New iDrive "Screenshots" with Review

Big Windy · 09-22-2008, 01:13 PM

Guys,

Here are a few pics of the new iDrive screens. Thought you would enjoy some pics from a member instead of the stuff that we got from BMW. This new iDrive is awesome! Like many other things in the tech world, it really makes the old system dated (which I guess it is now anyway). For some reason I really like the Vehicle Status screen. The see-through image of the car is sweet, and this menu is very functional to monitor oil pressure and other vehicle warnings.

Overall, I have very positive things to say about the new iDrive. The graphics are much more visually appealing, and the menus are organized well. You will all have to see for yourselves, but I think that most will agree that this is a great step forward for the entire system. Some of the best improvements are full screen functionality on any menu, and the "OPTION" button. The "OPTION" button gives you access to a list of specialized functions that are relevant to whatever category you are in. For example, in the CD menu, "OPTION" unlocks the menu which allows you to rip your music to the hard drive. The new iDrive also has a new voice. It is still a female, but it is significantly different from the old system. I can't decide which one I like better, but I think that this one sounds more realistic, if that makes sense.

As for the controller, I think that BMW could have avoided the MMI type layout. The only buttons that I will probably ever use are Menu (to get back to the beginning) and Option. Honestly, the rest are unnecessary, but some might like them. The "BACK" button doesn't actually go back in the menu order but, instead, is more of an UNDO key. It allows you to reverse whatever decision you just made. Kind of handy, but the controller itself allows you to do the same thing just as easy. As for the controller spinning, well, it wasn't what I expected. The black rubber ring is the only thing that spins around the controller, and the metal part stays stationary as it allows you to move in north, south, east and west directions. I actually liked this part, but it is definitely different from the big disc of generation 1.

The best part of the new iDrive is the speed. I cannot tell you how much faster it is than the first generation. Not only is there virtually zero loading time on the maps, but getting from one menu to the next has no pause like generation 1. When zooming in or out, there are no dead spaces because the hard drive brings up the data immediately. Once the route is planned, everything is ready so even if you back out and come back in, the map or directions are on the screen right away. This is a huge improvement. I couldn't stand the lag between making a selection and the screen actually coming up on my 335i's system.

As for cons, I already mentioned that the controller itself is a bit overdesigned. The oil level check is still slow as ever, and the system only allows three languages (English, French and Spanish...why no German???). I don't really care for the rotary dial type radio channel selection either, but that just might be me.

Anyway, enough typing. Enjoy the pics.

ybbiz34 · 09-22-2008, 01:25 PM

Thanks!

apw2607 · 09-22-2008, 01:30 PM

Thanks. How about, Points of interest searching please ... how is it. can you just seach my a string across all categories?

M-Maika · 09-22-2008, 02:53 PM

Thanks for sharing.

Best Regards, Maika

Sedan_Clan · 09-22-2008, 03:11 PM

Nice!

lizak187 · 09-22-2008, 03:12 PM

looks good..thanks for taking the time

Rick · 09-22-2008, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apw2607

Thanks. How about, Points of interest searching please ... how is it. can you just seach my a string across all categories?

Yes, I am curious about this as well.

Zirenz2006 · 09-22-2008, 03:36 PM

Looks great..New iDrive FTW!!

torredresen · 09-22-2008, 03:56 PM

The most fun is, the voice control. It can search even the names of contacts of your phone

One crazy piece of technology

SlammedR8 · 09-22-2008, 03:59 PM

i like the layout
looks "newer"

Damnit!

!Xoible · 09-22-2008, 04:01 PM

i think ima be ready to trade in my car next year in case i cant get a software update. sanks for review

rmmcdaniel · 09-22-2008, 04:07 PM

Looks cool, thanks!

Now where are those seat pics!!! ;-)

SV Concepts III · 09-22-2008, 04:12 PM

That is a really clean interface, hope my new 1 has it.

gadget · 09-22-2008, 04:26 PM

The new system looks sick. I can't wait till i get to play with it first hand.... just a few more weeks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmmcdaniel

Looks cool, thanks!

Now where are those seat pics!!! ;-)

C17MooseDriver · 09-22-2008, 05:01 PM

Great pics. The Idrive doesn't make the car, but I'm glad I waited a few months for the 09.

TheBry · 09-22-2008, 06:06 PM

VERY cool! Thanks for the pictures and the incredibly informative first-hand write-up. I agree with you about the superfluous buttonery surrounding the new knob. Shouldn't be there. But, someone will find them useful.

The graphics and organization of the new display are both awesome. The first-gen system definitely feels dated compared to this new one.

Thanks again for taking the time to share.

M3WC · 09-22-2008, 07:06 PM

Huge step forward.

But the graphics still look inferior to other cars on the road.

PLAYON · 09-22-2008, 07:06 PM

Big Windy you sexy beyatch. thanks times 1.5 million. . .!

e92leon · 09-22-2008, 07:28 PM

I want the new iDrive

///M3 · 09-22-2008, 08:23 PM

I'm sure it works great but BMW seriously needs to hire a new GUI designer. Even this new iDrive looks dated! They are using the wrong colors; its too dull and drab.

Many thanks for posting the pics though!

Jack28 · 09-22-2008, 09:00 PM

Im happy I waited for a 09 to get the new idrive... Looks really nice. Cant wait to use it
myself! Thanks for sharing! Great wirte-up!!!

Zirenz2006 · 09-22-2008, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JetBlack5OC

Huge step forward.

But the graphics still look inferior to other cars on the road.

09-22-2008, 01:13 PM	#1
Big Windy Major General 152 Rep 5,124 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	New iDrive "Screenshots" with Review Guys, Here are a few pics of the new iDrive screens. Thought you would enjoy some pics from a member instead of the stuff that we got from BMW. This new iDrive is awesome! Like many other things in the tech world, it really makes the old system dated (which I guess it is now anyway). For some reason I really like the Vehicle Status screen. The see-through image of the car is sweet, and this menu is very functional to monitor oil pressure and other vehicle warnings. Overall, I have very positive things to say about the new iDrive. The graphics are much more visually appealing, and the menus are organized well. You will all have to see for yourselves, but I think that most will agree that this is a great step forward for the entire system. Some of the best improvements are full screen functionality on any menu, and the "OPTION" button. The "OPTION" button gives you access to a list of specialized functions that are relevant to whatever category you are in. For example, in the CD menu, "OPTION" unlocks the menu which allows you to rip your music to the hard drive. The new iDrive also has a new voice. It is still a female, but it is significantly different from the old system. I can't decide which one I like better, but I think that this one sounds more realistic, if that makes sense. As for the controller, I think that BMW could have avoided the MMI type layout. The only buttons that I will probably ever use are Menu (to get back to the beginning) and Option. Honestly, the rest are unnecessary, but some might like them. The "BACK" button doesn't actually go back in the menu order but, instead, is more of an UNDO key. It allows you to reverse whatever decision you just made. Kind of handy, but the controller itself allows you to do the same thing just as easy. As for the controller spinning, well, it wasn't what I expected. The black rubber ring is the only thing that spins around the controller, and the metal part stays stationary as it allows you to move in north, south, east and west directions. I actually liked this part, but it is definitely different from the big disc of generation 1. The best part of the new iDrive is the speed. I cannot tell you how much faster it is than the first generation. Not only is there virtually zero loading time on the maps, but getting from one menu to the next has no pause like generation 1. When zooming in or out, there are no dead spaces because the hard drive brings up the data immediately. Once the route is planned, everything is ready so even if you back out and come back in, the map or directions are on the screen right away. This is a huge improvement. I couldn't stand the lag between making a selection and the screen actually coming up on my 335i's system. As for cons, I already mentioned that the controller itself is a bit overdesigned. The oil level check is still slow as ever, and the system only allows three languages (English, French and Spanish...why no German???). I don't really care for the rotary dial type radio channel selection either, but that just might be me. Anyway, enough typing. Enjoy the pics. Attached Images
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09-22-2008, 01:25 PM	#2
ybbiz34 Brigadier General 673 Rep 4,959 Posts Drives: 2023 330i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	Thanks! __________________ Current: '23 G20 M Sport 330i Current: '20 X253 GLC300 SUV Gone: '20 W205 C43 Sedan Gone: '18 W205 C43 Sedan Gone: '13 W204 C63 Sedan
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09-22-2008, 01:30 PM	#3
apw2607 Colonel 586 Rep 2,106 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 50e M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Coast, USA iTrader: (0)	Thanks. How about, Points of interest searching please ... how is it. can you just seach my a string across all categories?
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09-22-2008, 02:53 PM	#4
M-Maika First Lieutenant 11 Rep 365 Posts Drives: M3 E92 AW Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Barcelona ( Spain ) Porto ( Portugal ) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 E92 [10.00]	Thanks for sharing. Best Regards, Maika __________________ M3 E92 M-DKG and all the options available. Forum BMW Portugal: http://www.forumbmwportugal.com
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09-22-2008, 03:11 PM	#5
Sedan_Clan Law Enforcer 25167 Rep 22,295 Posts Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ..in your rearview!!! iTrader: (26)	Nice!
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09-22-2008, 03:12 PM	#6
lizak187 Lizak187 24 Rep 505 Posts Drives: 2004 bmw 325ci/2008m3 coup Join Date: May 2008 Location: Boston Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	looks good..thanks for taking the time
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09-22-2008, 03:36 PM	#8
Zirenz2006 Brigadier General 1575 Rep 4,577 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Comp IOMG Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: US - NE iTrader: (0)	Looks great..New iDrive FTW!!
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09-22-2008, 03:56 PM	#9
torredresen Captain 53 Rep 712 Posts Drives: M3 09 E93 JzB Fox Red extended Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Z4; 2.0 [0.00] 2005 Z4 [0.00]	The most fun is, the voice control. It can search even the names of contacts of your phone One crazy piece of technology
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09-22-2008, 03:59 PM	#10
SlammedR8 Major General 523 Rep 5,483 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 40i/2020 R8 V10 Spyder Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2)	i like the layout looks "newer" Damnit! __________________ Current: 2019 BMW X5 40i - Carbon Black/Tartufo Individual Leather 2020 Range Rover HSE - Black/Black 2020 Audi R8 V10 Performance Spyder 6MT - Ascari Blue/Black
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09-22-2008, 04:01 PM	#11
!Xoible Banned 840 Rep 46,029 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [4.00] 2007 335i [9.00] 2008 528i [8.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [8.00]	i think ima be ready to trade in my car next year in case i cant get a software update. sanks for review
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09-22-2008, 04:07 PM	#12
rmmcdaniel Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 247 Posts Drives: '09 E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago & SF iTrader: (0)	Looks cool, thanks! Now where are those seat pics!!! ;-) __________________ 2009 E90 M3 - Silverstone/Fox Red - M-DCT, CW, PP, TP, 19", Moonroof, Sunshades, PDC, Enhanced Prem Sound, HD Radio, Sat, iPod, Smartphone Integration
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09-22-2008, 04:12 PM	#13
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 375 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	That is a really clean interface, hope my new 1 has it.
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09-22-2008, 05:01 PM	#15
C17MooseDriver Captain 20 Rep 878 Posts Drives: E92 AW M3 6MT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	Great pics. The Idrive doesn't make the car, but I'm glad I waited a few months for the 09. __________________
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09-22-2008, 06:06 PM	#16
TheBry Major 139 Rep 1,020 Posts Drives: 2016 G12 750i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Francisco, California iTrader: (0)	VERY cool! Thanks for the pictures and the incredibly informative first-hand write-up. I agree with you about the superfluous buttonery surrounding the new knob. Shouldn't be there. But, someone will find them useful. The graphics and organization of the new display are both awesome. The first-gen system definitely feels dated compared to this new one. Thanks again for taking the time to share. __________________ Past: 2008 M3 (E93) naturally aspirated V8 realness! Past: 2012 740Li (F02) M-Sport (European Delivery) Present: 2016 750i (G12) M-Sport
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09-22-2008, 07:06 PM	#17
M3WC Brigadier General 3647 Rep 3,245 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: ...location...location iTrader: (0)	Huge step forward. But the graphics still look inferior to other cars on the road.
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09-22-2008, 07:06 PM	#18
PLAYON Major 247 Rep 1,414 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 550i Join Date: May 2008 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 550i [0.00] 2003 Audi A4 [0.00]	Big Windy you sexy beyatch. thanks times 1.5 million. . .! __________________
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09-22-2008, 07:28 PM	#19
e92leon 我的車車有Turbo&!!! 152 Rep 2,599 Posts Drives: 빠른차 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: ????? iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [10.00] 2006 RX-8 (SE3P) [0.00]	I want the new iDrive __________________ Flickr
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09-22-2008, 08:23 PM	#20
///M3 ///M Power 14 Rep 111 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	I'm sure it works great but BMW seriously needs to hire a new GUI designer. Even this new iDrive looks dated! They are using the wrong colors; its too dull and drab. Many thanks for posting the pics though! __________________
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09-22-2008, 09:00 PM	#21
Jack28 HUSTLER 14 Rep 1,317 Posts Drives: E46 M3-E92 M3 Join Date: May 2006 Location: So/Ca Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Im happy I waited for a 09 to get the new idrive... Looks really nice. Cant wait to use it myself! Thanks for sharing! Great wirte-up!!! __________________ E92 M3 ZCP- AW/FR w/Extended Leather) Packages: ZCP, 6MT, Fully Loaded E46 M3 - AW/IR 6 Spd, Fully Loaded. 19'' BBS LM DBK, V-CSL C/F Bmpr, Botld, Diff, V-CSL Custum IR-CF Center Counsel, V-GTR Hood, Dixis Ti 76mm, Meisterschaft Ti Sec. 1&2, EvoSport Headers, CAI, D/A Chip, tck d/a, Alcantera Headliner with Imola Red Sttitching....
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