E53 owner question about iDrive
 

I have a 2006 X5 4.4i, so I haven't yet played with the iDrive controller.

My question is: can you boys and girls tell me, objectively, what exactly is Consumer Reports' beef with the iDrive controller?

Also, which other publications have criticized iDrive? And which ones have commended it?

Thanks in advance.

I have no clue...I love the the idrive. It is an excellent interface to all the electronics and keeps your eyes on the road.

Simple - consumer reports only know how to operate toaster ovens and vacuum cleaners
:rofl:

people dont like change, so they bash iDrive. I think its the best possible way to be able to choose whatever you want without having to lean over and keep hitting a touchscreen or button. In a lot of cars that have touchscreens, you have to put the car in park, before you enter anything, thats a PITA if you're on the highway!!!

BMW has also added a few 'preset' buttons now, so its even better.

in short, if you can use a computer and mouse, you're able to use iDrive.

Are there any better / similar systems out there for modern cars? I know about the locked-while-driving systems that Lexus has... any others? Other car enthusiasts on message boards (so they know how to use computers) seem to bash idrive a lot so I'd like to know what they're comparing it to. Or is it just the conventional dashes?

I really like my iDrive. Some people have (especially North Americans) problems with the integrated knob because it is too "complicated to operate".

I could only agree with the above statement if I was a computer illiterate and am over 60 years old. :nanana: :nanana: :nanana: :nanana:

I am also contemplating buying an X5, coming from Lexus. I'm used to touch screens which have worked well for me. A few questions: 1) can one or more of the 6 preset buttons be used to switch SAT radio sources, 2) when you use the preset buttons to switch sources, what happens to the iDrive screen--does it switch over to the selected source? If not, how do you tell the new source? 3) When you use the mode button to switch audio sources, does it switch through all sources (ie: FM, AM, CD, SAT radio, iPod, HD radio, etc)? Thanks!

1- yes
2- yes, it brings up the idrive screen when you select one of the 6 presets.
btw- so do all the other shortcut buttons (not the 6 assignable buttons- but the fixed buttons) like ventelated seats, seat heater, etc.
3- yes

FYI- I came from a lexus w/ touch screen and at first didnt like the idrive...but after 15 minutes with it I will never go back to the Lexus touch screen...not to mention the BMW ride which is a class all its own.

After my initial experience with the idrive, I decided not to get a BMW. I went back about 3 weeks later, spoke with a different salesman who spent about 30 minutes showing me how to scroll through the system. After a few nights sitting in the car playing with the knob, I can now amaze my friends with how the idrive works. I have also found that nearly everything you can do with the knob, you can do with voice commands. As I have written in other threads, I can't imagine driving a vehicle without the idrive. If Consumer Reports spent a little time with the system I think they would realize how simple it is to use.

Quick question Stan - how'd you get an iDrive-equipped 2006 X5? X5's didn't get iDrive until 2007...