iDrive

parapaul · 07-19-2010, 09:40 PM

I'm looking to buy used, and probably pre-LCI unless one comes up with galactic mileage.

Based on what I've read, I don't really want BMW nav or bluetooth - I'd rather go aftermarket for both.

Given that, is it worth holding out for a used car with iDrive, or is what's left of the functionality not worth having? Has anyone gone from an iDrive-equipped car to one without, and NOT missed it? Or conversely, anyone gone from a car without iDrive to one with, and now realised they can't live without it?

nasser · 07-19-2010, 10:59 PM

Had 535d with idrive, sat nav bluetooth etc. Now I've 335d without the idrive and Sat Nav. Dont miss them at all. There nice to look at initially then the novelty wears off.

BanziBarn · 07-20-2010, 01:59 AM

Personally I think the car looks incomplete without it. Also, it makes choosing tunes nice and easy, especially as I gave 32gb of songs to search through.

The car will be easier to sell with the idrive too.

ghosty · 07-20-2010, 02:26 AM

i think that pro nav/idrive is a nice to have, non essential but nice to look at and is a nice addition to the car, but comes at a price

the bluetooth on the other hand is very good and i would consider more essential on a car. id def have to have that factory fitted rather than messing about with retrofit. if you look for a used car one with BT will be vitually minimal difference in price between one with and one without. so why not look for one with.

pro nav/idrive will carry a premium, and almost most likely to also have the BT option as well. depends on whether you think it'll be worth it. personally i dont think id pay full price for it but buying used you get a sort of discount which makes it sweeter

NFS · 07-20-2010, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parapaul

I'm looking to buy used, and probably pre-LCI unless one comes up with galactic mileage.

Based on what I've read, I don't really want BMW nav or bluetooth - I'd rather go aftermarket for both.

Given that, is it worth holding out for a used car with iDrive, or is what's left of the functionality not worth having? Has anyone gone from an iDrive-equipped car to one without, and NOT missed it? Or conversely, anyone gone from a car without iDrive to one with, and now realised they can't live without it?

I had idrive without nav in my 5 series. I think it's still worth having even then.

In honesty, the pre-LCI navigation is pretty clunky and many aftermarket versions would probably be better (provided you do a neat install).

If you get an LCI you should also get idrive, because it is about 1,000,000% better.

creepy coupe · 07-20-2010, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NFS

In honesty, the pre-LCI navigation is pretty clunky and many aftermarket versions would probably be better (provided you do a neat install).

If you get an LCI you should also get idrive, because it is about 1,000,000% better.

Some pre LCI cars have the latest idrive and software, well coupes anyway.

xenon · 07-20-2010, 03:39 AM

I wouldn't spec it new unless I got a deal / package as the premium for it is so high (which you won't get back) and it isn't very good at all. However, in the second-hand market it will add a smaller premium that you would get back when you came to sell. It makes the dash look more complete but other than that the nav is crap.

I'd agree with ghosty that factory-fit Bluetooth is essential - everyone has a BT phone these days and it really does work very well, especially the voice commands.

TMP · 07-20-2010, 03:43 AM

I think its an essential....so easy/safe to adjust stuff* while keeping eyes more on road.

While I like the touch screens in Jaaags / Vag's you do need to look more at what you are doing.

*stuff = music, nav, phone, climate settings, trip comp....everything

Em135eye · 07-20-2010, 03:51 AM

I don't like it and you lose a really handy storage area with it too.

I actively avoided it - part of the reason I didn't consider a 535d is because it has to come with i-drive. Couldn't give two hoots about the resale value without it.

creepy coupe · 07-20-2010, 04:43 AM

The later Nav with CIC is much improved over the earlier version, it's faster, with good features, such as lane guidance, 3D maps, route import, bigger screen. I don't think it's worth £2k though.

Em135eye · 07-20-2010, 04:54 AM

New version does sound much better - on a new/newer one I'd consider it.

I know it's a silly little thing but I find that storage area SO handy (that is deleted with i-drive) - mobile fits in it perfectly - particularly handy when I use it as a music source (AUX plus in the storage bin just behind it), change, house keys, etc. I'd hate to lose it.

toxicnerve · 07-20-2010, 05:37 AM

Couple of things:

1. I didn't realise you could have iDrive without nav?

2. I think it's essential, it makes using various aspects of the car so much better. Music/media, trip comp, service menus etc. It's all way better via the iDrive.

Also, I agree with creepy, the CIC version is much better. It navigate quickly, the screen is higher resolution and it gives you HDD space to rip music. I think it's great.

One failing...

No full (7 character) postcode entry....WTF.

The £50 software I run on my smartphone can do this, why the fuck an option that cost a couple of grand from BMW can't is beyond me.

Em135eye · 07-20-2010, 05:43 AM

Another issue - people "in the know" seem to think it's essential to have extend a warranty with i-drive 3ers but not essential without - that's backed up by a BMW technician I know who checked my car up on the Puma database to make sure it was okay (it is).

Never find using the OBC a pain and perfectly happy using buttons to use the stereo - it's not exactly hard.

i-drive was the main reason my inlaws 535d was returned three months after delivery - it completely stuffed up the car.

For Satnav - if I ever need it, my phone does a great job (HTC Desire). The rest of the time a map book is my preference.

leeadam · 07-20-2010, 07:39 AM

defiantly go for idrive...its a no brainer

creepy coupe · 07-20-2010, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335diesel

The rest of the time a map book is my preference.

Luddite

Em135eye · 07-20-2010, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Luddite

Wait until you see my map book though...

xenon · 07-20-2010, 08:25 AM

The new version is very much better but the price of it is hard to stomach. My next will be US Spec and they seem to have even fewer over there.

creepy coupe · 07-20-2010, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335diesel

Wait until you see my map book though...

Does she sit next to you, whispering where to point it

Em135eye · 07-20-2010, 08:32 AM

If I'm good...

R80TER · 07-20-2010, 10:47 AM

i would say the bmw bluetooth is superb, the integration is excellent with the stereo, stores my entire blackberry phonebook on there. a million times better than any 3rd party BT system IMHO.

MattOz · 07-20-2010, 11:28 AM

Wouldn't buy a 330/335 without nav/bluetooth etc. Would be an absolute ball ache to sell on. Bit like having one with beige interior!

E92BSM10 · 07-20-2010, 11:29 AM

I haven't got iDrive and I don't really regret speccing it when I bought my car

07-19-2010, 09:40 PM	#1
parapaul Colonel 129 Rep 2,216 Posts Drives: E91 330d M Sport Join Date: May 2010 Location: Stoke on Trent iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E91 330D MSport [0.00]	iDrive - Worth holding out for? I'm looking to buy used, and probably pre-LCI unless one comes up with galactic mileage. Based on what I've read, I don't really want BMW nav or bluetooth - I'd rather go aftermarket for both. Given that, is it worth holding out for a used car with iDrive, or is what's left of the functionality not worth having? Has anyone gone from an iDrive-equipped car to one without, and NOT missed it? Or conversely, anyone gone from a car without iDrive to one with, and now realised they can't live without it?
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07-19-2010, 10:59 PM	#2
nasser New Member 2 Rep 28 Posts Drives: 335d m sport touring Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: birmingham iTrader: (0)	iDrive Had 535d with idrive, sat nav bluetooth etc. Now I've 335d without the idrive and Sat Nav. Dont miss them at all. There nice to look at initially then the novelty wears off.
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07-20-2010, 01:59 AM	#3
BanziBarn Lieutenant Colonel 115 Rep 1,800 Posts Drives: BMW 330D E90 LCI Msport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Personally I think the car looks incomplete without it. Also, it makes choosing tunes nice and easy, especially as I gave 32gb of songs to search through. The car will be easier to sell with the idrive too. __________________ Black 330d E90 LCI M Sport Saloon Auto. Privacy Glass, Cream Leather, 6FL, I-Drive/Nav/Bluetooth, Alpine hifi upgrade.
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07-20-2010, 02:26 AM	#4
ghosty Lieutenant 17 Rep 497 Posts Drives: e92 335d se Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Essex iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 335d SE [0.00]	i think that pro nav/idrive is a nice to have, non essential but nice to look at and is a nice addition to the car, but comes at a price the bluetooth on the other hand is very good and i would consider more essential on a car. id def have to have that factory fitted rather than messing about with retrofit. if you look for a used car one with BT will be vitually minimal difference in price between one with and one without. so why not look for one with. pro nav/idrive will carry a premium, and almost most likely to also have the BT option as well. depends on whether you think it'll be worth it. personally i dont think id pay full price for it but buying used you get a sort of discount which makes it sweeter
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07-20-2010, 03:39 AM	#7
xenon Major General 1524 Rep 8,241 Posts Drives: 2025 ID.7 Pro Touring Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	I wouldn't spec it new unless I got a deal / package as the premium for it is so high (which you won't get back) and it isn't very good at all. However, in the second-hand market it will add a smaller premium that you would get back when you came to sell. It makes the dash look more complete but other than that the nav is crap. I'd agree with ghosty that factory-fit Bluetooth is essential - everyone has a BT phone these days and it really does work very well, especially the voice commands. __________________ Ian Current: 2025 ID.7 Pro Touring Previous: 2021 G21 330i, 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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07-20-2010, 03:43 AM	#8
TMP Brigadier General 364 Rep 3,022 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cheshire iTrader: (0)	I think its an essential....so easy/safe to adjust stuff* while keeping eyes more on road. While I like the touch screens in Jaaags / Vag's you do need to look more at what you are doing. *stuff = music, nav, phone, climate settings, trip comp....everything __________________ M2 Arrived! Family 5er
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07-20-2010, 03:51 AM	#9
Em135eye Banned 181 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	I don't like it and you lose a really handy storage area with it too. I actively avoided it - part of the reason I didn't consider a 535d is because it has to come with i-drive. Couldn't give two hoots about the resale value without it.
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07-20-2010, 04:43 AM	#10
creepy coupe Lieutenant General 1831 Rep 13,043 Posts Drives: BMW M340I G20 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW 435d [0.00] 2009 335i [0.00]	The later Nav with CIC is much improved over the earlier version, it's faster, with good features, such as lane guidance, 3D maps, route import, bigger screen. I don't think it's worth £2k though.
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07-20-2010, 04:54 AM	#11
Em135eye Banned 181 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	New version does sound much better - on a new/newer one I'd consider it. I know it's a silly little thing but I find that storage area SO handy (that is deleted with i-drive) - mobile fits in it perfectly - particularly handy when I use it as a music source (AUX plus in the storage bin just behind it), change, house keys, etc. I'd hate to lose it.
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07-20-2010, 05:37 AM	#12
toxicnerve Colonel 99 Rep 2,834 Posts Drives: E92 335d M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	Couple of things: 1. I didn't realise you could have iDrive without nav? 2. I think it's essential, it makes using various aspects of the car so much better. Music/media, trip comp, service menus etc. It's all way better via the iDrive. Also, I agree with creepy, the CIC version is much better. It navigate quickly, the screen is higher resolution and it gives you HDD space to rip music. I think it's great. One failing... No full (7 character) postcode entry....WTF. The £50 software I run on my smartphone can do this, why the fuck an option that cost a couple of grand from BMW can't is beyond me.
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07-20-2010, 05:43 AM	#13
Em135eye Banned 181 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Another issue - people "in the know" seem to think it's essential to have extend a warranty with i-drive 3ers but not essential without - that's backed up by a BMW technician I know who checked my car up on the Puma database to make sure it was okay (it is). Never find using the OBC a pain and perfectly happy using buttons to use the stereo - it's not exactly hard. i-drive was the main reason my inlaws 535d was returned three months after delivery - it completely stuffed up the car. For Satnav - if I ever need it, my phone does a great job (HTC Desire). The rest of the time a map book is my preference.
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07-20-2010, 07:39 AM	#14
leeadam Major 468 Rep 1,151 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Comp (Evolve Tune) Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Buckinghamshire, England iTrader: (0)	defiantly go for idrive...its a no brainer
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07-20-2010, 08:25 AM	#17
xenon Major General 1524 Rep 8,241 Posts Drives: 2025 ID.7 Pro Touring Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	The new version is very much better but the price of it is hard to stomach. My next will be US Spec and they seem to have even fewer over there. __________________ Ian Current: 2025 ID.7 Pro Touring Previous: 2021 G21 330i, 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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07-20-2010, 08:32 AM	#19
Em135eye Banned 181 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	If I'm good...
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07-20-2010, 10:47 AM	#20
R80TER Lieutenant 28 Rep 564 Posts Drives: e90 320D ED Join Date: May 2009 Location: Royal Berkshire iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 E90 330D M Sport [10.00]	i would say the bmw bluetooth is superb, the integration is excellent with the stereo, stores my entire blackberry phonebook on there. a million times better than any 3rd party BT system IMHO. __________________ Its all about the mpg!
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07-20-2010, 11:28 AM	#21
MattOz Lieutenant Colonel 347 Rep 1,830 Posts Drives: Alpina G21 D3S Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Midlands iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 E90 M3 [0.00]	Wouldn't buy a 330/335 without nav/bluetooth etc. Would be an absolute ball ache to sell on. Bit like having one with beige interior!
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07-20-2010, 11:29 AM	#22
E92BSM10 Brigadier General 49 Rep 3,608 Posts Drives: E92 320D M-Sport Highline Join Date: May 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I haven't got iDrive and I don't really regret speccing it when I bought my car
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