I - Drive = I - Distract
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Originally Posted by zippers525' date='Mar 1 2005, 08:12 AM
I would still prefer a regular radio with a seek and preset? buttons. I hate having to go from presets to a seek/search.
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Cheers
vern
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From: Dallas, TX USA
iDrive definitely distracts. That being said, I have not been distracted enough to lose awareness. The secret is to do only one step in an operation at a time and to do it quickly. Learn IDrive while sitting still. Wait for traffic lights to program a new NAV location unless you can select from a list. I always make address book entries while sitting still. Train your mate to help. Good subject.
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My Ride: MY05 545i Jet Black with Auburn interior. SMG, Logic7, Sport Package, Comfort Seats, Navigation.
Originally Posted by Merv the Derv' date='Mar 1 2005, 06:59 AM
Anyone had a crash or near miss as a result of adjusting I - Drive whilst on the move?
Top Gear magazine in the UK seem to think we will!
Top Gear magazine in the UK seem to think we will!
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Even with the long term tests (7 series), the journalist have condemned i-drive. I sense a little peer pressure contributing to this. Why disagree with the masses?
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From: Silicon Valley, CA
Originally Posted by subterFUSE' date='Mar 1 2005, 06:41 AM
I love the iDrive.
I love it because it allows me to remain in a comfortable position while driving, and operating all the features of the car.
When I drive my E60, I rest my right elbow on the center arm rest.? I tend to use the shifter knob to change gears on my SMG, rather than the paddles.? With my arm on the armrest, the shifter is just a flick of the wrist.
Then, the iDrive controller is also right there in hands reach.? I am operate it without moving my right elbow.? I find this setup extremely comfortable.
BMW did an excellent job locating the screen so high in the dash.? Your eyes don't have to move as far from the road to view it.? Look at Mercedes as an example of a poorly located screen.? The E-class you have to look down halfway of the dash to see the screen.
I love it because it allows me to remain in a comfortable position while driving, and operating all the features of the car.
When I drive my E60, I rest my right elbow on the center arm rest.? I tend to use the shifter knob to change gears on my SMG, rather than the paddles.? With my arm on the armrest, the shifter is just a flick of the wrist.
Then, the iDrive controller is also right there in hands reach.? I am operate it without moving my right elbow.? I find this setup extremely comfortable.
BMW did an excellent job locating the screen so high in the dash.? Your eyes don't have to move as far from the road to view it.? Look at Mercedes as an example of a poorly located screen.? The E-class you have to look down halfway of the dash to see the screen.
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I agree with your SubterFuse. I find that with my are resting on the armrest it is actually safer to control the various systems since I don't have to go out of my way to reach for the device controls. If you have to physically reach for the individual control knobs you are coordinating your hand-eyes on the knob and then shifting to the display of that device. Further, all displays are concentrated in an easy to read location, mounted high, so that you can peripherally see what's going on in front of you. No problems to report here, in fact, I would say it makes driving much safer. That said, you shouldn't drive mile #1 until you understand the system...the road is no place for a learning curve (no pun).
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Originally Posted by Merv the Derv' date='Mar 1 2005, 06:59 AM
.....Top Gear magazine in the UK seem to think we will!....
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I have not had a problem with distraction due to iDrive. I did get a bit distracted one time due to Nav, but that could happen in any car. I really don't see how anyone with computer experience would have a problem with it. As has been said previously, you learn the essentials pretty fast and anything complicated (infrequent) you can do at a stop light or in your garage.
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Originally Posted by gwf545' date='Mar 1 2005, 12:45 PM
I have not had a problem with distraction due to iDrive.? I did get a bit distracted one time due to Nav, but that could happen in any car.? I really don't see how anyone with computer experience would have a problem with it.? As has been said previously, you learn the essentials pretty fast and anything complicated (infrequent) you can do at a stop light or in your garage.
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From: NW , England
[quote name='subterFUSE' date='Mar 1 2005, 01:41 PM']
I love the iDrive.
When I drive my E60, I rest my right elbow on the center arm rest. I tend to use the shifter knob to change gears on my SMG, rather than the paddles. With my arm on the armrest, the shifter is just a flick of the wrist.
Then, the iDrive controller is also right there in hands reach. I am operate it without moving my right elbow. I find this setup extremely comfortable.
must be something wrong with my bmw because i use my left elbow
I love the iDrive.
When I drive my E60, I rest my right elbow on the center arm rest. I tend to use the shifter knob to change gears on my SMG, rather than the paddles. With my arm on the armrest, the shifter is just a flick of the wrist.
Then, the iDrive controller is also right there in hands reach. I am operate it without moving my right elbow. I find this setup extremely comfortable.
must be something wrong with my bmw because i use my left elbow
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From: Dallas, Texas, USA
Originally Posted by beewang' date='Mar 1 2005, 01:44 PM
[quote name='Merv the Derv' date='Mar 1 2005, 06:59 AM'].....Top Gear magazine in the UK seem to think we will!....
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[/quote]Bee - my thoughts exactly....