BMW iX Screen Dead: Complete Infotainment Failure

Had a similar issue with my 2020 BMW i4. The infotainment system completely shut down while driving. Turned out it wasn't the CAN-BUS system as initially suspected by the first mechanic I visited. The actual problem was a faulty main control unit that needed replacement. The unit had burned out due to a power surge, which also affected several other connected systems. It was quite a serious issue that kept my car at the shop for about a week. What helped diagnose it correctly was running a complete diagnostic scan. The symptoms were exactly like yours, black screen, no response from iDrive, complete communication failure. Since these systems are interconnected in electric BMWs, when the main unit fails, it takes down everything with it. Would suggest getting a thorough diagnostic check from a certified BMW technician who specializes in electric vehicles. This isn't something you'd want a general mechanic to handle, given the complexity of the electrical systems in these cars.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful as I'm dealing with the exact same symptoms. Sounds like I definitely need to find a certified BMW specialist for this one. Do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the repair? Also, has everything been working properly since the fix, or have you noticed any other quirks with the system?

Hey again! Glad I could help earlier. Just to update you, after seeing a certified BMW specialist, turns out the control unit communication error was actually resolved without having to replace the main unit like in my case. They found and fixed a damaged connection in the CAN-BUS system, which cost me 235€. A lot cheaper than I initially feared! Everything's been working perfectly since the repair, no glitches, no quirks, nothing. The infotainment system runs smoothly, and the iDrive controller responds just like new. I was honestly surprised it was such a straightforward fix, especially after my previous experience with the main control unit replacement. Just make sure you specifically ask them to check the communication systems first before jumping to more expensive repairs. Sometimes these issues can be simpler than they seem. Honestly wish I'd known this during my first rodeo with these problems! Let me know how it goes with your iX. Always curious to hear about other people's experiences with these high-tech BMWs.

Just wanted to update everyone on my BMW iX situation. Finally got it checked out by a certified BMW specialist, what a different experience! They found it was just a faulty connection in the system, similar to what mentioned. Got it fixed for around 300, which was such a relief after worrying it might be something major. The whole repair took about half a day, and I must say, the service was way better than my last mechanic visit. The technician actually took time to explain everything and showed me exactly what was causing the problem. Really glad I followed the advice to go with a certified specialist instead of a general mechanic. Everything's working perfectly now, screens, sound, iDrive, the whole system's back to normal. Guess sometimes the simplest solution is the right one! Thanks everyone for the help and advice. Really saved me from possibly spending way more than necessary on this repair.