New iDrive question

[motex]

Anyone knows or understands if there will be a chance to update our actual iDrive system to the new software ?
Remember that the central knob now has 4 buttons, our just have the Menu button

[LeMansX5]

No. New idrive also comes with hard drive and that is the end of updates.

[apw2607]

Originally Posted by motex

Anyone knows or understands if there will be a chance to update our actual iDrive system to the new software ?
Remember that the central knob now has 4 buttons, our just have the Menu button

Once the new iDrive begins shipping in the MY 2010 cars, you'll be able to upgrade your controller to the new one. It is completely compatible with the older syle i-Drive. You will need to relace the console trim piece as well, to fit the new controller.

The jury is out on whether you will be able to upgrade the hardware and software to the new style CCC i-Drive. Unless BMW offer a retrofit (which they probably wont), you're probably be out of luck.

[robinzon]

Just picked up my new X6 5.0 and I gotta say the iDrive is by far my least favorite thing.... honestly my Lexus's Denso based system is by far superior and easier to use.... very sad that such an expensive vehicle still does not offer touch screen..

[robinzon]

hmm... I would think the combination of the two would be the ultimate solution.... what I don't understand is why only the 3 series got the new I-drive controller for 09 and 5 and 3 series will get it for 10 with no software upgrades in the foreseeable future for the other series... at any rate, I still think that the Denso system in Lexus/Range rover is much more intuitive to use... and makes visual sense... most importantly the map is readable... for the life of me I can't make out street names on the little BMW screen

[robinzon]

Perhaps, I have not really played with the new iDrive just had a cursory glance at it... and indeed the BMW map seems cartoonish compared to the Lexus.. as far as the touch screen I did like the ability to Drag the map with your finger... using the controller is not quite as intuitive or comfortable in map dragging

[apw2607]

Originally Posted by robinzon

Perhaps, I have not really played with the new iDrive just had a cursory glance at it... and indeed the BMW map seems cartoonish compared to the Lexus.. as far as the touch screen I did like the ability to Drag the map with your finger... using the controller is not quite as intuitive or comfortable in map dragging

not sure what you mean but touch screens are definitely a step backwards in cars. They have applications outside the car certainly, but in the car they are not practical. They distract the driver for way to long compared to the controller.

Further, doesn't Lexus prevent navigation input during the car in motion?

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by apw2607

not sure what you mean but touch screens are definitely a step backwards in cars. They have applications outside the car certainly, but in the car they are not practical. They distract the driver for way to long compared to the controller.

Further, doesn't Lexus prevent navigation input during the car in motion?

[motex]

Touch screen makes you distract while driving trying to reach the screen to touch it, I also think is not a good feature anymore, is more on the dangerous side than the practical one

[mtech8]

Touch screen really shines with input of text data (such as addresses for the nav).

Otherwise, I'd prefer the controller style of the iDrive. Really not that hard to use. Plus the new iDrive has the google map feature where you can simply send your destination via a computer or cellphone.