BMW - 2002 & 2003 Series 7 iDrive, Software, Computer, and Electrical Problems

Is your "ultimate driving machine", feeling more like "the ultimate lemon"? Has your 7, 5, 3 or X series BMW had electrical, computer, iDrive, navigation or other concerns that were not repaired by your BMW dealer? How about this? Did your BMW dealer tell you the problem couldn't be duplicated or perhaps that no fix is available at present? If so, you are not alone.

This site is designed to provide information about BMW automobiles and some of the reported complaints by those driving them.

Among these are:

• Stalling unexpectedly and while driving at highway speeds
• Engine sputter, lurch, or otherwise ride roughly
• Stalling unexpectedly when the fuel gauge reads less then 1/3 full
• Digital readout display messages of "loss of motor power" or "engine malfunction, drive with moderation"
• iDrive settings disappearing and resetting on its own and/or converting to metric units
• iDrive system failure affecting NAV (navigation) system, radio/cd player, telephone, air conditioning, windows, locks and other vital car operating systems to cease functioning
• Electrical power steering pump failed
• Spontaneous braking without applying pressure to the brake pedal
• Voice activation system gremlins
• Cell Phones that fail to power up
• Seats adjust without warning while car is moving

Many of these errors are due to software or programming malfunctions in the iDrive, BMW's computer system that controls navigation, phone and stereo. The iDrive system was first introduced by BMW in November 2001.

Responding to a Korean Times and USA Today report that a software bug in the electronic management unit of the BMW 7 series fuel pump could make the engine stall, BMW spokesman Gordon Keil commented:

• "certain cars stalled if the fuel tank was below 1/3"
• "there is a not-uncommon shakedown period of one to two years with technology this new."

Ironically, more than two years later, a number of electronic and iDrive problems continue to plague BMW's 7 series vehicles, and is not limited to those produced in 2001.

If you have experienced any of the above symptoms with your BMW, you should know that most state and Federal consumer lemon laws or warranty laws provide a right to a refund or a new car in any situation where the use, value or safety has been substantially affected. Certainly the above problems can be distracting at best, or lead to disastrous consequences at worst. That consumers can obtain free legal representation from skilled and experienced consumer lemon law attorneys for such claims, is also a little known fact. Why settle for excuses and aggravation anymore?