New MINI's to get iDrive

MINI’s new navigation system will indeed feature a simplified iDrive controller behind the shifter. The controller will mange an interface that is similar to the BMW iDrive system but redesigned to look a bit more MINI like. The main screen (as seen in the image above) will feature “entertainment”, “communication”, “navigation”, and a link for set-up. This is slightly different than the version found in the latest 3 series which also includes a link for controlling the climate control. It’s assumed that BMW decided to keep the climate system in the new MINI controlled exclusively via the standard interface found on the center stack.
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BimmerFan - 8/30/2006 2:22:08 PM

-1 Boost

Yikes. I think the MINI and all BMWs should go to touchscreen NAVS. until they do, I will never buy the NAV option.

EvoAudi - 8/30/2006 2:31:23 PM

-3 Boost

all the new minis suck thats all i have to say they used to be really great though

jeff329 - 8/30/2006 2:54:15 PM

+1 Boost

iDrive is the worst system ever designed.

1970toyotamarc - 8/30/2006 3:25:01 PM

0 Boost

But I thought the whole reason that German cars were so great is because of their life-changing, other-worldly, god-like innovations? isnt that what I-Drive is?

Homer008 - 8/30/2006 3:57:33 PM

0 Boost

Lexus uses voice recognition and a touch screen! hmmmm

BimmerFan - 8/30/2006 4:11:34 PM

0 Boost

My 01' 740i has NAV and voice recognition...no idrive though. I rarely use the NAV because it is just not very user friendly. I have a Garmin touchscreen portable for when I really need to use NAV in any of my Bimmers.

Minimtl - 8/30/2006 7:07:45 PM

+1 Boost

Skarimian,

How do you come out and say that the new MINI's suck? You haven't tried the new MINI, so why are you talking? How could you say that?

And as for the touchscreen...pointless...people should focus on keeping their lazy eyes on the road, not a screen...what auto makers should do is improve voice recognition.

MaranelloMaster - 8/30/2006 8:32:48 PM

+2 Boost

I don't know why everybody keeps on bitchin' about iDrive. The new BMW iDrive menus are a LOT better than before. Touchscreens are nice, but like "expert" said, they mess up your screen. BMW should make iDrive like MMI and then it will be good enough...

M53R - 8/31/2006 11:25:02 AM

+2 Boost

Will , u forgot to mention that he doesnt know how to use the smg= y does he drive? lol. while as BMWexpert said, its better than a touch screen. I learned how to use it from the 1st time but i dunno about some stupid ppl that cant learn.

krzykarl - 9/1/2006 11:04:22 AM

+1 Boost

I drive is not at all difficult to use... but there is a lot of info contained in it.... If you look at it it is carfully laid out and VERY easy to use..... I have seen little kids pick it up in a couple of seconds....its sort of like TV....some of the older people embraced it and some listend to thier radios... it really is the same thing... Times change so you either need to go with them or get left behind!

chrisp01 - 9/1/2006 2:06:28 PM

+1 Boost

Just don't understand what all the fuss and contoversy is over I Drive, it's so simple to use and the basic functions can be controlled with a few wrist movements. The people that can't seem to figure this system are the same old-timers that don't know how to use the basic control knobs they have in other cars, or even set their radio pre-sets !

cbro980 - 9/3/2006 1:02:48 AM

+1 Boost

I drive and all the other "simplified" (ha ha) control systems are the German car manufactures way of saying, like they have ALWAYS done, you vill take vhat I giff you und you vill like it. To hell with them. Basic controls are the best and always will be, easy, fast and simple.