[bagd0003]

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

[TurtleBoy]

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.

[bagd0003]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

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.

[bagd0003]

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.

[TheNine90]

You can add 4A2 and vo code

[bagd0003]

Originally Posted by TheNine90

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!

[TheNine90]

You can use esys to vo code. No need for any extra tool or launcher

[bagd0003]

Added an aftermarket iDrive crystal, now have a full crystal setup!

[dayfly]

Originally Posted by bagd0003

Added an aftermarket iDrive crystal, now have a full crystal setup!

Is the Idrive crystal from glass ?
Was it a easy install or did you take out the complete console like they advise now ?

[bagd0003]

Originally Posted by dayfly

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.

[bagd0003]

VO Coded for the X to light up. Many thanks to TheNine90 for the coding guidance!

[dayfly]

Does the iDrive knob light up on the edges like the OEM version, or is it just the 4 arrows ?

[bagd0003]

Originally Posted by dayfly

Does the iDrive knob light up on the edges like the OEM version, or is it just the 4 arrows ?

Just the arrows

[MMnut]

Originally Posted by bagd0003

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.

[bagd0003]

Originally Posted by MMnut

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.

[ey2001]

Originally Posted by bagd0003

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?

[bagd0003]

Originally Posted by ey2001

dang looks cool.. how much did it cost you?

About $280 altogether

[e45_440]

Originally Posted by dayfly

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.

[bagd0003]

Originally Posted by e45_440

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.

[e45_440]

Originally Posted by bagd0003

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.

[astute_alpaca]

Originally Posted by bagd0003

VO Coded for the X to light up. Many thanks to TheNine90 for the coding guidance!

Looks good!

[leo923]

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!