic, so I'm hesitant to go back. Looking for suggestions on what might be causing this and recommendations for getting it fixed properly. Could this be just an audio system issue or something more serious?

4 comment(s)

Alex_Schneidi

Had the same issue with my 2018 BMW 3 Series 320d last month. The infotainment display started flickering and eventually went completely dark. Turned out to be a faulty iDrive controller unit and a damaged wiring harness, definitely more than just an audio problem. Had to get the entire unit replaced along with the wiring, as there was some corrosion damage that spread through the connections. It was a serious job that took about three days at the garage because they had to remove parts of the center console to access everything properly. If you're seeing similar symptoms, I'd suggest going to a certified BMW specialist rather than a general mechanic. This isn't something you want to have fixed with aftermarket parts, as the whole system needs to be properly coded to work with the car's computer system.

sebastianstern1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience! That really helps as it sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. I'm leaning towards getting it checked at a specialist now. Would you mind sharing how much the repair set you back? Also curious if you've had any other electrical gremlins pop up since getting it fixed. Always worried about these things coming back to haunt you later.

Alex_Schneidi

Hey there! Just wanted to follow up on your questions. Since getting my 3 Series fixed, everything's been running perfectly smooth. The audio's crystal clear now, and the display is working like new, no more flickering or blackouts. It did cost me 725 € to fix the faulty display unit, but honestly, it was worth every penny to have it done right. Haven't had a single electrical gremlin show up since the repair, which is a huge relief. The specialist really knew what they were doing, they explained that these systems are pretty complex and interconnected, so having someone who knows BMWs inside and out makes a big difference. Trust me, I was worried about recurring issues too, but it's been completely trouble-free. The key is definitely getting it done by people who really know these cars. Best decision I made was going to a proper specialist rather than trying to save a few bucks at a regular garage. Hope this helps with your decision!

sebastianstern1 (Author)

Thanks again for all the detailed info! I actually bit the bullet and took my car to a certified BMW specialist yesterday. You were spot on, they diagnosed it as a failed iDrive unit with some wiring issues, pretty much identical to what you experienced. The quote was a bit steep at first, but after hearing about your successful repair, I felt more confident going ahead with it. The mechanic was really thorough and professional. They walked me through everything they found, showing me the corroded wiring and explaining how these systems are all connected. They're ordering the parts now, and I should have my car back in a few days. It's such a relief to know I'm not dealing with some mysterious electrical problem. Having someone share their real experience with the same issue made a huge difference in my decision. I'll definitely update once I get it back from the shop. This turned out way better than my last mechanic experience!

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