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#11932 of 12657 Re: Comment on i-drive [bruceomega] by carnaught Jul 03, 2007 (6:43 am)
Replying to: bruceomega (Jul 03, 2007 6:37 am) I did not get navigation. In playing with the radio using the I-Drive, I think I-Drive is really great for that- it's much better than a convetional radio interface.     I-Drive isn't as bad as it is purported to be. In fact I can do several things with my i-drive using the console knob without taking my eyes off the road. With the addition of 6 programmable buttons on the '08, it should be a major additional improvement.   Good luck with your new 5. I get mine approximately at the end of Aug. and can't wait.
#11933 of 12657 Re: Comment on i-drive [bruceomega] by jlbl Jul 03, 2007 (6:45 am)
Replying to: bruceomega (Jul 03, 2007 6:37 am) …wonder why the auto press continues to criticize I-Drive.   It is a mystery to me. I have been using it almost for four years, and always with a smile.   Regards, Jose
#11934 of 12657 Re: Comment on i-drive [bruceomega] by pat HOST Jul 03, 2007 (9:07 am)
Replying to: bruceomega (Jul 03, 2007 6:37 am) About the iDrive and the press, I find that curious as well. In the Consumer Reviews, those who comment on it like it with very few exceptions. Replies to this message: jlbl (Jul 03, 2007 9:42 am) pat (Jul 03, 2007 11:03 am) roadburner (Jul 03, 2007 11:34 am) lovemyclk (Jul 03, 2007 1:18 pm) kdshapiro (Jul 03, 2007 2:34 pm)
#11935 of 12657 Re: Comment on i-drive [pat] by jlbl Jul 03, 2007 (9:42 am)
Replying to: pat (Jul 03, 2007 9:07 am) About the iDrive and the press, I find that curious as well. In the Consumer Reviews, those who comment on it like it with very few exceptions.   Perhaps the press do not like i-Drive for two reasons.   1. It is true that a potential user has to put a little time into i-Drive to get used to its possibilities. May be journalists have not the right approach to 'wast' that time.   2. Then, and from the very first review, i-Drive and the press is just like a passing prejudice: a smart remark that has to be said. After all, some negative remarks have to be underlined for a review to be fair, haven't they?   Regards, Jose Replies to this message: pat (Jul 03, 2007 11:03 am) roadburner (Jul 03, 2007 11:34 am) lovemyclk (Jul 03, 2007 1:18 pm)
#11936 of 12657 Re: Comment on i-drive [jlbl] by pat HOST Jul 03, 2007 (11:03 am)
Replying to: jlbl (Jul 03, 2007 9:42 am) Makes sense to me.
#11937 of 12657 Re: Comment on i-drive [jlbl] by roadburner Jul 03, 2007 (11:34 am)
Replying to: jlbl (Jul 03, 2007 9:42 am) I think a lot of the animosity is a carryover from the first iteration of i-Drive(introduced on the E65 7er). The latest versions found in the 3er coupe, the new X5, and the facelifted 5er are much easier to use. I really don't mind i-Drive as long as I don't have to use it to adjust the HVAC settings or the radio. The user definable buttons also go a long way toward simplifying the interface. Bottom line- it's no longer a deal-breaker for me. Replies to this message: lovemyclk (Jul 03, 2007 1:18 pm)
#11938 of 12657 Re: Comment on i-drive [roadburner] by lovemyclk Jul 03, 2007 (1:18 pm)
Replying to: roadburner (Jul 03, 2007 11:34 am) Even in my '03 e39, I rarely interface with the various controls on the console aside from turning the sound system on/off and use the steering wheel controls for everything else. Since the a/c settings keep a constant temperature (cool in summer, warm in winter), I rarely ever use those controls except for the occasional Max setting to cool the car down faster.   My take on iDrive is that it is "set and forget" along with having the 6 new programmable buttons for your primary functions. Sure seems like a good idea to me, given that "Job 1" behind the wheel is to pay attention when driving. I agree that this iteration of iDrive is far better executed than v1.0.
#11939 of 12657 Re: Comment on i-drive [pat] by kdshapiro Jul 03, 2007 (2:34 pm)
Replying to: pat (Jul 03, 2007 9:07 am) There is nothing wrong with idrive. It allows the driver to customize the car in a way that was impossible a couple of years ago. The latest iteration of idrive is far and away better than the first. If you have never used a personal computer or MAC, high tech entertainment system or used a ticket kiosk for public transportation or any other device that requires you to interact with it: in other words have been in a bubble. You will have a problem with idrive.   Otherwise some time has to be spent learning it, in the same way one has to learn a new vehicle.
#11940 of 12657 Re: Comment on i-drive [bruceomega] by topspin628 Jul 04, 2007 (5:15 am)
Replying to: bruceomega (Jul 03, 2007 6:37 am) Congrats. After you get some more seat time, I would love to hear your review since I am also putting the 535xi in the mix for my next ride. What else did you cross shop against and why did you choose the BMW?   As for I- drive, maybe it's the fact that it's not something that one can quickly or easily (in the first minute)get a grip on. When I test drove a 7 series a few years ago, I remember that I wanted to turn on the radio and it took me five minutes to figure it out (never having seen I-Drive before). I will tell you that those 5 minutes were very frustrating and for no apparent purpose. I mean, was there anything wrong with the "old" way of turning on a radio? That said, I'm sure that once you put in some seat time, it becomes second nature. So the auto journalists who are reviewing are forced to re-learn things that the already knew and not to a clear advantage. I'm not sure that I-drive is really a step up (Lexus seems to do OK without it) but it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me as I seem to have the ability to learn new technology fairly quickly. It's just that sometimes the old "simple" way is really better. Replies to this message: bruceomega (Jul 04, 2007 9:48 am) richardga73 (Jul 21, 2007 1:24 pm) bruceomega (Jul 23, 2007 6:16 am) and 8 more...
#11941 of 12657 Re: Comment on i-drive [bruceomega] by randamonium Jul 04, 2007 (9:29 am)
Replying to: bruceomega (Jul 03, 2007 6:37 am) I've been quite frustrated by my i-Drive ('06 330d M sport), as there's a lot of input redundancy and waiting time (sometimes up to 5 seconds for a response), but it sounds like the newer version is better. I miss the ease of control with my old M5, but that's supposedly progress. Maybe my UK i-Drive system is slower?   Question re: the 535i vs. 535xi: Since i can't drive the cars where I live (in the UK - they don't offer the new 535i petrol models) can anyone comment about the ride characteristics, driving dynamics or any other differences between the two, I'm moving back to the States later this month and would like to order one before I get there, but am hesitant without test driving. I'll be living in the upper Midwest, so AWD would be great if it doesn't compromise the driving dynamics I admire so much in BMW's. Also, any comments about the speed shift sport option (with the paddle shifters) I'm not even sure if that's available in the States yet. Thanks!   Randy

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