iDrive
 

So i had my diesel for about 2 weeks now. The drive has been great except for the iDrive.

Is it just me or is the iDrive the worst computerized system you ever used? Coming from an Infiniti, it only takes 2 clicks to get to any function or setting i'm looking for. Takes like 4-5 on the iDrive. The lack of a touch screen on a 70k car doesn't help either. The only thing that's nice about it is the split screen.

Also on a 70k car you would think that the radar for the cruise control would be available or standard. My infiniti which is 4 years old has it, would of thought 4 years later BMW would have it for all their models. Was told it wasn't available for the diesel.

Since we had the old iDrive in the 7 Series, the iDrive in the 07/08 X5...I think this iDrive in my 2011 35d is awesome. The quick buttons (Radio, Tel, Nav, etc..) are great and the options for all the settings and choices has been reduced to a practial and useful amount.

We had the Mercedes' version of iDrive in the S-Class, and I greatly prefer iDrive. I really like using it in my 35d! Actually could not be happier!! ;)

The new version Idrive is awesome, way better than the one i had in the 08. Play around with it, there are many ways to manipulate. I get in my brothers car and he has a touch screen. Much rather have the idrive,.

Kalekainxx:

It's just you, friend.

I had the very early version of I-Drive in my 2001 740iL, a later version in my 2008 535i, and now today's version in my 2011 X5. I think today's I-Drive is surperb. Go try an '01 issue of I-Drive and report back.

As others have posted, the worst system was probably the early iDrive. The later generations are .....tolerable. Once you are used to it, you won't mind it at all. It just isn't very intuitive.

I have a 2008 535 which has one generation back of iDrive. I find I hardly ever use it, once you get it set up there isn't much reason to touch it. The controls I use all the time are all on the steering wheel.

The current iDrive version is pretty much palatable for most tastes.

If you want to get to a submenu quicker, simply program one of the 6 keys (#1-6) to that function. Secondly, there are shortcut keys like "Radio" or "Navigation" (if so equipped) that take you directly there.

I actually like the previous generation (like what JCL has) better than the current one.

The current version is so much better. I too have experienced the evolution of it.

touch screens are horrible in my opinion. You need to actually concentrate on what you're clicking... oh that's why some are locked out while you're in motion. Can't stand that.

Our 2006 & 2007 Lexus RX Hybrids, 2006, 2008 and now 2011 Range Rover had/has touch screens. I personally also dislike them. You do need to really concentrate, take your eyes off the road and just not pay attention to driving. Also, the finger prints and smudges are awful. The only upside to touch screen is while parked, it is faster to enter addresses and numbers, opposed to clicking and turning the iDrive knob. Still, I actually really love iDrive!