Filed under: Gadgets, Tech, BMW
BMW to add further features, complications, to iDrive
These days, technology and customization go hand-in-hand. Laptop computers and MP3 players now come in a rainbow of colors and your computer's operating system can be made to suit your unique preferences. BMW has big plans in store for its oft-criticized iDrive system which would make it and the vehicle in which it's installed extremely customizable as well. Simple choices such as color schemes and screensavers for the iDrive's graphical user interface pale in comparison to the ability to adjust transmission shift points and engine boost levels in an effort to either increase fuel economy or improve overall performance. Multiple users will be able to make their own adjustments and save their settings and the car will know the driver based on which key fob is in close proximity.
There are way too many new features planned for iDrive than there is space in this post to display them. For the complete and exhaustive rundown, click here. Thankfully, changes will be accessible from a web-enabled computer, which should simplify the in-car user interface somewhat. Rest assured, though, BMW's iDrive, already overcomplicated in the opinion of many, won't be disappearing from its dash-mounted perch anytime soon. Thanks for the tip, gear_shift!
[Source: BimmerFile]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Daniel 2:06PM (6/01/2008)
End italics ;)
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Chris 2:08PM (6/01/2008)
Just don't order Navigation, simple. Unless they start embedding iDrive regardless of whether Navigation is there.
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IK47 2:26PM (6/01/2008)
they do
in some of their cars, even if you don't have navigation, you still get iDrive.
Khalid 5:48PM (6/01/2008)
Yep the 5, X5/X6, 6 and 7 series all come standard with Idrive regardless of navigation.
The Idrive really isn't nearly as frustrating as journalists make it seem. It takes minutes to get used to, and once its all setup you appreciate your specific customization every time you enter your car.
Sandeep 2:35PM (6/01/2008)
I think this is incredible. I must say, I was a skeptic of iDrive when it first came out, and I'm still not 100% convinced, but with every detail I read about the iDrive, it just becomes more and more incredible.
I am not afraid of the learning curve, as I've always been a techy sort of guy. All we need to do now is create our own firmware for iDrive and spec the performance beyond factory-limits. Who needs hardware tuning, anyways? ;)
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PJ 3:18AM (6/02/2008)
Agreed. And as much as I hate the proliferation of drive-by-wire (e-throttles, electric steering, etc), and the man-machine disconnect that comes with it, I like the resulting potential for individual customization of control feel.
Want a little more steering effort? Dial it up on iDrive. Quicker ratio? Ditto. Throttle response, brake-pedal effort, return-to-center motion... being able to fine-tune all of these to your liking, instead of ferreting out a car that approximates your preferences, sounds like a bright future.
Dave 2:54PM (6/01/2008)
A technical diversion is one more distraction from the job at hand - DRIVING!
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Artemiy Pavlov 3:00PM (6/01/2008)
New options confirmed by BMW:
"M blue" color scheme for iDrive $299
"M" logo on the iDrive dial $299
"M" wallpaper for iDrive $499
"M" screensaver for iDrive $999
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wormyguy 6:47PM (6/01/2008)
:D
Chris 4:12PM (6/01/2008)
"Deactivate the 80 mph speed limiter, HAL".
"I'm sorry, Dave. I can not do that for you right now".
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Alex B 4:25PM (6/01/2008)
My job is to design interfaces for gadgets and software. One key principle of interface design is that the more information you provide to users, the harder it becomes for them to sort out what's important from what is not. Adding needless load to your brain when you're driving is not a great idea - when I'm in my car, all I want is a steering wheel, brake, gas, shifter, and a few gauges.
Unfortunately though, another key principle is that bells & whistles like this sell cars (and sell other things too) - even if people end up not using them or actually hating them!
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ken_aisin 4:13PM (6/02/2008)
I really agree with you. All I want is gas, brake, clutch, shifter, and a few gauges.
BMW should definitely get rid of this stupid iDrive system. Instead, it should replace the analog gauges with a LCD screen which the driver can customize. This means I can customize which gauges that I want to see on my display, the look, the size, and the placement of these gauges on the LCD display.
Other things that I can customize on the display are such as audio settings, temperature for auto climate control, the gear that I'm in (if it's equipped with DSG), and settings for cruise control.
All these settings can be changed quickly and intuitively with just a few buttons on the steering wheel (just like the audio control buttons on the steering wheel).
The best thing is, the custom settings can be memorized. That means you can have your custom settings for the display, while your wife and your kids can have their own custom displays. Just like memorized custom settings for power mirrors and power seats.
Finally, Chris Bangle and Adrian Van Hooydonkis are the worst car designers in the industry in my opinion. The worst thing is they are ignorant, and won't listen to the customers in terns of what they really want to see in a BMW. I hate their designs, and I hate their stupid iDrive system. BMW must get rid of these two retards as soon as possible. To me, the only BMW models that look acceptable are the 3 series coupe and the M3. The rest are just hideous.
dave0mary 5:04PM (6/01/2008)
Ever notice that it's ONLY mag editors or others who don't actually own an iDrive car complaining? I'm a Bimmer fanatic ... and used to sell 'em too. Never, ever met anyone who owned and USED an iDrive that didn't love it. This world is so full of Keith Olbermans telling you what to think.
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Tony2X 5:13PM (6/01/2008)
I agree! I have driven a few iDrive equipped BMWs and once I spent a few minutes learning the UI, it was easy to use.
Frank 9:33PM (6/01/2008)
lol if u can type w/o lookin at a keyboard, I-drive is simple. except gps w/ idrive, touchscreen woulda been better.
Mani 1:37AM (6/03/2008)
I completely agree. I love it in my 7 series and its a great feature. Its easy to use, the only gripe I have is the menus can be slow at times, but thats car tech for ya.
Michael 5:14PM (6/01/2008)
Most people making fun of iDrive have no clue what they're talking about; they see it made fun of in Car & Driver, so they make fun of it, too. 'Coz, you know, all the cool kids are doing it.
Nonsense. I got a lot of time to play around with iDrive in a 528 a couple weeks ago, and it was awesome. It's not that confusing.
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gear_shift 5:22PM (6/01/2008)
you're welcome jeremy... ;)
The first idrive generation (on the 7 series) was really messy. When they placed the "menu" button to return home it was much better.
Let's just hope it isn't too buggy... I welcome setting up things at home and then just drive... sounds right to me.
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YouFaceTheTick 8:44PM (6/01/2008)
iDrive = simple to use but SLOW. My sister's 3 has iDrive and I've played with it in other BMWs, so I don't understand the complaints. What's wrong with it beyond the fact it's extremely slow? A bit of trial and error quickly teaches users where everything is located. If not for the speed, people wouldn't even notice they're having issues initially.
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kanoswrx 11:06PM (6/01/2008)
I really don't see why people keep bashing the idrive. I wonder how many of the columnists actually own a bmw vs just use it for 20 seconds. Its like a mini computer it has a little learning curve. Once you learn it though you find that it really is fairly easy to use. I really wish people would stop bashing it unless they have used it more then a few minutes.
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