1st of all Welcome. As xsperf has said it sounds like a transmission issue, and if no one thinks anything is wrong you should take a rep for a drive. The idrive issues I can't say much about except again tell the dealer what is happening. If your dealer is not responsive to this take it to another BMW dealer in the area if that is an option.
I don't know why your sidewall would be toast after 15,000k but tires are a wear item so it might not be totally out of the question (in 7000 miles I have done more then 1/2 of my tread on my new car
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If you are having continued issues and can't get your dealer to work it out threaten to call BMW NA and say your dealer is jerking you around and not fixing things. I would try to get the issues fixed and if that isn't happening then call BMW NA 1-800-831-1117 (thanks C1 where ever you are).
They are awesome cars and its sorry to hear you are having these issues.