[StarrDlux]

Obviously the driver should be driving, and fast.

so how does a girl use the idrive as a passenger (when i'm not driving ) to speak to this computer.

we need to reprogram the voice to be Dr. Evil; imo.

[AJerman]

Originally Posted by StarrDlux

Obviously the driver should be driving, and fast.

so how does a girl use the idrive as a passenger (when i'm not driving ) to speak to this computer.

we need to reprogram the voice to be Dr. Evil; imo.

You mean how do they make it give a voice prompt? Depending on your MY some have the voice button next to the knob, but otherwise you're just going to have to press it.

[TheAcAvenger]

Originally Posted by AJerman

You mean how do they make it give a voice prompt? Depending on your MY some have the voice button next to the knob, but otherwise you're just going to have to press it.

+1. He's got an 08. I'm assuming that since I've got the extra button on my pre-spring 07, then he doesnt have it on his 08

[AJerman]

Originally Posted by TheAcAvenger

+1. He's got an 08. I'm assuming that since I've got the extra button on my pre-spring 07, then he doesnt have it on his 08

Is it the new ones that don't have it and the older ones that do? I wasn't sure. Isn't that funny. It almost seems like a step back, but I suppose if the driver is the main one using it, then you might as well clean everything up a little. No need for two buttons.

[StarrDlux]

someone got a pic of the 07? all i see is a knob and menu button. seems dumb the passenger should be the one working the idrive; not the driver.

Wonder if they left a plug to wire in a button in the console??

[rambalu80]

I have an April 07 build and all I have is the knob and menu button. I think cars built prior to April 07 had the voice command button beside the menu button. If I remember correct, mu owners manual has pics with the voice command button beside the menu button.

[TECENG]

I have an '06 330i and I have the two buttons next to the knob. I prefer this, I have no idea why BMW deleted it in later years.

[NYR]

Originally Posted by TECENG

I have an '06 330i and I have the two buttons next to the knob. I prefer this, I have no idea why BMW deleted it in later years.

Likely cost - wiring and whatnot likely raised the cost. Likely an attempt to raise the margin by removing it...

[TheAcAvenger]

pre april 07 build cars look like this (the arrow points to the voice button that I have and new cars don't):

[StarrDlux]

dang that sucks idrive really shouldn't be used (while moving) by the driver. too dangerous. i wonder if the wires are still there to retrofit i can't believe they did this to save a buck on such an expensive option

[rebirth24]

Originally Posted by TheAcAvenger

pre april 07 build cars look like this (the arrow points to the voice button that I have and new cars don't):

Extremely disappointed that they removed this from the Apr 07+ build of the car. Hoping there is some way of actually adding it on?

[nyc3r]

Originally Posted by TheAcAvenger

pre april 07 build cars look like this (the arrow points to the voice button that I have and new cars don't):

+1 finally something for us early birds

[AJerman]

More importantly, where is the mic? I know I was riding in my boss's 750 and he had a mic above the driver and passenger. If there is only one on the E9x, it may not work very well for a passenger anyway.

[Mace]

Originally Posted by AJerman

More importantly, where is the mic? I know I was riding in my boss's 750 and he had a mic above the driver and passenger. If there is only one on the E9x, it may not work very well for a passenger anyway.

The mic is on the overhead console on the sedan and coupe. The vert's is on the steering column. It never seemed to have a problem picking up my wife's voice from the passenger seat. She would invariably wait until I punched the voice button to begin a conversation and screw up the commands. I need a signal to keep her quite when I'm using it I guess.

[Booster4075]

It shouldn't be a wiring issue. Both buttons (as well as the controller knob itself) are carried on the K-Can bus. I'm not necessarily saying that it you bought a controller with two buttons it would work, HOWEVER, the wiring for both controllers is identical. (two wires for the bus, one for ground, one to the JBE for power)

I'm toying with this on my retrofit. I have the controller from a 2006 320d (UK model) with one button and would like to upgrade to two button model when its said and done. I don't know the answer (yet.)

[StarrDlux]

let us know how it works. many times those controllers are just analog signals going to a controller. multiplexing the idrive digital knob and two buttons onto non-can bus would not be that hard.

but if you say its can bus cool.