WORLD EXCLUSIVE: BMW dumping iDrive starting on the next 7-Series?

I hope the final integration of the system doesn't have the current iPod spin-wheel's configuration on the steering wheel ... the photoshop makes it look like it'd be a nightmare always accidentally hitting/changing/selecting options.

I am overjoyed that the dreaded iDrive bites the dust. I don't want anything on a car that is menu driven. All functions should have totally independent analog controls although digital readouts are ok.

Dude, you're like 80 years old. Of course that's what you think!

Seems to us, the scroll wheel is the safest, simplest solution that takes up the least space.

And the way it is used, is now virtually known by everyone, so the learning curve is virtally non-existent.

001

I love the iDrive except for the software. This new system will be awesome. It is a great idea to replace the iDrive with.

The iDrive IS the software... so that's a bit contradictory.

I'm still getting used to it in our X5. The voice recognition is wonderful, though.

I LOVE my iDrive. Im so glad I got this option.

I think the bluetooth quality is amazing, and so are the voice commands. It does sometimes move a little slowly when I switch between Navigation & Entertainment, but Im sure this new software fixes that. I also can cycle between HD radio, Satellite Radio, my iPhone, and Ipod. Easily.

BMW isnt dumping iDrive, theyre simply improving upon it. Like all technology, it advances quickly, so it would be foolish of BMW to not keep up.

I for one am very satisfied with iDrive and think its very easy to adapt to and have really been glad I got it. Dont really get what all the bitching is about with it.

YEEESSSSSSS!!! Finally *phew*

I dont know what all the whinning is about. My dad has a 530i with idrive and when i get back into my tC after driving it i miss the idrive its a very good system. Now that the kinks are out of it its perfect. The problem with all these reviews is that people either dont have the time to get used to it or they dont give it the time. Just take a couple days to learn it and you will prefer it over anything currently avaliable including a traditional non-computer setup.

The only hiccup in the system is the processor is alittle bit slow in it but thats it.

Just give it a chance!!

EXACTLY. You know what no one ever mentions? The vast majority of people who actually OWN cars with iDrive (except for 2002-2003 7-Series models, which iDrive did suck in) actually LIKE iDrive. It may take a little bit of getting used to but once you know the system it's easy to use and offers a lot of functionality, all while uncluttering the dash. (Go sit in a new Acura RL and tell me uncluttering the dash is not a good thing -- it has a million buttons AND an iDrive-style knob). Unfortunately though you don't hear from those happy people, the people who actually HAVE one. Instead the people you hear from are the talking heads who write for magazines who spend 15 minutes with the car and then regurgitate the same opinions from 5 years ago because those groupthink opinions are what people want to see and hear.

You guys are probably right. I'm sure I will have a second BMW soon to complement our two Audis, and it will put a nice perspective on both brands; it will also give me the time to appreciate iDrive.

I totally concur. I purchased an '06 and by the time all the paperwork was finished it was dark. So on my 2hr drive home I started fiddling with it. It was hilarious. The damn thing started teaching me! But by the time I'd gotten home, I had a good overall knowledge of the system and had programmed some steering wheel keys also. Whenever I was stumped, I just hit the "menu" on the console and started over.
I found it to be rather intuitive, and the voice command is awesome.

JRobUSC
maybe you want to drive an RL before making such an uneducated comment?
yes, RL has millions of buttons, but with the exceptionally good voice recognition (maybe one of the best in the market), most likely, you don't need to press any button.
Most of RL's functionalities are accessible via voice command, the big knob or the touch screen. In general, i think RL's control beats IDrive without a doubt.

ghosthunter, I actually DID drive an RL, in fact I spent an entire weekend in one. After literally almost crashing the car trying to figure out why the HVAC controls are both above AND below the stereo controls, buried in that million button array surrounding the iDrive-like knob, I realized how much I missed iDrive in the BMW's I've owned.

I like how BMW fans keep saying that if you spend time learning i-drive, then....
I would argue, if you spend ONE THIRD the time you used to learn I-drive to learn Acura's control (or any other car's control in this case), you will be a lot better off. i mean, no shit, if i spend 40 years learning Greek, i would master that language.

JRobUSC. I really don't think you should blame Acura's control for leading you into a 'almost crash.' frankly speaking, if you spend similar amount of time in BMW and trying to figure out how to use idrive during your test drive, then that WILL lead to a crash.

regarding to Acura's HAVC , my answer is: you don't find those buttons, you set AC on/off, passenger or driver temperature by voice command. to be honest, the only two button I need to find in my Acura are front and rare window defrost. everything else goes to voice command. However, I would like to have the CHOICE of choosing between voice command, touch screen or buttons, which is why i believe idrive is a bad design.

it took me 15 minutes to learn iDrive ghosthunter. In an entire weekend with a new RL the only thing I learned is how ridiculous the layout was. There is literally ZERO logic as to why certain buttons are where they are. Climate control buttons above stereo buttons above other climate control buttons -- how about you put all the buttons and knobs for the same subsystems by each other?

Knock iDrive all you want, and I'm glad you enjoy your Acura, but don't sit there and pontificate about how much better the layout is. Is isn't better and it's not easier to learn, period. You frankly sound like someone trying to justify the purchase of an what is generally considered inferior vehicle.

Are you kidding?

They are one of the most tech-forward brands in the world right now. The 2008 5 Series is the only car to combine radar cruise control, night vision and a head-up display in one vehicle.

BTW... having new technology for "sporty suspensions" and "sporty steering" is a great thing! That's exactly what Audi is doing, too!

Okay, SORRY, in the American market.

There may be better systems out today - 5 years after the i-Drive but I thought the i-Drive was perfect. It was so easy to figure out! And I had it in a 2002 745Li!!

Make so much sense. Just a reminder for German automakers: Concentrate on making the cars even more entertaining to drive but dump the European electronic system suppliers (such as Bosch) and switch to other suppliers who excel in the field such as Apple (in this case) or others. If it was me, I would talk to the Japanese subcontracter that design Lexus' navi / stereo system. BTW, Sony is huge and well received in Germany, there is even a Sony Center in Berlin. Mercedes and Audi should follow BMW's lead.

Apple uses uses German electronics technology. The display hardware/software supplier is called Balda AG, you can look them up on the Net. Sorry I ruined your day.

Huh, Ironic, the only flawless application I found with the Idrive was the Ipod interface.

Honestly,

Having owned my 745 since 05 (but getting ready to get rid of it), I really don't see the big deal, every interface becomes intuitive if you make an effort to learn it. I was proficient with I-drive in a little less than 1 week, I think people just seem to want electronics to read their minds these days and I believe most issues can be solved with a quick browse through the owner's manual. Do people even read these things any more? I spent a week reading the owners manual and never needed to look at it again. The human race is really getting lazy, I've never had any issue using I-drive that wasn't my own fault. I'm starting to think intuitive means "I no longer have to think" which IMO is pretty sad.......


Stone

Stone

"I believe most issues can be solved with a quick browse through the owner's manual. Do people even read these things any more?"

Nope. That's how the term "RTFM!" came into use on the Internet, LOL.

I think that working with Apple is good for BMW because apple interfaces are simple. I'm not a big iDrive fan myself but thats me. The buttons in cars don't bother me much as long as they are well designed. I didn't mind the system in the old BMW 740il or for that fact I dont mind the Command system in my Mercedes. I like having a button and knowing where the radio is in my car. The buttons never bother me. I think that whole thing was thought up by one journalist and everyone else just ran with it. Hell the BMW's still have a bunch of buttons. In the 7 series they just moved them from the dash to the arm rest and steering wheels. You notice that the updated iDrive systems moved buttons to the dash for the radio and other minor things.
T

"I like having a button and knowing where the radio is in my car."

You have access to the radio controls outside of the iDrive on every BMW besides the 7 Series today.

Anyway, I hate the COMAND system in your CLK (and E and ML and GL and SL and CLS and G and SLK), because there are far too many buttons and a very annoying toggle switch. Sorry, but that's just how I feel. The one in my S4 was annoying, too, but now I'm absolutely used to it.

S4, there are redundant radio controls in the "normal" place for the 7-Series now too, along with programmable buttons to pull up commonly used functions.

Wouldn't the simplest and solution be like the iPod Touch? Scroll wheels now look ancient compared to the iPhone and Touch. But then if they made a touch screen, wouldn't that just be copying Lexus or any Asian manufacturer?

BMW doesn't use touchscreens have a reason for not doing so -- glare. That's why they mount the screen high and recessed with a shroud. Say what you will about iDrive, but you can always see the screen, even with direct sunlight. Now go sit in a Lexus SC430 with the top down (or any Lexus with the moonroof open)on a bright day and tell me how much fun it is trying to make out what the screen says. Touchscreens are worthless if you can't read them.

I-drive. Absolutely worthless - no value added - I would never buy another one. Good riddance.

Now, if BMW will only will admit that run-flat tires are equally worthless, maybe I could buy another one. No run-flats for me.
Jim
2004 530i with I drive
2005 325ci coupe with real tires.

Just take your run flats off if they bother you that much. I didnt want run flats but that didnt stop me from buying the car.

I did, threw em in my garage, put on some PS2's and will put the Run flats back on when I get rid of the car. Pretty simple.

He did. That's why it says "real tires" after 325ci.

S4, I can read.

I was referring to him saying he wouldnt buy a new one...which I think is stupid....you dont buy a car for what kind of rubber it wears.

And S4, like always, you dont know the facts.

The BMW 325Ci didnt come with run flats, so in other words...

HE DIDNT.

PS: Why do you feel the need to comment on EVERYTHING. I for one get so sick of your "know it all" attitude that you spit around this site. Get over yourself...seriously.

I agree with your first comment. I don't buy the car for the tires it has. If I don't like them, they will be swapped out.

But your second one? Why is the inflammatory attitude necessary? He implied that the 325ci was standard with run-flats, so I gathered. I'm sorry I don't know everything about 2005 3 Series models...

I don't "know everything," and I certainly don't claim to know everything. That's just my reputation, I guess. Enjoy your BMW.

"He implied that the 325ci was standard with run-flats, so I gathered. I'm sorry I don't know everything about 2005 3 Series models..."

If you dont know about 2005 BMW's (which I doubt) then dont make comments like you do.

I dont think he implied it had run flats at all. He was saying he preffered his 2005 BMW with "Real Tires" as opposed to "Run Flats" on current BMWs.

You reply, with a snarky, "He Did" when I suggested he ditch the run flats if he dislikes them so much. You were wrong.

In the future, if youre not sure what youre talking about, it might be wise to fact check before making a comment. Enjoy your Audi.

this would be AMAZING.

apple makes THE BEST and most beautiful interfaces out there. a mac, an iphone and a car that are all linked. SIGN ME UP!

I think you'd get another BMW if it didn't have one, LOL. And this only sweetens the deal.

totally. just makes bmw an even more obvious choice for me.

totally. just makes bmw an even more obvious choice for me.

This is great news !!!!!!

Now all BMW has to do is a little DEBangling to a more traditional yet progessive styling . I can;t help but look at the 5 , 6, and 7 current models with their odd shapes and dated technology and wonder how anyone could look at the car followed by the MSRP and avoid gasping .

BMW engineers one of the greatest engines in the world and somehow foists it into this large awkward style coupled with a massive computer screen eyesore in the midst of an interior which for an 80+ K car that could be featured on an automotive plastic surgery reality show .

"I can;t help but look at the 5 , 6, and 7 current models with their odd shapes and dated technology and wonder how anyone could look at the car followed by the MSRP and avoid gasping."

Sorry, but this is completely incorrect. The 7 is only slightly "dated..." but it's still easily ahead of most cars today. On the other hand, the 5 and 6 are technologically avant garde--they both have heads-up displays available, swiveling xenons like everyone else, SMG (6 Series), night view assist (5) and radar cruise control (5). And how are they overpriced?? They're right in the middle of their classes.

Fast -

I agree that when it comes to the drive --BMW delivers . When it comes to the handling-BMW delivers. When it comes to the engine--BMW delivers .

I can tout the plus side too but weighing the overall package of many parts --the 5 series fails for ME.

Once upon a time the BMW 5 and 7 retained a traditional understated styling with a quality interior which established the earlier models as a benchmark . In fact in those days leasing was less common and commitment involved in buying the car established a dedicated customer base .

Despite the "record sales" numbers (economic spin data) touted per quarter and an almost indoctrinated yet attention deficit herd like following of some of the newfangled models --the current model line of the 5 and 7 has faced a tremendous volume of journalistic as well as message forum controversy.

It is my hope that with time BMW takes strides with these larger models to the success of the smaller 3 and 1 which receive so much praise .

You may not like the styling, but I was very impressed with the interior of the 5. Unlike the pre-facelifted one, this one feels more solid, and everything seems to be in the right place. This, plus the quality of the materials is up their with Audi and Merc.

'message forum controversy'

do you think BMW gives a shit about what some chumps on a message forum write when actual customers are buying cars 'in record numbers?'

This will be interesting since VW has also been in cahoots with Apple as well on a touch screen functions device for their cars. Wonder if a lot of companies will introduce Apple inspired or even Apple interfaces in upcoming vehicles.

Guys, having read this site for some time, I'm finally weighing in my opinion on this since I've been in IT development for over 23 years.
Everyone knows in the IT industry that BMW developed the iDrive in conjunction with Microsoft. The foundation of the system is essentially a MS OS.
Since they’ve taken so much flack with the iDrive as mentioned previously, they have finally realized that they need to go to Microsoft’s arch rival in the micro OS space which incidentally creates a better OS in the form of MAC OS X. It’s not surprising that an Apple joint venture will create a more intuitive interface most people will take a liking too. If this is true, I take my hat off to BMW to finally recognizing iDrive’s shortcomings and making a decision to remedy it.
I think what’s forcing them is the fact the other automobile infomat software like Sync from Ford also a MS product has had some decent reviews. Add to this, the fact that MS is not too welcomed in Europe and that Apple on the other hand is revered witness the acceptance of the iPhone. Hm… iPhone uDrive?

I can't say any news of BMW dumping i-drive excites me. I personally love the system & know it like the back of my hand. I can cruise through it with ease & comfort, because you don't have to lean forward towards the dash all the time looking for that certain button.

My only beef with the i-drive is how you have to select your fan settings (Floor, dash or windshield) through the "Climate" menu, & the positioning of the volume button should be next to the systems controller like it is with Audi's MMI.

iDrive isn't going away--it's just getting a better interface.

Also... just use the volume buttons on the steering wheel, if you have the heated/multifunction wheel on your 6er.

I do use the steering wheel volume control but I so often get a passenger who starts feeling spoiled by the cars other features, & then complains about the fact that he or she can't sit back & control the volume as well. Soon after that passenger will find him or herself in the back seat on the next trip.

iDrive is dead! Long live MMI!

Seriously, iDrive was one of the reasons I haven't bought a BMW in 7 years.

If Mr. Jobs can develop a more intuitive interface for BMW, more power to him!

Yes, fastonekiller, I know you can get those cars without iDrive. However, I wanted the benefits of an integrated control system, and I didn't like the iDrive interface. In addition, I am too tall to fit in the 1 and 3 series, so the point is moot.

The fact that Audi's MMI is more intuitive than iDrive or COMMAND is one of the reasons I am now driving an Audi A8 instead of a BMW 5-series or a Mercedes E-class. However, I did slightly prefer COMMAND to iDrive.

If I may go off on a tangent, I also considered the Infiniti M sedan. Infiniti's Controller system was pretty good, but the control layout was less elegant than the Audi's, with more buttons creating a cluttered look. Still, Infiniti's Controller was easier to learn and use than either iDrive of COMMAND.

"The 7 is only slightly "dated...""

I did say "dated technology" . In fact the title thread indicates agreement with my thoughts as i drive may very well be history . Imagine the resale hit. In my opinion it's always been my thoughts that technology advances much more rapidly than design and engineering.
Regarding i drive --I felt it was never a choice on the 5 or 7 and for those who love it , it should have been available but for those who do not -- they deserved the choice as well to NOT have it.

as for the individual options listed I don't see anything which somehow dictates the interface of an i drive system and in terms of ease and efficienty blended with price --there are Japanese cars which deliver .

Most BMW buyers tout the driving performance way above the gadgetry which by the way I agree with .

I recall reading a review where a journalist (don't recall who) wrote "it's the car everyone wants to drive but no one wants to drive it" regarding the 7 . Intereresting statement I thought.

As for the SMG -- the DSG around the bend makes that SMG seem like a dinosaur in my opinion .

If you love the car , if you feel the styling is beautiful, if you like the gadgets, if you feel that the interior isn't deplorable quality for a car in this price range --I wish you most enjoyable and happy miles driving that car.

"If you love the car , if you feel the styling is beautiful, if you like the gadgets, if you feel that the interior isn't deplorable quality for a car in this price range --I wish you most enjoyable and happy miles driving that car. "

Are you still talking about the 7?

I don't own one, I don't plan on driving it, and I don't see myself buying one any time soon. I think it's currently at the bottom of the class... but I'm excited to see what they'll do with the next model.

what the hell are you talking about? This isn't the GTR thread.

I have iDrive, and while it did drive me nuts the first week, now I love it, and can't imagine a car without it. Reviewers will hate it as they don't keep the car long enough to learn all the shortcuts. Once you learn it--it is quite powerful.

btw, v1 of idrive was based on ms windows CE. v2 onwards was is based on vxworks (realtime linux). Currently we are on v3 (since march 2007).

Dump Bangle
Dump iDrive
Bring back hydraulic steering

Bring back hydraulic steering
Revise i-drive
Revise Bangle

And you're basing this on? Sounds like you're the one who's insecure if BMW and their owners bother you that much.

and you 'no' nothing about writing in American English. Why don't you tell us what a good car is, since BMW's are no good, and Porsches are 'overpriced junk.'

Imbecile.

Every car maker on earth has at some point used a BMW model, or the entire BMW design philosophy as a benchmark for their own creations.

Cretin.

your just upset because mommy and daddy can't buy you one.

Actually if you read around on BMW forums, most owners who've actually had enough time to become accustomed to the system love it.

I actually love the idrive in my X5. It makes things so easier for me, you only need to get used to it. Most of the reviewers dont get to spend alot of time in the car, so they misjudge it, which is very wrong. Any new technology needs time to get used to it. Whats so hard about moving the knob to the right, left, up or down or rotating it?!

germans=simple=overengineered

iDrive a 94 4-cyl Tacoma 4x2 5-speed manual with manual windows.

iDRIVE IS HERE TO STAY!

BMW WILL ONLY REVISE GUI & ADD SOME NEW SHORTCUT/ FUNCTION BUTTONS TO THE CENTRAL CONTROLLER KNOB.

Expect "Back" button, some additional shortcut buttons, some new function buttons on steering wheel. And completely revised, simplified, more user-friendly & intuitive GUI. And even further iDrive integration with HUD & voice controlling.

I dont know what you are all talking about, but the IDrive is amazing! It is so easy to use! I never had to read any manual and figured everything out my first hour. I guess if you are too stupid to figure out how to use a cell phone, you shouldnt be driving anyways!

Integrating the "click wheel" into the steering wheel would be a bad idea. The clickwheel makes sense for "narrow" but "deep" navigation, but most car functions are "wide" and "shallow".

Everyone is moving towards touchscreens; I think that's the way to go.

Actually, a combination of voice-control and prompts plus a touchscreen is the way to go.

The Ford/Microsoft Sync system is getting very good reviews.

Or maybe someone will integrate a Wii into their onboard computer, and we'll have Steering Nunchucks.

"The Ford/Microsoft Sync system is getting very good reviews."

It's too bad the that cars it's built in to aren't.

Sorry, dear spies. But the new BMW steering does definetly not look like your rendering. Look at this:

http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/2010BMWV5Spy/1000285816?viewSize=thumb1280x1280

Now you can imagine the button configuration of the next-gen iDrive!

Greez from Germany

Am I the only one on the world that likes IDrive? I don't drive too many different makes of cars but I like it much more than the antiquated Comand system in Mercedes cars (SL, CLK, E Class, Old S, Old CL). I have not tested the new one yet, however.

Touch screens bother me because they get all greasy and gross.

I really like the integration of everything and the ease of using one control device instead of hunting for buttons.

looks ok but maybe a bit hard to reach with your thumb?
perhaps an ipod touch-style touch screen?