BMW iDrive Hidden Secret Menu howto:

The iDrive system in many BMW cars has a hidden back end that can be access through the navi wheel. there is a lot of information in here, most of which i dont actually understand but i'll be showing you how to access it anyway.
This should work with all iDrive systems from around 2003 upwards.

[@CekaniMan]

I have the same car but the wheel is on the left. I just wanted to say that your interior is simply phenomenal, and that carbon fiber is pure awesomeness.

[@AleksandrAlekseevich26041986]

Hy one question your iDrive versione is with no gps built in right?

[@anthonymoss7931]

My idrive doesn't click when twisting left or right, is that because of the model? My model is a BMW e60 2006

[@kasul1s]

@rickdervis Hi dude just quick question not related with idrive. what kind of side lights u have fired in u'r bmw? coz i have tried lot of different ones but never did light that bright as u'rs. thanks

[@Fradias11]

8 seconds wasn't working, I had to do 10 :) Thanks for this though, I helped my neighbour with it! :D

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Glad to help, and thanks for the feedback mate. :)

[@carenthusiast9737]

unfortunetly only the second menu 2.00 doesnt start the diagnostics .. can anyone explain why ?

[@admin857]

does this work with a 2010 320i idrive system ............ thanks

[@mehrdadr59]

Hey dude here is a question , I have E60 528i 2008 and it doesn't have navigation , it this menu able to turn these kind of features ON / OFF ? in other word is navigation already pre-loaded and they just made it to be disable ? Thanks a lot.

[@TDS1982]

What interior trim is that, not stock carbon effect??

[@FoundingNemo]

would this work for a 2010 335i coupe? I am not home but now i am all excited to try.. but have to wait for 5 months :(

[@bronteby]

Ha Ha. Thanks for the tip. I am sure there are tons of things like this on these "computers on wheels". Hacks and easter eggs! I like how the iDrive controller works like a combination lock. More stiff like this if you get time!

[@Dellx]

WILL THIS WORK FOR 328XI 2011 E90

[@andrianmondragon-wy7qf]

Once in the hidden menu what can I do.Any help?

[@afhostie]

Did you make a video on how to get to it from the cluster?

[@sweet-ik8pj]

Hey mate,how I can reset my idrive on BMW E60 2004 530D? I don't have DVD ejector (((

[@rockyrobin24]

And the point of this is?

[@markodaka3640]

can you put the carbon fibre to an x6

[@jonny5777]

I may sound dumb here but what actually happens when you access the menu? anything extra?

[@michaelmartin6727]

FYI, I tried the initial 8 second hold down on iDrive controller many times without success. A full 10 seconds seemed to work for my 2009 528i w/out Navigation.

[@patrickgrogan1856]

What is the point the navigation system doesn’t work ....

[@dzsyphax8452]

what is this music please ?

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

@mehrdadr59 No you need to go to your dealer to activate it, im afraid. They'll have to fit a module to the car too.

[@for-live]

And what I do if I want the normal menu again?

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Even I don't understand all of the stuff in there, but I found it handy for finding my iDrive software version so I could tell if there were any updates i needed.

[@frankvinci3169]

Cpt MishMash VonRandom up man

[@JohnClausen]

I did this just for the hell of it. It felt like I was breaking into a safe.

[@Lukeallwright1987]

Just tried again copying exactly what you do in the video perfectly timed and it doesn't work

[@TDS1982]

Looks very good with the cream leather.

[@Ibrahim24be]

Did you find the hidden menu in the instrument cluster? It's easy though. But again thanks for the vid and you interior rocks!!!

[@S3RG1020]

looks really cool!!

[@gcirc]

Yea crazy they change vin numbers pretty well h.p.i came back clear but hidden menu had real details stored

[@boozaboi1]

All very good, but what can you do with it?

[@aryanmodak8326]

Not working on 2019 m5

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

@techiecenter Interesting, I've never had that problem. thanks for the post. :)

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

You can use it on anything ya like mate. I have it on all my cars. search on here for carbon wrapping and you'll find loads of good videos. :)

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Thanks mate. :) Yeah I think I did a video on how to look into the cluster menu too. Its a pretty useful menu where you can reset service intervals and the likes. :)

[@andrianmondragon-wy7qf]

What can I do with this hidden menu?

[@jdavid044]

That dash kit is sick!!! where did you get it?

[@Z480xenalt]

I really hate the wood inside my 335i. Think you could maybe make a video showing us how you did it?

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

I can say for sure, give it a try. :)

[@lewis72]

@ChristewieTV No, I'll stand by my comments. Furthermore, myine only has voice activation for Bluetooth phone connection. I do like the exterior styling of the E60 but whenever I look at a late E39, I think they're nicer. That said, I'm a development engineer for Jaguar cars, so it'll be an XF next :-)

[@TheCanes123]

Does the car have to be on to do this? I have 2011 328 and it's not working on my nav.

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

It doesn't have to be running, no. But you will need to turn the ignition on.:)

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Its just vinyl wrap mate. pretty cheap and easy mod. :)

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Lots of places sell it these days. theres loads on ebay. search for "di noc 3m carbon fiber" and you'll find it. search here on youtube for details on how to use it too. :)

[@shaunnager1580]

Hey man I have a 2007 BMW 335i e90 I managed to access the ecu but do you know how i change the radio frequency from Japan to nz ? And help would be great thanks

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Shaun Nager Hi. I wouldn't be familiar with those markets I'm afraid.

[@shaunnager1580]

Cpt MishMash VonRandom aww that's a bummer but thanks anyways

[@gobinddeepsinghsethi]

call BMworkshop botany or grey lynn, they did it for me for free lol

[@BurntFaceMan]

Can you change the bandwidth for the radio this way IE from Japanese to NZ ? I know the late 2009 models on wards all support bandwith extension but you have to pay $700 to get some BMW guy to enable it... can you do this from that menu?

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Unfortunately not. You need to use software such as GT1 to access these modules and to make changes. 700 is way overpriced though. Typically it would be booked as an hour labour for a technician.

[@swimasfastasyoucan]

Hey mate..did you get the radio changed to nz frequencys..?.I have the same problem

[@michaelaguilar2511]

How do you make the gps navigation or TV work though

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Michael Aguilar Hi, You would need to have the correct modules fitted for those features and activate them with software such as INPA /Ediabas or GT1. Hope that helps mate. :)

[@jdavid044]

cool but where can I get it?

how do you get ride of a ccc unit in a bmw 530d 2006 Harman becker unit and up date for a better radio HELP sat nav and radio up the crapper idrves pants don't work

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Craig Staples Hey buddy. You're quite limited in your upgrade options, since the entertainment system is so tightly coupled with the electronics of the car. You could install a typical headunit as a piggyback and tap that into the existing speaker system. This would involve finding a good location for the new headunit and that would run alongside the existing setup so as not to mess with the cars electronics systems. I have seen upgrades to the idrive system with aftermarket stuff, mostly in America but I haven't had any hands on experience with this equipment and its still quite expensive.

Thanks

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

@CekaniMan Thanks man, You can do this to your own car with 3M carbon wrap. :)

[@krakpatsboemke]

Put in a larger hd screen.

[@MrCalbear3328]

what is the usefulness of this

[@suhejbqazimi6991]

hello buddy, i got a question if you can help me, my idrive does not have other languages except english, how can I install German language into it, because i need it? do you have any clue about this?

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

+Suhejb Qazimi Hi, If it only has english at the moment then you'll need an update disk to install the new language pack im afraid. :)

[@suhejbqazimi6991]

what about inpa ncsexpert diagnostic tool, can i add it with it or not? what do you think

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

+Suhejb Qazimi No, those tools will only help you in running diagnostics etc. something like GT1 will allow programming etc though.

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Ouch! sorry to hear it.

[@G_Kanapskis]

Hi is it works on e60 520d?more info please?

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Hi, you need to identify if you have a 2 wire or 3 wire sensor. this guide is for 2 wire but others have commented in here that it works for them on the 3 wire. :)

[@G_Kanapskis]

ok thanks

[@Lukeallwright1987]

2005 535d M Sport, Just tried it 4 times, doesn't work

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

+Luke Allwright You must be doing something wrong. It works on later than 2005 models.

[@patrickgrogan1856]

I bet you can’t use the Satnav

[@ChristewieTV]

@lewis72 Dude, what are you talking about? iDrive is not as difficult to use as many people say it is. Just press the voice button, wait for the beep, say a command like "CD track two" and you are ready to go. Although my E39 was faster (much faster) I get better gas mileage from my E60 and its more comfortable and quieter. Besides it looked and to this day looks like nothing else on the road. Sure it took some getting used to but it is a unique looking car. Lastly, the build quality is spot on.

[@kleinveld100]

whats the benefit of this bro? anything specific i will gain extra that is of use that will make me say wow! top of your head?

[@Sladur4e901]

COOOOOOOOOL!

[@alfianos12]

Excuse me but I can't understand the benefit of this. I have the 530i facelift... My question is that if you are doing this progress, you will add in your more apps like Gps... PLEASE TELL ME SOON...THANKS IN ADVANCE

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Hey. This process allows you to check the firmware version of your iDrive system.

[@alfianos12]

Cpt MishMash VonRandom. Only this? how difficult is to add apps from there to your car??

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Hey, You need dealer equipment to do that.

[@alfianos12]

Cpt MishMash VonRandom do you know how much cost a packet with GPS TV

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

To retrofit it would cost a lot of money just for the hardware alone, then you'll need dealer work to activate it in the iDrive system, plus fitting. I can't say exactly how much it would end up costing but it wouldn't be worth while when their are better GPS systems available then the stock BMW one. :)

[@anish4]

It's like unlocking a safe

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

livefastandforever, That would be pretty cool, huh.

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Yeah check my channel. I have some vids in there of 3/5 series cluster diagnostics, how to reset service lights etc etc. :)

[@SpeedFreak62]

This is not wo on a e61 (2005) with a M.A.S..K radio.

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Not that I am aware of mate.

[@steenrabol2378]

Not working on a 2007 330D convertible, Professional

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

haha, It is indeed.

[@ElTribu1844]

can u turn off the annoying dong sound from this menu?

[@Ozolz]

Rename this clip to "How to crack a safe".

[@gcirc]

This would have help me in not buying a stolen e93 :( for 10k

[@shaheenalom9324]

Be sure to read idrive review on my blog before you buy. Please go to *matthewreviews. com/idrive-review/* Thanks, Erny.

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Yeah you need to remove it. Its easy enough though, its just clipped into place. :)

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

@paidvacationsdotca Who cares? its not your car. I never said you could save the world by accessing this menu. I simply so you how to do it.

[@DecKav111]

I got in ok but hadn't a clue what everything was for so I made my excuses and left !!!

[@alexdrum94]

usually if it's too good to be true... its not true.

[@Lukeallwright1987]

Ok it worked I just held the dial down longer

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

+Luke Allwright Glad ya got it working mate. :)

[@mathaaushle]

its a car just drive it

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

lol, it does a bit huh.

[@davidjaejoonon]

up up, down down, left right left right, a bb a.

[@sameribrahim12]

Mortal kombat 3 super Nintendo lol

[@CrazyforCruiser]

Annoying loud music.

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

+Kamran Khan Do you have volume controls?

[@Thecougar66]

And????

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

And... Have a nice day.

[@-GA-MancsFinest]

this isnt hidden,if you can use a PCyou can work out simple IDrive a Idrive should be easier,stop listening to clarkson ,have you ever used it,couldnt be simpler

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Of course its hidden. You need to go through a whole procedure to get to it. To use a PC you would also need software and a DIAG cable. I own the car and am a mechanic so yes, I am very familiar with the workings of iDrive. :)

[@-GA-MancsFinest]

you simply press the button 2 times thats it

[@-GA-MancsFinest]

no need for left /right wait etc....

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

That not the case. Unless its different in your particular regeon, but on European pre LCI models this is how it is done.

[@-GA-MancsFinest]

on uk models i just checked on my 535d press idrive knob down 3 times ,to achieve the same,so maybe diffrent in europe?

[@louisemcnulty8175]

Well that is the most useless information I have come across

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

So useless, you dedicate your valuable time to writing a reply, eh. have a nice day.

[@Shockhalo887]

OOoooiiiiiiiiiiiiiij

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

@07846870099 it will indeed. :)

[@lewis72]

Ooh! It's like it was designed by computer geek nerds. What a dreadful car. They've reduced the ease of use of the E39 and put everying on the crappy i-Drive. It used to be easy switching between CD & FM on the E39 but now it's too much faff in the E60. I wish I hadn't bought mine.

[@Seniorsix]

lol how unnecessary is this!?

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

I'd say about equal to your response.

[@JoeAaronB]

got eemmmm

[@MrCalbear3328]

what is the usefulness of this

[@ChristewieTV]

@lewis72 Dude, what are you talking about? iDrive is not as difficult to use as many people say it is. Just press the voice button, wait for the beep, say a command like "CD track two" and you are ready to go. Although my E39 was faster (much faster) I get better gas mileage from my E60 and its more comfortable and quieter. Besides it looked and to this day looks like nothing else on the road. Sure it took some getting used to but it is a unique looking car. Lastly, the build quality is spot on.

[@MrCalbear3328]

what is the usefulness of this