2010 X35d I-Drive Pics Posted Here

[socalx5sport]

Not sure what everyone wants to see so here's 3 pictures. Hope they help.

I'll be honest, we didn't want navigation. BUT, the fact that BMW saddles you with a crappy small low resolution screen unless you purchase navigation pushed us to get the package.

While we'll "never" use the navigation, this is still the centerpiece of the car so will get lots of attention.

[jayjay_dee]

nice...

[dreamx5]

awesome,
what's the color of the small strip of led screen that shows temp etc below the ac vents?
it used be red/orange, but now it looks like blue in your pics. Am I seeing it right?
any thing else changed on console?

[Quicksilver]

Just curious;
Why would you "never use the navigation"?......

Originally Posted by socalx5sport

While we'll "never" use the navigation, this is still the centerpiece of the car so will get lots of attention.

[socalx5sport]

I'm a long-standing consultant to the automobile industry so I get to both play with and drive a ton of vehicles and, understand the features, costs and trade-offs on models. We chose the X35d because it meets the section 172 IRS criteria of GVWR 6000+ and what I would consider to be "best in class" within that class.

I work in other cities a lot so I use navigation in rental cars there. Otherwise, I take a really "old-fashioned" view of much of today's technology. Having a map up in front seems more like an affectation than something I really need or prefer "all the time."

Around So. Cal. I generally know where I'm going, etc. so I'd rather have up a general screen with quick access to temp, fand and music, etc. than a map.

Further, for the cost of built-in navigation, I could have bought 2 top of the line Garmin units and used them when I really need them - in cities I fly to where I don't know my way around.

So, we got the navi for the screen quality but it won't get used much.

More pics to follow when I complete lighting mods as outlined by Shinchan's post earlier this year. Credit to him and strong suggestions to others to follow suit - it takes the night time interior and exterior ambiance to a whole 'nother level.

Beyond his post, you'll now find LED license plate light at Bimmian, clear or dark side reflector replacements at Jlevi (unfortunately Bimmian discontinued their matching paint colors forthe X5 due to low sales) and LED Angels eyes, GP Thunder Xenon replacements (for headlights) and matching Xenon conversion kit (for foglights) at Premiertek.net.

For those with deeper pockets, brands like Kaixen are better xenon, but for the money, GP Thunder delivers exceptional value.

Hope this helps.

[jamesboags]

Hoen Xenon bulbs are nice.

[bigx5er]

How is the backup camera with the new iDrive. Any better than the current low-res camera?

[bumer2009]

Originally Posted by bigx5er

How is the backup camera with the new iDrive. Any better than the current low-res camera?

Backup camera is great with new i-drive. Very clear, even at night. Plus you can adjust brightness.

[rh71]

Originally Posted by bumer2009

Backup camera is great with new i-drive. Very clear, even at night. Plus you can adjust brightness.

would like to see a pic of a night-shot. We get blurry blobs.

[BGM]

I'm not sure if the Garmin units, etc, have real-time traffic but if not that alone is a huge advantage---I would think in L.A. where it's a constant traffic snafu that option would be beneficial.