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03-31-2026LAST POST
07-12-2023
Hey folks! I'm new to the X5 here, but not to BMWs.
I recently upgraded to a 2020 xDrive40i. I got a hold of the whole shifter assembly from a 2022 xDrive45e. I'm looking to swap the shifter knob and been reading several posts about disconnecting the batteries and being careful with the ribbon cable, etc. It looks like the shifter should just work, except for maybe the lighted X logo. I've seen people mention VO coding. What does that mean exactly? I have BimmerCode. Can it be done thru the expert mode there?
Any help and tips are much appreciated!

Vadim
07-12-2023
No, Bimmercode can't do VO coding. I think most folks use esys for the VO coding but Bimmerutility is also used.

There should be a few threads on the Crystal swap as well as various ones on coding. Good luck.
07-13-2023
TurtleBoy wrote
No, Bimmercode can't do VO coding. I think most folks use esys for the VO coding but Bimmerutility is also used.

There should be a few threads on the Crystal swap as well as various ones on coding. Good luck.
Thanks! I Will take a look at Bimmerutility.
07-26-2023
Crystal shifter is in! Super easy install, definitely both batteries need to be disconnected as the front one seems to drive most of the electronics and engine controls. Now need to look into VO coding to get the X to light up.
An image attached to this post, provided by the poster
07-27-2023
You can add 4A2 and vo code
07-28-2023
TheNine90 wrote
You can add 4A2 and vo code
I need to look into setting up the needed software for VO coding. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
07-28-2023
You can use esys to vo code. No need for any extra tool or launcher
07-28-2023
Added an aftermarket iDrive crystal, now have a full crystal setup!
:happyanim:
An image attached to this post, provided by the poster
07-30-2023
bagd0003 wrote
Added an aftermarket iDrive crystal, now have a full crystal setup!
:happyanim:
Is the Idrive crystal from glass ?
Was it a easy install or did you take out the complete console like they advise now ?
07-30-2023
dayfly wrote
Is the Idrive crystal from glass ?
Was it a easy install or did you take out the complete console like they advise now ?
Idrive crystal appears to be glass as it's heavy. You can't tell a difference between that and an original. I didn't take out the console, but did disconnect both batteries. The ribbon cable can be a bit of a pain to put back in as there is limited slack, but with a help of little tweezers and patience you can make it happen.
07-31-2023
VO Coded for the X to light up. Many thanks to TheNine90 for the coding guidance!
An image attached to this post, provided by the poster
08-02-2023
Does the iDrive knob light up on the edges like the OEM version, or is it just the 4 arrows ?
08-03-2023
dayfly wrote
Does the iDrive knob light up on the edges like the OEM version, or is it just the 4 arrows ?
Just the arrows
08-28-2023
bagd0003 wrote
Just the arrows
Your car does not have that ring light on the knob from factory or defective I believe.

Mine (different car but just similar configuration) did not have it either and I bought a used one which has it and replaced the factory one along with the knob and all lighted up nicely.

The knob itself has nothing to do with the light, its just the cover. Its in iDrive unit.
08-28-2023
MMnut wrote
Your car does not have that ring light on the knob from factory or defective I believe.

Mine (different car but just similar configuration) did not have it either and I bought a used one which has it and replaced the factory one along with the knob and all lighted up nicely.

The knob itself has nothing to do with the light, its just the cover. Its in iDrive unit.
The ring light was there prior to the knob replacement. I believe the aftermarket crystal knob doesn't have the white ring to let the light pass through,this it doesn't light up. I'm ok with that though, it was a fraction of a cost of OEM one.
08-28-2023
bagd0003 wrote
VO Coded for the X to light up. Many thanks to TheNine90 for the coding guidance!
dang looks cool.. how much did it cost you?
08-28-2023
ey2001 wrote
dang looks cool.. how much did it cost you?
About $280 altogether
08-28-2023
dayfly wrote
Does the iDrive knob light up on the edges like the OEM version, or is it just the 4 arrows ?
Could you please elaborate which edge light you’re referring to? See attached pic of factory crystal controller on ‘23 45e. I don’t see any edge light, or lighted arrows for that matter.
An image attached to this post, provided by the poster
08-28-2023
e45_440 wrote
Could you please elaborate which edge light you’re referring to? See attached pic of factory crystal controller on ‘23 45e. I don’t see any edge light, or lighted arrows for that matter.
Based on your picture, it doesn't look like the factory crystal has the lit edge, only the non-crystal option.
08-28-2023
bagd0003 wrote
Based on your picture, it doesn't look like the factory crystal has the lit edge, only the non-crystal option.
Yes, that’s what it looks like. Just wanted to confirm if that’s the way it comes from the factory, or if there’s some issue with mine.
08-30-2023
bagd0003 wrote
VO Coded for the X to light up. Many thanks to TheNine90 for the coding guidance!
Looks good!
11-14-2023
anyone have an idea if the crystal shifter (and maybe the start button) can be fit into a 2024 LCI 50e? the little shift paddle thing seems strange to me and i like the crystal shifter look. thanks!

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