[Zero.7]

Sorry for the newb ?, but I am not sure IF I have the HDD versus the DVD-based navigation. My MY09 build date was April 2009. I have the iDrive system with the main controller knob flanked by the multiple short-cut buttons. I assumed this was the "new" HDD based navigation system. Then, I was talking with someone from the parts department, and she mentioned that the HDD based nav. system stared in 9/09?!?!?

Please advise. I was planning to load some music into the HD, IF my car even has one. Thanks.

[alphakx]

40GB? Mine is 12GB size

[Zero.7]

Originally Posted by alphakx

40GB? Mine is 12GB size

Didn't mean to mislead anyone. I must have gotten the 40GB info. from somewhere? But to be perfectly honest, I am not sure.

But, back onto the thread's topic. When did the idrive system become HDD based versus dvd based?

Anyone?

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

I thought in 2009 they changed the I drive.

[Zero.7]

Originally Posted by JPSlick

I thought in 2009 they changed the I drive.

They did. But, from what the parts' gal said, the HDD-based iDrive didn't start until 09/09?!?!? That's where I am somewhat confused.

[Zero.7]

Here's a link: http://www.bmwblog.com/2008/06/21/ex...vigation-maps/

[mdernst]

For the E9X (3 series) the new HDD based navigation system started with the 2009 Model Year (09/08 production).

It is an 80 Gb HDD with 12 Gb user-usable to load music.

Mike

[Zero.7]

Originally Posted by mdernst

For the E9X (3 series) the new HDD based navigation system started with the 2009 Model Year (09/08 production).

It is an 80 Gb HDD with 12 Gb user-usable to load music.

Mike

Thanks Mike. I think the part's gal at the dealership probably meant 9/08 rather than 9/09. I figured as much since I went out to my car and didn't have access to any DVD navigation disc.

[Kilgore Trout]

If you have those shortcut buttons, you definitely have the HDD based system.

[Zero.7]

Originally Posted by Prowess Symphony

haha, dealership people literally have no idea what they are EVER talking about. You got the hdd based idrive. 13gb or so for music.

I hear ya. I even asked a couple of times, "Are you certain?" "Can you ask someone else?" What I got was a somewhat frustrated response, "Yes, I am sure. Anything else?"

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

If you have those shortcut buttons, you definitely have the HDD based system.

Thanks. Now, I just have to start downloading some songs.

[Zero.7]

Originally Posted by Prowess Symphony

My idrive crashed a few times when playing off of the hdd. Id recommend using the usb stick. And its a pain to transfer stuff to the hdd everytime you update a song. Usb stick for ease and to save stress on the hdd since it does crash.

Thanks. I will use the USB port. I have to use the one from the glove compartment though, since I only have an AUX jack under the arm rest.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by Cni2i

Thanks. I will use the USB port. I have to use the one from the glove compartment though, since I only have an AUX jack under the arm rest.

Are you for real?

The glovebox USB does not play any songs off an USB stick, it is to load songs into the HDD. And to do that you need to intentionally go to the iDrive menu and start the downloading process into the HDD.

That's not automatic.

So I really do not understand the point of your thread as you have been using the HDD all along.

[Zero.7]

Originally Posted by Technic

Are you for real?

The glovebox USB does not play any songs off an USB stick, it is to load songs into the HDD. And to do that you need to intentionally go to the iDrive menu and start the downloading process into the HDD.

That's not automatic.

So I really do not understand the point of your thread as you have been using the HDD all along.

Technic,
It was just a question man. Sometimes questions asked on this site are very obvious to some, while not to others; hence the reason for posting threads like this to clarify. To be honest, I figured I had the HDD-based iDrive, but sometimes, we (I) need confirmation for whatever reasons. Thanks for the reply though.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by Cni2i

Technic,
It was just a question man. Sometimes questions asked on this site are very obvious to some, while not to others; hence the reason for posting threads like this to clarify. To be honest, I figured I had the HDD-based iDrive, but sometimes, we (I) need confirmation for whatever reasons. Thanks for the reply though.

I do understand something not being obvious for some people, however you have to go thru at least 3 menus to find the one that says "Music data import/export", insert the USB stick, press "OK" and see the progress bar go to 100% completed to realize that data is being transferred from the USB to somewhere, even if you do not know the definition of "import/export" and then go two menus back to play that music. And sooner or later you have to realize as well that music keeps playing even without the USB plugged in.

You have to admit that we are way beyond obvious here, bro...

Now if your confusion was as to what is somewhere -HDD, memory chip, hidden treasure chest- then at least it is understandable. But that was not your question, and that was my confusion.

[hsleiman]

Originally Posted by Technic

I do understand something not being obvious for some people, however you have to go thru at least 3 menus to find the one that says "Music data import/export", insert the USB stick, press "OK" and see the progress bar go to 100% completed to realize that data is being transferred from the USB to somewhere, even if you do not know the definition of "import/export" and then go two menus back to play that music. And sooner or later you have to realize as well that music keeps playing even without the USB plugged in.

You have to admit that we are way beyond obvious here, bro...

Now if your confusion was as to what is somewhere -HDD, memory chip, hidden treasure chest- then at least it is understandable. But that was not your question, and that was my confusion.

Maybe he had his USB stick plugged in the armrest and not glovebox. It's my understanding that you can play songs directly off a USB stick if its in the armrest USB port.

[Kilgore Trout]

Nope. Only cars with 6FL have a USB port.

[Kilgore Trout]

Originally Posted by Prowess Symphony

My idrive crashed a few times when playing off of the hdd. Id recommend using the usb stick. And its a pain to transfer stuff to the hdd everytime you update a song. Usb stick for ease and to save stress on the hdd since it does crash.

I play music off the HD all the time. Never had Idrive "crash" even once. In fact, never had a peep of trouble with the Idrive (other than the various bugs reported in this forum in the past). Something is wrong with your system.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by hsleiman

Maybe he had his USB stick plugged in the armrest and not glovebox. It's my understanding that you can play songs directly off a USB stick if its in the armrest USB port.

Originally Posted by Cni2i

Thanks. I will use the USB port. I have to use the one from the glove compartment though, since I only have an AUX jack under the arm rest.

Roger out!

[mkato13]

I love reading all the posts online with more then 5 responses. I think thats the ave number of posts it takes until some one comes on and starts giving attitude for not knowing as much as them. Thats why they posted the ? cause they didnt know the answer. It must be nice to be perfect.

[hsleiman]

Misread. My bad Captain Technic. Over and out!!!