As a related sidebar to my original post, my 2014 BMW M6 Coupe has the ‘BMW Apps’ in their new ConnectedDrive.

I applaud BMW for upgrading their latest iDrive to have these features. I really enjoy and appreciate now being able to have additional music options, (i.e. Pandora, Stitcher, etc.), for streaming internet radio, augmenting my SiriusXM satellite radio for news and NFL football games, as well as better synchronization and control with my iPhone, either via Bluetooth or direct cable connection, so I may listen to audio books from Audible during long road trips. This is a big improvement for in-car entertainment that requires minimal drive control and hence, distraction.

What concerns me is that this upgraded software system also allows drivers and passenger’s access to their Twitter and Facebook accounts, with information displayed on the car’s LCD screen. I find that this will potentially exasperate the potential distraction of some drivers, causing their driving ability to be compromised and creating an unsafe situation for them and other drivers around them.

This trend in the automotive industry is disturbing to me and many others and will become a bigger issue as more and more accidents can be traced to this enhanced feature that can be very distracting. We all know that there are already too many knucklehead drivers who seem intent on texting and reading texts/emails, while also driving. This upgraded iDrive / ConnectedDrive feature will most likely make things worse and less safe on our roadways…

AVB-AMG

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My current & recent car history:
2020 BMW 440i xDrive Coupe (Wife's daily driver)
2016 BMW X5M (My daily driver)
2014 BMW M6 Coupe (gone)
2013 BWM 335i xDrive Coupe (gone)
2011 BMW 335xi turbo coupe (gone)
2007 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG (gone)
2007 BMW 335ci twin turbo coupe (gone)
2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (gone)
2004 BMW X5 4.4i (w/full Aero Kit - gone)
2001 BMW X5 4.4i (w/full Aero Kit - gone)
2000 Mercedes-Benz E430 Sport (gone)
1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL (owned for 48 years)