[swsimmons]

Anyone have feedback on this or another idrive glass control replacement?

Check this out at Amazon.com
Crystal Series - Multimedia Controller Knob for BMW https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081PM1QFS..._kQNrEbM3053EZ

[ted920]

Originally Posted by swsimmons

Anyone have feedback on this or another idrive glass control replacement?

Check this out at Amazon.com
Crystal Series - Multimedia Controller Knob for BMW https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081PM1QFS..._kQNrEbM3053EZ

Ive been looking at this as well and was curious about feedback.

[ZuerstBMW]

Here is another one

https://www.amazon.com/Eppar-Protect...800366&sr=8-47

[zaidhaque]

Originally Posted by swsimmons

Anyone have feedback on this or another idrive glass control replacement?

Check this out at Amazon.com
Crystal Series - Multimedia Controller Knob for BMW https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081PM1QFS..._kQNrEbM3053EZ

reviews on this one look pretty good! only 1-star review comes from someone who tried it in a car that didn't support it.

I'm hoping someone here tries it and lets us know! I've got a lease so I'm not sure if I should (although I really want to)

[timmahh]

Originally Posted by zaidhaque

reviews on this one look pretty good! only 1-star review comes from someone who tried it in a car that didn't support it.

I'm hoping someone here tries it and lets us know! I've got a lease so I'm not sure if I should (although I really want to)

I ordered the shifter, iDrive, and Start/Stop crystal retrofits from car-analysis.com. They should arrived today, I am super excited. Will post some pics once it's installed.

[ted920]

Originally Posted by timmahh

I ordered the shifter, iDrive, and Start/Stop crystal retrofits from car-analysis.com. They should arrived today, I am super excited. Will post some pics once it's installed.

I very much look forward to your pictures and feedback. I may also go this route based on your thoughts and experiences.

Peace.

[GTF]

I ordered as well, due to arrive tomorrow. Good reviews and photos, but the install video (at car-analysis.com) is really lame. Hopefully I can improve upon the "experts" installation. Hopefully photos of successful install posted tomorrow. Appears the oem touch pad is damaged during removal, so no going back.

Would appreciate any suggestions from timmahh if you install today.

[ted920]

Originally Posted by GTF

I ordered as well, due to arrive tomorrow. Good reviews and photos, but the install video (at car-analysis.com) is really lame. Hopefully I can improve upon the "experts" installation. Hopefully photos of successful install posted tomorrow. Appears the oem touch pad is damaged during removal, so no going back.

Would appreciate any suggestions from timmahh if you install today.

Thank You.
Really looking forward to pictures and detailed installation instructions, pictures, videos etc.
I think I'm also going to buy.

[timmahh]

Originally Posted by GTF

I ordered as well, due to arrive tomorrow. Good reviews and photos, but the install video (at car-analysis.com) is really lame. Hopefully I can improve upon the "experts" installation. Hopefully photos of successful install posted tomorrow. Appears the oem touch pad is damaged during removal, so no going back.

Would appreciate any suggestions from timmahh if you install today.

UPS fail. Guess they were too busy to make it to my area. Hopefully it comes today!

[zaidhaque]

Originally Posted by timmahh

UPS fail. Guess they were too busy to make it to my area. Hopefully it comes today!

keep us posted! super excited for this

[GTF]

Got my delivery yesterday, installed this morning. Reviewed video to get familiar with the pieces and process, and was pleased that the install was easier than depicted. I did not unplug cable, but was very careful not to overextend the electronic strap cable. I removed the touchpad and adhesive layer separately. The video depicted using the tool to remove the layers. I found it MUCH easier to use the tool to peel away enough to grab it with my fingers and SLOWLY peel away. I lifted about 1/2 inch with the tool....just enough to get a grip. This method (see photo) prevented distorting the removed layers, and could then be reinstalled should the need arise. There is a clear plastic ring under the touchpad that has to align with two round holes prior to locking in the pad.
I think it took me about 15 minutes, and am pleased with the result. Even the wife thought it was a pretty significant upgrade for under $100.

[GTF]

Another couple photos...

[timmahh]

I installed all three components, but hit a snag with the shifter so working with the vendor. Looks fantastic though!

[zaidhaque]

Originally Posted by timmahh

I installed all three components, but hit a snag with the shifter so working with the vendor. Looks fantastic though!

what sort of snag?

how's the start/stop button? Does it feel/look weird because it's a bit raised rather than flush with the console?

[timmahh]

Originally Posted by zaidhaque

what sort of snag?

how's the start/stop button? Does it feel/look weird because it's a bit raised rather than flush with the console?

Doesn't bother me. I noticed it was raised in photos, but actually it makes it easier for me to find. I'm accustomed to the location in previous BMWs, so this makes me not have to look down every time.

My issue is that I did not follow the instructions when changing the gear selector. It says DISCONNECT THE BATTERIES and I... did not, because I found BMW instructions that do not mention disconnecting the batteries. As a result I believe I've shorted out the center control panel. The car will not move at all right now. I've got the replacement control unit coming.

Overall it looks fantastic, I just wish I could drive my car . I'll do a full write-up when everything is sorted, I took some install pictures along the way. Added bonus, I tandem park so close to my 5 that I cannot get it out of the spot. Two cars and I can't drive either one!

[GTF]

Hope all works out soon. Looks great however.
I have the start/stop button coming tomorrow....still thinking about the gear selector.

[timmahh]

Originally Posted by GTF

Hope all works out soon. Looks great however.
I have the start/stop button coming tomorrow....still thinking about the gear selector.

Start/stop is easy. There's a rubbery-sticky thing you smear/cover the factory button with, yank swiftly and it comes off. Took me 3 or 4 times, but it doesn't break anything and then you just snap the new one in.

[GTF]

Now start/stop button and control knob upgraded from Car-Analysis...pleased with the look & quality. Still undecided on Gear selector. Easy install, and relatively inexpensive ($130).

[130FeetDeep]

Originally Posted by timmahh

Doesn't bother me. I noticed it was raised in photos, but actually it makes it easier for me to find. I'm accustomed to the location in previous BMWs, so this makes me not have to look down every time.

My issue is that I did not follow the instructions when changing the gear selector. It says DISCONNECT THE BATTERIES and I... did not, because I found BMW instructions that do not mention disconnecting the batteries. As a result I believe I've shorted out the center control panel. The car will not move at all right now. I've got the replacement control unit coming.

Overall it looks fantastic, I just wish I could drive my car . I'll do a full write-up when everything is sorted, I took some install pictures along the way. Added bonus, I tandem park so close to my 5 that I cannot get it out of the spot. Two cars and I can't drive either one!

Attachment 2344626

Is it just the picture or is the start/stop wording not facing true forward anymore? It looks like they are twisted slightly to the right?

[timmahh]

Hmm. Hard to tell, it may be a little but the control panel also widenS towards the top which sort of makes it a little tricky on my eyes when I stare at it.

[Wrighterjw10]

Can someone share the video for installation of the knob?

[timmahh]

Originally Posted by Wrighterjw10

Can someone share the video for installation of the knob?

All install videos are here:

https://www.car-analysis.com/BMW-Crystal-Series-installation.htm

But please disconnect the battery. I’m still pissed at myself for not doing that.