^ that is the other thing - PDC visual display doesn't come up (as slow as the backup camera) but the beep tones are good right away.

Can't tell what the exact version number is but my iDrive loads up within 5 seconds or so tops when I'm backing up

Y5choi - any difference between an 07 and 08 iDrive system? Maybe it slowed down on 08 models?

I paid attention this morning, it should only take 5 seconds to startup and you get the typical idrive main screen (if you left it at that, and after you hit accept) right away. It's only the backup camera / PDC screen that takes its sweet time... but still not near 1 full minute.

My original post talked about the entire system, not the iDrive screen.

The problem is the responsiveness of things like changing radio stations or using one of the six iDrive preset buttons.

As I posted and a few others also have experienced, drive the car for 30 seconds after starting and try changing radio stations, changing volume, or use one of the six iDrive presets. It doesn't respond initially. After a while, the car is fine and everything responds. It is similar to what goes on with the slow PDC, it feels like the entire iDrive system is waking up and not responding initially.

okay. I have an 07 4.8i that has been updated before the 08's ever came out. All I can tell is that it's one of the first versions that supports both pdc and backup camera all in one screen. BTW, I have comfort access and I use it (i never really use the remote button) and my backup camera/pdc screen comes on within 5 seconds for sure, everytime. I press the engine start button, put the gear in R right away, start backing- no pauses in between, and then boom, the screen comes up within 2-3 seconds on average.

Exactly same for me. Within 5 secs and all's available. Mine is 08 with Nov 07 build.

That's what I have too. Even volume control knob remains unresponsive for a few seconds. I have a July 08 build date, IIRC.

I think this problem is known to BMW engineers. To counteract that, the vehicle begins take-off preparations at the first sign. Navigation DVD and audio CD spin up once I open the door. Fuel pump pre-pressurizes the fuel lines, etc. If choppy start up was not an issue why would they add logic to spin everything up before I start the engine? This is mostly rhetorical question.

Mine is a mid 2008 build, and I experience the same as the OP. It takes a while before things start to respond. When I get the Accept screen, if I try to click Accept it takes some time to respond. Probably takes about the same time as if I didn't hit Accept. If an audio source was active when I shut down the car, it will take some time before I start to hear anything. It really is annoyingly slow.

As a comparison, my previous car, a 2006 ML500, would take only about five or so seconds and would immediately allow me to start changing things right away. And since the parking aid system was totally separate with a light bar in front and back, it was always displayed immediately.