Ask the Car People.SM


2009 BMW 3-Series

278 messages,  Last post on Nov 04, 2010 at 12:41 AM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, BMW, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 10 of 29

#83 of 278 BMW Gadgetry by jmaroun

Oct 14, 2008 (11:14 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.
 
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

#84 of 278 Re: BMW Gadgetry [jmaroun] by kdshapiro

Oct 14, 2008 (1:27 pm)

Replying to: jmaroun (Oct 14, 2008 11:14 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.

#85 of 278 Re: BMW Gadgetry [jmaroun] by carnaught

Oct 14, 2008 (1:59 pm)

Replying to: jmaroun (Oct 14, 2008 11:14 am)
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.
  
 
In contrast, I like the screen to be on all the time. You can change it from showing the nav.map, to the sound system info., to traffic info., etc. If I didn't like it I wouldn't have gotten it. iDrive keeps getting better with each iteration update.

#86 of 278 Re: BMW Gadgetry [carnaught] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 14, 2008 (2:24 pm)

Replying to: carnaught (Oct 14, 2008 1:59 pm)
You're right iDrive has gotten "better"....well, less worse at any rate. Maybe someday I'll even grow to like it.

#87 of 278 Re: BMW Gadgetry [Mr_Shiftright] by circlew

Oct 17, 2008 (4:01 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 14, 2008 2:24 pm)
Maybe someday I'll even grow to like it.
 
Only if you could yell at it and it would listen!
 
Regards,
OW

#88 of 278 Re: BMW Gadgetry [circlew] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 17, 2008 (6:17 pm)

Replying to: circlew (Oct 17, 2008 4:01 pm)
That and a dip stick.

#89 of 278 Re: BMW Gadgetry [jmaroun] by richardga73

Oct 18, 2008 (6:06 am)

Replying to: jmaroun (Oct 14, 2008 11:14 am)
imaroun, the atlanta dealers said all the leatherette models that were available were sport suspensions. Just the luck of the draw. With the rft's I dont want the spt. suspension. It is harsh and noisy enough, then add the dumbass rft's it gets too much. Did you find a leatherette with normal suspension? Maybe the overall answer to the harsh and noisy rft's is to get a normal suspension. If enough people do that maybe they will drop the rft's.I personally like a stripped car with the biggest engine. Its lighter. I dont need a computer on wheels.

#90 of 278 Re: BMW Gadgetry [richardga73] by fedlawman

Oct 18, 2008 (8:15 am)

Replying to: richardga73 (Oct 18, 2008 6:06 am)
"Maybe the overall answer to the harsh and noisy rft's is to get a normal suspension."
 
Don't chop off your arm because you cut your finger. Just buy a set of proper tires.

#91 of 278 Re: BMW Gadgetry [richardga73] by jmaroun

Oct 19, 2008 (8:00 pm)

Replying to: richardga73 (Oct 18, 2008 6:06 am)
hello rchardqa,
 
actually, I've never considered a 3 series without sports package for the following reasons:
 
1.) never test driven a non-sports package car to compare them back to back.. I guess I'm inherently wired to get that option.
2.) i remember a couple reviews commenting on how the sports package is definately worth it.
3.) I find the ride quality quite tame.. very comfortable for me.
4.) 2008 rims that come with sports package are nicer than non sports package rims
5.) run flats saved my rear a couple times... I was able to basically continue driving for a couple days after getting a flat.
6.) the 3 series is famous for its superb handling. One of the main reasons why I buy these cars is for experiencing the joy of how they can take you around a curves with confidence and balance. Also, the benifit of experiencing the road without it being over-bearing. I honestly think the sports package, which comes with an optimized suspenssion along with the rfts, is something important to invest in. But having never compared a non-sports to a sports packaged car.. I can say for sure that there is a significant difference.
 
I'd like to also re-state that, IMO, the leatherete is just as good, if not superior to leather based upon fit and finish and especially durability! My 330's leather driver's seat got worn out near after a year and half and looked terrible after 3 years.
 
I wish you good luck getting an 08 to your exact specification. You'll save at least 3k getting an 08 as apposed to an 09.
 
Good Luck,
 
Joseph
San Diego

#92 of 278 Leather seats.. by kdshapiro

Oct 20, 2008 (2:12 pm)

My 330s leather seats looked like new after years of use. The leather thankfully was not soft, supple and prone to tearing and age as it is on other cars. Of course I used leather cleaner and treatment but I've used those products on every car with leather seats.
 
While it is said the 'ette' is as good as the leather, it's a true statement only if you can''t afford the leather. The leather smells better and feels better.
 
With proper care leather seats will last a long time.
 
--the 335 with the sports package is an amazing car.

Messages Page 10 of 29

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement