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iDrive and the 3-Series

47 messages,  Last post on Jan 10, 2010 at 12:17 PM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 5 of 5

#38 of 47 iDrive and NAV by lyjclyjc

Jun 10, 2007 (11:41 pm)

I have been driving my 2006 325i for over a year. I am kind of neutral about iDrive. It is not very hard to use but response is very slow.
About the NAV system in BMW, it sucks compared to my portable Garmin quest GPS. It lacks many features that stand alone gps has. Does anyone know how to input a specific business name as an destination? Go through categories only list all names in that category.

#39 of 47 2008 335xi: I-Drive Phone Sync and Voice Issues by dawgfan1

Feb 09, 2008 (9:28 pm)

One week into my new 335xi...fairly loaded, including NAV. Love driving the car. I wanted NAV not so much for navigating around Seattle area (no route options anyway) as for having phone directory on screen and having the ability to control IPod on screen too.
 
So far, the phone "syncs" however address book from Blackberry Pearl ATT phone which is synced with my office outlook (over 1,400 entries) only seems to partially (mostly) download into vehicles hard drive. I dont know if this is a capacity issue...a phone issue...or what. My salesman is stumped as to the problem, but was quick to imply that my large address book was to blame. Anyone know if that could be a factor...?? Seems most folks have PDAs synced with their office address books through Outlook, so I cannot be that unusual.
 
For those address entries that ARE in the system, the voice calling is VERY spotty at being able to select the proper name to call. VERY frustrating.
 
To top matters off, I have had the dealer (as well as my IT guy try to sync my garage door opener with the auto one on the car mirror). Both times they followed the sync procedures and declared it taken care of. Needless to say, it still does not work.
 
Any:
1. Similar experiences?
2. Solutions?
3. Advice?
4. Remedies?
 
Good thing driving the car is such a thrill... I am getting to the point where I simply turn off the display... Right now, I would save the $2500 and go without I-drive!!
 
HELP!
Dawgfan1

#40 of 47 Re: 2008 335xi: I-Drive Phone Sync and Voice Issues [dawgfan1] by bdkinnh

Feb 10, 2008 (10:36 am)

Replying to: dawgfan1 (Feb 09, 2008 9:28 pm)
>address book from Blackberry Pearl ATT phone which is synced with my office outlook (over 1,400 entries) only seems to partially (mostly) download into vehicles hard drive.
 
How much over 1,400? I believe the max number of contacts is 1,500. Also, do you have any groups defined? I don't, but from what I recall the synch procedure will stop when it encounters the first group.
 
Have you looked here? www.wireless4bmw.com

#41 of 47 Re: 2008 335xi: I-Drive Phone Sync and Voice Issues [bdkinnh] by dawgfan1

Feb 11, 2008 (3:38 pm)

Replying to: bdkinnh (Feb 10, 2008 10:36 am)
I ahve about 1430 phone entries. No groups that I know of, but that is something I will check. Thanks for the web link, I will look there next!

#42 of 47 2009 iDrive by rv65

Jun 22, 2008 (11:40 pm)

In 2009 a revised iDrive is being released. Has a higher resolution screen and probably a better interface. A 40GB Hard Drive is an improvement over the DVD based system. Maps have to be updated by a dealer though . The Hard drive can store maps, phone entries, and Music. Can rip your favorite songs or Audio CD's straight to the hard drive. Hope this helps.
 
Edit: It might actually store more than 18 GB of Music. 8 GB is for maps. and some could be for phone and maybe other stuff. Maybe even the idrive system itself.

#43 of 47 the new iDirve by carnaught

Nov 02, 2008 (9:23 am)

Just took delivery yesterday of an '09 3 Series with iDrive. I've always liked the concept of iDrive even though I admit that the Japanese cars have better ergonomics and interfaces. That said, the new generation iDrive is MUCH improved. The graphics are indeed improved with less steps required than past iDrives and there is a reverse button and multiple buttons around the central controller, These allow you to go to the menu, entertainment, nav., etc. functions directly. What really is incredible are the quantity of things you can store in the system from radio channels to personalizing the car. Like my '08, you can bypass the iDrive altogether by using 6 preset radio buttons on the center or using climate control functions there as well.
 
In summary, my initial impression is very favorable to iDrive. Still not perfect, it is still in a relatively pioneering phase for technology representing a computer-like format to control many functions of your car. And, it continues to get better and better.

#44 of 47 Videos of the new iDrive by rv65

Jan 25, 2009 (11:58 pm)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v8W6-Is02E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qVLPNfNac4
 
Videos of the newest idrive. It uses a much better screen. If you're ordering a new 2009 3 Series get the 6FL option since that gives you full ipod integration from the factory. Full USB devices integration is also good.

#45 of 47 navigation idrive system in 2009 328 by passion1

Aug 29, 2009 (10:33 pm)

hi folks,
i have question about the navigation system in 2009 328i. when i use the navigation,its not telling the street or exit name or number which one i should follow through. it just say take right or take exit. some times when we have two exits like 64a and 64b consecutively,it just say take exit at right. so is there anything i should update my navigation in the car. its not great. can you help me through?
the version of my navigation is BMW 1.2.8 ROAD MAP NORTH AMERICA PREMIUM 2009-1.

#46 of 47 2010 voice recognition system by rv65

Sep 26, 2009 (10:00 pm)

2010's get a new Voice recognition system. This can be retrofitted to an 09 but at a fee.

#47 of 47 2010 iDrive Hard Drive questions by plasmo

Jan 10, 2010 (12:17 pm)

Bumping this thread up-...
 
Got a new 2010 328i xDrive with the latest iDrive, and it is great.
Read all the poor reviews of the old version, but so far the current iDrive works very well.
 
I had a couple questions regarding the Hard Drive functions if anyone knew the answers to:
 
When inserting a music CD, and after you copy the music into the hard drive (which is GREAT),
1) Is there a way to DELETE the files?
2) Is there a way to check how much HARD DRIVE SPACE is left?
 
  THANKS!

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