Guest

I disagree completely re: "people who drive the car for a brief period only." Nearly every car magazine reporter who has trashed iDrive complains that they are unable to change radio stations without having to use iDrive ==> from this comment, it is clear to me that these "reporters" are intellectually challenged in a way that your 4 year old is not (I'm very surprised these "reporters" can tie their shoe laces in the morning, but perhaps they wear slip-ons or velcro sandals because it is too intellectually challenging for them to tie shoe laces).

The bottom line is that iDrive or any other technology that is not as simple to use as a push button will always generate complaints from these "reporters." In the end, they have already lost the battle re: iDrive and its imitators (Infiniti, Audi, Mercedes, etc.) because there is not enough "push button" space on the consoles of new vehicles to use all of the new technology. So, like it or not, these "reporters" better learn how to tie their shoe laces and use iDrive-like devices, or they will be driving 20 year old cars the rest of their lives.

Mark-Yorkshire

I just wish I drive had more options e.g. different start up screens, electronic dials - water temp guage etc.
My 13 year old son dismissed the X3 on basis that it had no I drive.
Mark-Yorkshire
P.S. ISUK - I love my alu cube trim

bmwrules

I've had my 545 for almost a year and I think iDrive is great. I've thought that since the 1st time I test drove a 5.

UUronL

I agree it's easy. The instant I was in the car for my test drive I was tuning radio stations and adjusting volume. If you've used a cell phone with a "joystick" it should be second-nature.

Blackonblackonblack

Even though I'm not the most computer-literate person, I love I-Drive. Ergonomically, it's in a great location. I can keep my arm at rest while scrolling through any of the functions. It may not be perfect but it works for me!

subterFUSE

I have had a car with a touchscreen Nav. The iDrive screen is better, IMO. This is because the screen never needs cleaning. A touchscreen is constantly covered in fingerprints, and it drives me nuts.

Everything you need on the Nav is right there on your iDrive controller. You don't even have to lift your elbow off the armrest. It's the ultimate in laziness, and I love it..


Radio sucks in the USA.... period. If you live in the USA, and listen to the radio.... then that says it all right there. There is a CD player in the dash... use it.

lavish12

Having used the touch screen Nav system on my Lexus, and now using the i-drive, I like the i-drive. I was somewhat leary at first but after a week, it seems like second nature. I am learning the shortcuts to go between functions. Once in awhile I've caught myself reaching for the screen (old habits die hard)

Bubblehead

I too like the idrive a lot. Being able to customize so much of the car is a great benefit to the BMWs. I agree with the earlier statement that all of the cars are going to have to go to some type of interface since their will not be room for all of the buttons needed if everything was independent.

Having the knob in the center near the armrest is a big plus. Very easy to navigate while driving without having to look where you are reaching.

DIGISPY

I have had my 2005 E60 for a week. After driving my 2000 528 for 4+ years, I have no complaint about iDrive at all. It is easy and I already am starting to feel seemless with it. NAV works great (except for no RDS... ) Just wish I had more options. Plus, I got the list of the voice commands from this site (thank you forums!) and am working thru memorizing the important ones. I wonder if there are any easter egg voice commands that illict some crazy response.. I especially wonder since I changed the voice in my car to female

Rudy

Is that something you were able to do yourself or something the dealer did?