[JamieA]

Originally Posted by jorgex

A few days ago, we have posted in article in which we proudly announced that the 2009 BMW 3 Series will get the new, update and improved iDrive system. The exciting news were posted on most of the major car blogs and at the time, and everyone got excited about it, including us.

Even though we knew that BMW usually keeps the goodies for their new, completely redesigned models, we thought that things might be different now.

Well, apparently, nothing has changed in the way BMW plans everything. Very well informed sources have shared with us that the new iDrive system will definitely NOT be in the 2009 BMW 3 Series facelift. The improved iDrive system will be part of the 5 Series and it is currently being tested in the 5 series mules.

Sorry to dissapoint you guys, but apparently we need to wait a little longer until we'll get to use the new system.

Source by bmwblog:

http://www.bmwblog.com/2008/04/23/up...idrive-system/

BMW have already broken this rule when they added the 8 "short cut " buttons to iDrive.

I think BMW will do it, they are getting caned for iDrive's usability, and this updated 3 needs to be competitive with the A4 and C Class. BMW would know that they need a few tweaks to keep up.

From a cost point of view it also makes sense. The original iDrive required structural changes to the car, but this is a tweak of an already deployed technology - much like the short cut buttons were... so it makes sense to keep components standardised, and the manufacturing volumes of the 3 series will reduce the cost for the 5 and 7, thereby increasing profit...

IMHO

[Sam12345]

way to cluttered. Not clean at all.

[KanosWRX]

I prefer the clean look currently, its really not bad at all. I don't want tons of buttons all over the place, simple and clean is best. Thats why I bought the BMW.

[MikeM5]

defeats the purpose of i-Drive IMO.

if you're going to have buttons for everything, might as well not even have it at all. the current system is very easy to use. unless you are completely incompetent with a computer, i-drive should be a breeze.

[JamieA]

We all know this. I love the iDrive, but the problem here is that journalists don't seem to be able to cope, and people who only drive the car for short periods. I think BMW want to silence once and for all the standard f&^*ing cliche about iDrive at the start of every review.

What I find amazing is that MMI and Merc's system are very similar, but never seem to receive this same amount of ink.

Just like the run flat tyre issue, that is second after iDrive in every review of a BMW I have come across. Boring!

[BK]

Originally Posted by JamieA

I think BMW want to silence once and for all the standard f&^*ing cliche about iDrive at the start of every review.

Agreed. How refreshing would it be to read a review that says, "And the new 'iDrive 2' interface is actually quite good!"

[rogataber]

The new controller looks OK but has the system got adequate processing power this time? My 2.5 year old system, updated to v25 is so slow that you lose the will to live while it reponds. The new Audi system is SO much more responsive that I am thinking about jumping ship and getting a new A4.

[J.P.]

i dont know if its the quality of the pics, but the new interior looks like its made from Mercedes cheap ass plastic

[MB330]

It all start from this (pic 1) and soon we will have this (pic 2)

[SoYank]

Originally Posted by MikeM5

defeats the purpose of i-Drive IMO.

if you're going to have buttons for everything, might as well not even have it at all. the current system is very easy to use. unless you are completely incompetent with a computer, i-drive should be a breeze.

Or a "journalist" for an automotive magazine.

[nyc3r]

i still like the touch screen of the japanese cars... yes you get fingerprints but it's so much faster to get around the menus and map

[JamieA]

I guess it depends on what you are used to. I find the iDrive easier because I don't have to look at it to get to items while I am driving - granted you have to be familiar with it to do this while not taking your eyes off the road, but it is possible...

[oncyte]

I would love to have this....especially a "Back" button! Would make it so much easier navigating through menus and music. And instead of holding the knob a specific direction for 5 seconds I would be able to just push a button....maybe i'm the only one.

[me92]

Originally Posted by iatacs19

Attached in case the original images are lost:

Attachment 148700

Attachment 148701

made by kyosho? lol