BMW idrive failure

BMW iDrive NAV Failure Due to CCC / CIC Problems

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The navigation system may work intermittently. The cost to repair or replace the CCC navigation unit at BMW dealerships varies between $1000 and $1600.

Another popular solution for BMW owners is to use a third-party vendor who offers BMW CCC Repair on eBay and will repair your existing unit. CIC is a newer system and more powerful than CCC. Unfortunately, many BMW CCC units fail after five years of use. Some common BMW CCC failure is due to a processor chip partially separated from the PCB or a failed capacitor.

The owner may remove the CCC unit and try to heat the onboard chips with a heat gun. This method doesn’t always guarantee that the CCC will work, and you can cause more damage with this method. Before you spend hundreds on BMW iDrive CCC repair, there are a few things that you can try yourself.

Symptoms

  • BMW CCC Complete Failure, No Power
  • BMW Screen Flickering
  • BMW Navigation keeps restarting
  • Stuck on the BMW logo
  • Random Freezing
  • No sound
  • BMW battery drained when parked
  • CCC is constantly running.
  • The display is always off
  • No power to CCC
  • No radio, navigation,
  • No functionality via iDrive
  • iDrive knob spins freely
  • The menu and voice command buttons don’t work
  • Navigation Entertainment System Display Out Intermittently

Common Problem

bmw no sound idrive won't turn on failure

The CCC units can fail due to poor circuit board connection or chip problems.

BMW CCC unit has several modules built in, such as:

  • CHOST
  • ASK
  • CTUNER
  • MOST gateway
  • CAPL

Some symptoms described here may not always be due to bad CCC. For example, certain CCC failures can cause no sound.

A bad amplifier or a damaged optical cable may cause a ‘no sound’ issue. The next section will discuss some of the most common causes of BMW CCC failure.

Possible Solution

reset bmw idrive

The first thing you should do is force a CCC reboot. If your screen is frozen or any of the issues we mentioned earlier, try resetting the CCC.

To do this, you must press and hold the following buttons.

  • DVD Eject Button
  • CD Eject Button
  • Volume Button

Press and hold all three buttons for at least three seconds. Your CCC will restart.

Check Fuses

fuse panel

Remove the fuse for CCC Navigation for at least fifteen seconds and reinstall. In some cases, removing the fuse for a few minutes can bring your BMW navigation back to life.

Alternative Repair

bmw ccc removed send for repair service

One of the cheapest ways to fix BMW CCC units is to find a company that offers BMW CCC repair services on eBay. You will spend under $400 to repair your damaged CCC iDrive system vs. 1000+ at the dealer.

Remove your CCC from your BMW and ship it to the repair facility.

A technician specializing in the BMW CCC unit will test and repair your unit. Once the CCC is repaired, it is returned to you for installation. The advantage of fixing a CCC is that it is a cheap way to fix a CCC. Plus, the unit doesn’t require any programming.

Your vehicle data, including stored VIN, mileage, or immobilizer code, will not get erased if you use a repair service. Coding is not necessary.

If you use a repair service, you can ask your service provider if they can also perform the following coding if needed:

  • Change CCC language
  • Upgrade to the latest firmware
  • Upgrade navigation maps
  • Enable MP3 playback for CD and DVD
  • Enable AUX input. May require adapter
  • Install the Bluetooth module inside the CCC. This will allow you to stream music from your phone.

Failed Capacitors

Damaged BMW Idrive CCC Board

The capacitors in the navigation board (PCB) mail fail. If this happens, you may notice the CCC stuck on the BMW logo.

The capacitors can be visually inspected, but this requires the removal of the BMW radio.

iDrive Sofware Issue

idrive issue

A CCC software error can cause a complete system failure and stop the CCC from booting up.

If your BMW is still under warranty, diagnose your CCC problem with the dealer.

Ask for the CCC to be updated. This may fix CCC problems in some cases.

Understanding BMW CCC

There were two generations of CCC units installed by BMWs:

  • 1st Gen CCC installed from 2004 to 2006
    • Chassis: E60 E63 64 E90 E92 E93 E87
  • 2nd Gen CCC installed from 2007 to 2009
    • Chassis: E60 E63 E64 E61 E89 E90 E91 E92 E93 E70 E71

BMW Navigation and CCC Failure affected several popular BMW models, including:

  • 5 and 6 series (E60, E63, E64)
  • 3 Series (E90 E91 E92 E93)
  • X5 (E70)

BMW CCC units can fail due to various reasons. Try some of the following tricks to get the CCC to work before spending hundreds of dollars on changing the CCC.

We hope you find this BMW iDrive NAV Failure Due to CCC / CIC Problems guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW vehicle.

Author

  • Rushit Hila • ASE Certified

    Rushit Hila, an ASE-certified engineer (G1 Automotive Maintenance and Repair), brings over two decades of hands-on experience in the automotive world to his writing. With a strong educational background, including a Master of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, he has honed his skills and expertise through years of practical work. As a respected authority in the field, Mr. Hila is dedicated to offering insightful and valuable content that resonates with both vehicle owners and mechanics.

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