for me the learning curve was very short...I dont understand how a dealer can be confused- my god this is what he sells. Go to another dealer or request another salesman, he should be able to get you up to speed in less than 5 minutes. As mentioned most basic functions dont even need the IDrive like Temp control, radio presets, even nav presets can be programmed to a dash button, volume has two controls (steering wheel and dash), source control. etc.

Personally I love the IDrive- I really dont understand why people freak out...so much nicer than a dash cluttered with dozens of buttons and lights.

BTW- you also have voice commands for everything, although I rarely use those.

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2013 X5 35i M Sport