2009 BMW 3-Series

Replying to: kyfdx (Oct 14, 2008 7:46 am)

I WANT to stay busy driving is my problem. I like that-- "I'm in command of this fighter plane!" feeling

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 14, 2008 7:35 am)

Replies to this message:
• kyfdx (Oct 14, 2008 8:33 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Oct 14, 2008 8:22 am)

BMW's auto windshield wiper is neat, but should you turn it on in normal mode (non auto sensing), it's a non trivial experience turning the darn thing off.
 
I find BMW's refrigerated compartment under the arm rest some what quirky. Such a small volume is nearly useless. They should either increase usable volume ( I guess make it deeper) or eliminate the thing alltogether.
 
After 3 years with BMW's fancy turn signal invention (started in 06 models), I still fall victim to an induced back and forth left/right juggling of the lights. It's very embarressing since people behind you can see the lights. Still I like the idea but they've got to improve the interface.
 
A glove compartment that could fit at least the car's user-manual, registration, and insurance documents would be appreciated. BMW should either enlargen its glove compartment or shrink its elaboratly dressed German styled user manual.
 
With my 06 330, I enjoyed the compass meter embedded in the mirror. I also enjoyed the electronic folding mirror. This time however, with my new 335i , I've opted to live without these items that come with the $2000! Premium package. Walmart sells a $15 electronic compass that mounts smartly on your mirror. Life isn't so bad without the folding mirrors..and BMW's black leatherete is quite a good, if not superior, substitute for its leather seating.
 
A really cool feature in a BMW these days, IMO, is the cruise control. It has a most natural and pleasing electro-mechanical interface. I especially like how the cruise control maintains itself while I down or upshift (6spd manual). Very well done! Unfortunately, most gadgets in the car lack such brilliant enginering grace.
 
Example Primo:
Unfortunately,... I found BMW's navigation / iDrive interface too cumbersome and most importantly, too intrussive to the driving experience. The thing doesn't shut up. The screen is always on..even when blank, it dominates the cabin. Such devices should hide themselves away or be way in the background IMO. That's why I feel a portable Navigation device like a Garmin would be more effective, much cheaper, and less distracting from the experience (you can turn it off and tuck it away). BMW has a long way to go to convince otherwise.
 
Joseph
San Diego

Replies to this message:
• kdshapiro (Oct 14, 2008 12:27 pm)
• carnaught (Oct 14, 2008 12:59 pm)
  • Mr_Shiftright (Oct 14, 2008 1:24 pm)
    • circlew (Oct 17, 2008 3:01 pm) and 1 more...
• richardga73 (Oct 18, 2008 5:06 am)
  • fedlawman (Oct 18, 2008 7:15 am)
  • jmaroun (Oct 19, 2008 7:00 pm)

Replying to: jmaroun (Oct 14, 2008 10:14 am)

BMW's auto windshield wiper is neat, but should you turn it on in normal mode (non auto sensing), it's a non trivial experience turning the darn thing off.
 
You might find it a non-trivial experience, I didn't. A quick flick of the stalk does it.
 
After 3 years with BMW's fancy turn signal invention (started in 06 models), I still fall victim to an induced back and forth left/right juggling of the lights. It's very embarressing since people behind you can see the lights. Still I like the idea but they've got to improve the interface.
 
Took me two turns to get used to.
 
With my 06 330, I enjoyed the compass meter embedded in the mirror. I also enjoyed the electronic folding mirror. This time however, with my new 335i , I've opted to live without these items that come with the $2000! Premium package. Walmart sells a $15 electronic compass that mounts smartly on your mirror. Life isn't so bad without the folding mirrors..and BMW's black leatherete is quite a good, if not superior, substitute for its leather seating.
 
The leatherette is in no way superior to the leather. The leather has a feel, touch and smell the 'ette' can't come close to.
 
Unfortunately,... I found BMW's navigation / iDrive interface too cumbersome and most importantly, too intrussive to the driving experience.
 
I was able to grasp the most important functions, while driving the car. It wasn't rocket science. What was really bothering me, is that it took me a while to figure out how to turn off the seat heater from idrive, even though the heat icon was clearly visible to me. :blush.
 
The thing doesn't shut up. The screen is always on..even when blank, it dominates the cabin. Such devices should hide themselves away or be way in the background IMO
 
I can't remember which model, (135, 335, 550, X5, X6, 535, 650 or 750, missed the M3 and Alpina), did what. But I seem to remember BMW is not the only manufacturer to provide a 24X7 nav screen. But I really liked idrive with nav, I paired my BT phone to the unit while driving without a problem.
 
I like the clean upfettered look of the BMW dash, it was a smart move to stick all this stuff into i-drive.

Replying to: jmaroun (Oct 14, 2008 10:14 am)

Replies to this message:
• Mr_Shiftright (Oct 14, 2008 1:24 pm)
  • circlew (Oct 17, 2008 3:01 pm)
    • Mr_Shiftright (Oct 17, 2008 5:17 pm)

Replying to: carnaught (Oct 14, 2008 12:59 pm)

You're right iDrive has gotten "better"....well, less worse at any rate. Maybe someday I'll even grow to like it.

Replies to this message:
• circlew (Oct 17, 2008 3:01 pm)
  • Mr_Shiftright (Oct 17, 2008 5:17 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 14, 2008 1:24 pm)

Maybe someday I'll even grow to like it.
 
Only if you could yell at it and it would listen!
 
Regards,
OW

Replies to this message:
• Mr_Shiftright (Oct 17, 2008 5:17 pm)

Replying to: circlew (Oct 17, 2008 3:01 pm)

Replying to: jmaroun (Oct 14, 2008 10:14 am)

Replies to this message:
• fedlawman (Oct 18, 2008 7:15 am)
• jmaroun (Oct 19, 2008 7:00 pm)