BMW 7-series to get second iDrive?

Not to be up-staged by the next generation S-class that will have dual (front and rear seat) iDrive like controllers (predicted by us), BMW is readying this option on certain vehicles.

The MY2005 and beyond 7's and 5's, that are ordered with the rear entertainment package AND comfort access will get a second iDrive controller in between the rear seats.

The rear iDrive monitor also allows the rear passengers access to the GPS system so they too can view the route map and other functions.

yrralis1 - 7/22/2004 9:56:24 PM

+1 Boost

Despite the BMW traditionalists plea of removing i drive completely the auto maker shrugs their shoulders and places TWO ?
Yanno --even casting aside the problems of i drive , or the fact that BMW relays that extra cost onto its consumers who don't want it (but like the car) --I feel that i drive will eventually become outdated like 8 track or vhs . Now imagine spending 50 grand on a car which after many years could depreciate even more because the tecnology WAS advanced but isn't anymore .The folks who lease for short term might be glad that they didn't buy the car -- and I can only speculate but my guess is taht ten years from now the i drive BMW's will be joked about .

lewissalem - 7/23/2004 10:43:07 AM

+1 Boost

I remember back in 1984 when my dad brought home a Pontiac STE with a digital readout display for the speedometer. Wow, it was so futuristic! Well, twenty years have passed and how is the speed displayed in most cars? Analog gauges, just like the old fashion days (including the 7 series.)

If BMW does not improve the ease of use of the I-Drive system, I predict it goes the way of the Dodo.