iDrive Software - enhancements - what would you like...?
 

Thought it may be interesting to start a thread on enhancements to the E70 software that owners wish could be included... (apart from fixing the bugs of course)... I'd like the following:

1) Ability to program remote to close all windows and sunroof at one press rather than hold it down (maybe there is already a way ?)
2) Source mode memory for Tone and volume for each audio mode (FM, CD etc)
3) Micropohone Mute for handsfree
4) Full screen option for TV and DVD video on front display...
5) Rear Camera and PDC split screen and/or an easy way to switch between the two
6) Speed limiter like the ML 350 - limiting speed to a certain level rather than just a warning.

If only BMW had a suggestion box !!!!

I'd like to have:

1. The ability to have the parking brake engage when you set the transmission to park.


2. A water temp and oil pressure gauge displayed as an iDrive screen! This can be done! It's a simple read from the computer that can be displayed either digitally or as an analog gauge.

3. If I could add a hardware change, it would be a sunglass holder above the driver. Otherwise, the E70 is near perfect.

:rofl:

Seems like everyone is happy with the idrive software ? I think the things I listed should be standard in a car this expensive... BMW obviously think otherwise... !!

I agree with the PDC and Backup camera together, that's a simple thing and would really be handy.

I would really like (a) a "backup" button, i.e. go back one screen from wherever I was -- a button, not something you twist or turn, and/or (b) consistency on navigation. E.g. sometimes MENU takes you to info screen, sometimes the prior screen, etc. I can't tell you how often I end up all the way back and finding my way back into where I was.

A GPS speed display.

A GPS satellite status display.

General car status display, all the values and readings, e.g. TPM for example.

the lack of response is because the idrive system is so cumbersome its even hard to express how to fix it. :(

Here is one from me...about the phone/bluetooth. When you select a name, I hate that you have to push the iDrive knob twice to call because it gives you the stupid add digits option. You should just be able to hit it once and it will dial.

Another thing is...while iDrive has been out longer than MB's COMAND, the knob is not as smooth as the MB COMAND knob. As others have said, the response is slow, and could be made smoother.

I also wish the car had auto-park like the 7's...since it uses a similar electro-magnetic parking brake, that shouldn't be too hard.

Chris

Yeah right... Thanks ... My 6 year old can use it what gives ?

On the IPod Interface. I would like to be able to access an Artist by selecting the First Letter of it's Name. Right now if you have 100 Artist in your ipod and you want to listen to ZZ TOP you need to scroll through the whole list !

I agree for the Back up Camera and PDC.

yes your six year old can use it, but he's not trying to drive at the same time.. :)

how about the Nav lady telling me if my destination is on the left or right

Does anyone actually know if BMW has had any history of actually making improvements to idrives already installed in vehicles and giving them out or maybe charging a nominal fee for upgrades?

It seems like it wouldn't be rocket science to do it.

you can get your progman version updated, but usually its a PITA to get for free. It takes the dealership a few hours to flash new software and that's assuming if everything goes right and they don't have to start over a few times (which usually happen).

:iagree:
whats up with this...this is the only Nav in the universe that does not tell you which side of the street.

I've had mine updated twice for free

More intutive touch screen interface would be nice!

How about a new version made by Apple?

I prefer the IDrive control...I had a Lexus w/ touch screen and it forces you to lean forward and take your eyes off the road. With the Idrive I rarely take my eyes off the road when navigating.

I know, but all the rumors indicate that they're going to be working with Mercedes and their COMMAND system.

Makes no sense, since BMW was the first to incorporate iPod and iPhone into their cars, and because the iDrive philosophy seems identical to the iPod clickwheel philosophy...

But Apple just dropped the clickwheel on the iPhone and iPod Touch. I found it interesting that the MacRumors reader who brought this up was nicknamed Chris Bangle (although I don't believe he is the real guy). More seriously, if Apple is working with Mercedes and Jaguar, they could be working with BMW as well. Also, there's an (older) MacRumors story about Apple and BMW preparing something for the upcoming 7-series. Doesn't mean it's true, but I wouldn't rule out the possibility…

Same here, I hate touch screen systems - end up covered in greasy fingerprints (mine, passengers, kids, etc). What I'd like to see is a _really_ good voice control system.