Need help with I-Drive system on 2011 X5

[raytor]

This is my first BMW and just got this 2011 X5 and the I-drive display is a bit complex to this first time user. I have a couple of questions.

1) The A/C has a manual temp knob as well as a temp control on the I-drive display and they don't seem to interact - I can set one to hot and the other to cool - which one has precedence - the car is never really comfortable here in the still hot deep south.

2) There are 6 programmable buttons below the CD player. If I set button one to a Nav destination is there a way to also set that button to a radio station or are these buttons just single use - in my previous cars the buttons were multi use but I can't make that work here.

Other than that I am really enjoying the switch from domestic vehicles.

[alexmish]

1 - they work together, and separation is done to allow to control temp with lesser/more air flow. I keep the one in the idrive set to Neutral position

2 - single use only

[Richard in NC]

1. The temp settings control the overall inside temps of the drivers side and passenger sides. The iDrive setting controls the center vent temperature. It replaces a thumb wheel that had been on every BMW forever. It allows you to blow cooler air on you to avoid getting drowsy at night or to not blow so cold of air on you while on A/C. Its a nice feature but requires constant adjustment, especially during seasons where you need heat in the morning and A/C in the afternoons. At least there is the shortcut button to get to the setting (compared to the original iDrive) but I liked the thumb wheel better.

2. Correct, single use buttons.