iDrive Knob Spinning Out of Control

The iDrive control knob in my 645ci sometimes gets a mind of it's own and spins out of control. I have to slam my hand down on the knob for it to stop spinning. Has anyone experienced this before? If so, is there anything I can do to try and resolve the issue?

I'm not very good with electronics, but I would have reputable Indy check it out for you.

Well, you need to hope it isn't a bad controller!

You should try to pop off the knob (straight up), get some electrical contact cleaner, spray it into the contacts and spin it. Even start up the car and let it spin on it's own. In the past this has fixed this problem, but no guarantee!

Hi if it is the controller it is easy to change, have seen them for sale on Ebay!!!!

I have the same problem. I plan on removing the unit and doing a complete wash down with electrical contact cleaner, in hopes of eliminating any bad connections due to corrosion. I have a feeling the previous owner may have left the top down in the rain. Is there any problem with disconnecting the controller with the car shut off? I am sure it is better to disconnect the negative cable on the battery. Is there any problem with disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery? I just got this car. My first bimmer!?!

I was able to pick up a used iDrive controller from eBay $200 USD. I took the time to change it out this weekend. It took me 2-3 hours to replace it. It doesnt spin freely anymore!

I had this problem on my old 750i two times. The first time it lasted for a few days. Knob would spin on its own, and if i tried to turn it it would go crazy. Car was a CPO so the electric components would not be covered. I finally came across a thread saying to hold down very firmly on the knob for thirty seconds. I did this and the knob went back to normal. Eight or so months later I had the same thing happen. Pushed the knob down firmly and it went away. Not sure why or how this works, but this simple act kept me out of the shop twice.