I dig it. Just like with anything new, it's a system that must be learned. While many will become frustrated because they can't change the radio while barreling down the interstate at 80mph, it's because they didnt' take the time to learn the system prior to using the car. Get aclimated to it folks, it's the future of automotive technology.
BTW, I do not own a car with it, but have close friends that do, making me the one who teaches them how to use it.
I love the iDrive in all the newest series. You better get used to iDrive because they're going to be in the new 3-Series that are going to be redesigned in 2006. All you old school bimmer drivers wouldn't have a clue as to what iDrive is...go drive a new BMW, then you'll figure out fast what iDrive is all about.
Originally posted by jllphan@Sep 14 2004, 04:42 PM While many will become frustrated because they can't change the radio while barreling down the interstate at 80mph, it's because they didnt' take the time to learn the system prior to using the car
The radio can be turned off/on by pushing the volume knob. The stations can be changed by pushing the same buttons that change the CD track. Both are on the dash and easily accessible(sp) w/o taking your eyes of the road. With the HUD it's even easier.
Also, the two programmable buttons on the steering wheel can be set (as mine are) to change the stations on the radio and if you have the idrive set to presets, the programmable but scrolls through your 12 presents. If you don't have the idrive on presets, it will scroll through all the stations. If you have the CD on, the same button will cycle throught the CD tracks.
I have the second button programmed as a "mute" button.
There's also a volume button on the left side of the steering wheel and a button on the right side to cycle through the entertainment source (FM,AM,CD).
There's enough climate control button knobs on the dash to set everything you need once you have the idrive set and once you understand what they do.
After taking the time to read the manual and practicing with intensely for about 2-3 weeks and off and on for about 2 - 3 months to learn how the system reacts under different conditions and with different settings, I rarely use it anymore since I've found the settings that fit my needs.
The main concern I have is that most computer based components wear out after awhile so I plan to move up to a new 545 or 745 in about 4 years(when the warranty runs out) as the extended warranty only covers mechanical and not electrical components.
So while it may seem less intuitive than having multiple buttons on the dash, practically speaking, it works pretty well.
Originally posted by Silver4evr@Sep 18 2004, 09:41 PM After taking the time to read the manual and practicing with intensely for about 2-3 weeks
My point exactly. It's a new (and very different) system that must be learned. This requires some reading. The people that do this will like iDrive, the one's who don't, won't.
BTW, thanks for explaining what those two buttons on the steering wheel do, my buddy's 7 has completley baffled him (too impatient to read how to use it). He wanted me show him how to use the car, and I did my best, but he asked what those buttons were, and I didn't know.
Got a good link so I could learn more? He tried to give me his car for a few days to learn it all, and then show him, but I couldn't do that. I just don't trust myself with someone else's $80K car and all these great roads I know.
Originally posted by d3ity@Sep 18 2004, 06:27 PM *old crusty voice*
BACK in MY DAY, we used to have BUTTONS and switches in our cars... and we had to TURN them by HAND.
and walk 15 miles JUST to get BMW coolant. UPHILL! and if it rained, WE LIKED IT!
[snapback]194096[/snapback]
^-- That made me smile... Thanks haha, btw, i think iDrive might be cool, kind of a bummer that EVERYTHING is becoming computerized. It seems like it might somewhat take away from the car...
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