Possibly, or maybe I just don't know how to use it :rofl:

I do have an '08 535, so I would think it is a new version, but perhaps they are different. I have found myself back at the top when using the menu button, so I quit and just started moving up the menus with the controller, multiple select and click operations.

First of all, thanks for the tip. I did not know about it.

I can't say I am slow. After all, they dont pay 'slow' people big bucks to be able to afford an X5 :) I am tech-savvy, I've been in IT for half of my life, seen it all, did it all. But that is not the point. I think most of the people can figure it out and use it. But even if you know how to use it, its still takes multiple steps to change things, and those steps, even if known by heart, do take away attention from the road. Pushing a button which says "Show Map" or "SAT Radio" is much safer (and faster) then first look at the screen, understand your current position in the iDrive's tree menu, and then start navigating to your desired new settings.

Also, just as another member here pointed out, it lacks the "Back" button. Yes, they have that "back arrow" option on top most on the menus, but you need to scroll to it and click. Too many steps.

If the internet browser navigation was just as complicated as the iDrive, the e-commerce would had never taken off ! Anything which takes more than 2-3 clicks to get to, is usually never reached by the consumer.

sorry, I didnt mean you were slow!

oops, I just reread my post and thats what I said...maybe i'm slow.

btw- I find the idrive takes my attention from the road FAR LESS than any other option available, and I have driven them all....and that was my point. As far as simplicity, I mastered the system in less than a day...I can get to any function on the idrive w/o more than an occasionnal glance...try that w/ any other system.

I find iDrive very user friendly once you get to learn its uses and shortcuts. The only gripe I have is in Navi Mode to cycle through it. I dont use Navi enough to actually be dissapointed in difficulty browsing through it. As far as other functionality, music, phone, etc. pretty simple.
One big gripe is in case I need to find closes gas station, ATM, etc there are no easy shortcuts (voice or button)
Everything else can be done in a click or two, I almost never need to look at the screen since to me i remember exactly what I need to press to get something done. My hand just falls on iDrive stick and I do what needs to be done.
Alexmich, have you tried the 1-6 shotrcut buttons for some often used shortcuts, etc?
I used Audi MMI and MB Navi systems, I found them very difficult to use as well, it takes getting used to any system, just like I am a PC guy and I tried using a mac and gave up pretty easy since there no reason for me to try harder and PC worked well for me.

Dont fault iDrive if you dont feel for it. There will be a learning curve with just about anything new nowdays.

Yes, I am using shortcuts a lot (well, not a lot, there are only 6 of them :)).

Yes, I've got used to the iDrive, and can quickly find all I need. However, it still distracts more than needed.

I am not faulting iDrive. I like it, I use it, I've figured it out. Is it safer than direct buttons - still NO.