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‘09 3 Series To Get Updated iDrive

Ironman273 submitted on 04/19/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 12:17 PM
from: www.bimmerfile.com

[25] user comments | category: Spy Shots

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Tags: BMW, 3-series, iDrive

Tag Links: BMW, 3-series, iDrive

‘09 3 Series To Get Updated iDrive

The 2009 model year is shaping up to be a big year for the 3er. We’ve known for awhile that the 3 Series would get its mid life-cycle refresh in 2009. Historically at BMW that includes a mildly refreshed exterior and interior along with a host of small mechanical and technology improvements. However one of the bigger changes inside the car (and one that BMW has been able to keep secret until now) will be a substantially updated iDrive system that includes a completely new interface. The new design is closer to Audi’s MMI system in that there are a host of small buttons that allow the user to quickly jump to different parts of the system. What is not seen here is that BMW will also be including a small dial on the steering wheel that allows the user to scroll quickly through long lists (seen here yesterday in the new 7).

Looking back at the new interface design pictured, it remains unclear whether or not the knob will still rotate or if the outter ring will. However what we do know is that the new interface as a whole (including that steering wheel thumb scroll) was designed to allow the user fly through data at a much faster pace.

The new system will debut at the Paris Motor Show late this summer in the new 7 Series before bowing in the updated 3.

As previously reported expect several other key changes to the E90. First and foremost the front and rear fascia will be updated. Secondly the interior design as a whole will be slightly tweaked. Mechanically expect the biggest news to come from a new optional DCT (dual clutch transmission) and a special sport model similar to the ZHP package offered on the E46. It’s this sport model that could see the debut of an up-rated 3.0L turbo that currently powers the 335i.

The E90 3 Series sedan will be the first of the current generation to receive it’s customary mid-cycle refresh. Look for the coupe, convertible (and to a lesser extent M3 since it’s exterior design is generally left along) to get the same updates almost a year after the sedan. Read Article

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theoptimisticpessimist - 4/19/2008 1:32:51 PM

+4 Boost

Good move, even though BMW was first I think Audi one the VHS vs. Beta wars.

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EnnNorak - 4/19/2008 6:08:56 PM

-1 Boost

I would just as soon see the death of iDrive altogether -- it is either a safety hazard worse than using a cell phone while driving or it takes all the fun out of driving. Either way, I would pay not to have it. Moreover it is another addition of needless complexity to the wiring and electronic functions of a vehicle.

MattB - 4/19/2008 7:11:44 PM

-3 Boost

I agree, MMI is generally easier to use than iDrive, but in general I don't like any of those controller knob based systems. Why not just use a touchscreen?

kthor - 4/19/2008 9:09:08 PM

0 Boost

EnnNorak, iDrive takes the fun out of driving?!?! You don't use iDrive for any driving function. Not one! You don't have any idea what you are talking about so you should stop talking. The features and functions it provides are demanded by the BUYERS of highline cars, not pushed on them by BMW.

Audiphile - 4/19/2008 9:44:03 PM

-2 Boost

I agree.

MunichRob - 4/19/2008 9:54:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

"EnnNorak" I've got a touch screen in my SRT-8 & it's way more complicated to use than the i-drive in my Bimmer.

Furthermore the i-drive system is way more convenient & safer to use than a touch screen as the i-drive's screen is right below your view of the road, & you don't have to lean forward towards the dash to mess with the Audio controls or w.e.

AdHominem - 4/19/2008 1:36:58 PM

+2 Boost

The current generation of iDrive is quite good, but with internet access and everything else BMW has plnned to roll out in the coming year it makes sense that BMW is jumping to the next generation.

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Chip - 4/19/2008 2:35:17 PM

+3 Boost

Looks good. If they release a ZHP E90 335i sedan with the dual clutch tranny and updated exterior/interior and iDrive, then it looks like my E92 coupe will be leaving me sooner rather than later. If they boost the turbo, I'm in the showroom like tomorrow!!

BMW always keeps you coming back for more. They never let their products go stale (except of course for the that shoe thingy)

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JRobUSC - 4/19/2008 5:30:00 PM

+4 Boost

hmmm, a performance package and a dual clutch for the 2009 335? I had not heard that. Makes me curious.

Considering the existing 335i is already underrated and is really making more like 330hp/330+ lb-ft, I'm not sure how much more powerful BMW can really make it without stepping on the toes of the M3. Even if they "say" it has 330hp, like the stock motor is already making, it has to actually outperform the regular 335 without coming too close to the much more expensive M3, and that window isn't all that big. If it dropped the 0-60 time from 4.8 seconds to 4.5 seconds, the best M3 time thus far is 4.1 seconds, with most coming in at 4.2, 4.3. I wonder how many people are going to find the extra $20k necessary at that point.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/19/2008 4:31:11 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Nice. A welcome improvement. The 2009 335xi sedan is on my list. Chip, do you know if it will be available with the DKG or not?

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JRobUSC - 4/19/2008 5:33:56 PM

+3 Boost

or if the performance package will be available on the xi.

Chip - 4/19/2008 6:39:32 PM

+3 Boost

My dealer said that the DKG will be available as an option on the 2009 3-series and it will cost the same as the M3 ($1900).

The Performance Package (ZHP) will be available soon, but I doubt it will be available with AWD, since BMW doesn't even do a sport suspension on the current Xi's, and the performance package usually positions itself as M3-like, meaning RWD would be necessary. That could change I'm sure.

My last car was a 330i ZHP, and it was very M-like, with its meaty steering wheel, much stiffer M suspension, shadowline trim, M wheels, the list goes on. But the best part of the package was the "M" Suspension. I can only imagine how good it would be with that new transmission and the turbo six.

Chip - 4/19/2008 6:47:56 PM

+3 Boost

Also, it appears the car in this photo is a ZHP model (or "M" Sport)

The parking brake has the perforated leather which comes with the "M" perforated leather steering wheel,

Chip - 4/19/2008 6:50:39 PM

+2 Boost

Last post :)

It also has the aluminum cube trim (previously on the ZHP)

S4cabriofoxone - 4/20/2008 2:43:44 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Sounds like there will be no reason for me to get an M3. Since it would be my winter car, the AWD is definitely a plus, and the DKG just pushes it over the top. I will, however, still drive both because I don't want to miss out on something as good as the new M3.

amazinBimmer - 4/19/2008 8:58:27 PM

0 Boost

bmw wins again. which idiot would buy a fwd a4/5 with underpowered engines? huu? nut? s4?

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Audiphile - 4/19/2008 9:51:55 PM

0 Boost

If this car actually has all of these features and improvements, it will definitely make my new car purchase more daunting next fall. The old iDrive was one of the major reasons that I don't have a new 3-series or 5-series right now.

The B8 S4, the updated 2009 3-series, the Cadillac CTS, the Pontiac G8 - my "short list" is getting longer!

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amazinBimmer - 4/19/2008 10:27:07 PM

+2 Boost

Mr. Phile..

eliminate the marginal S4 (underpowered), the cadillac (POS American made with wide panel gaps) and Pontiac (even shitier american car with a holden chassis) and your list is perfect.!!

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/20/2008 2:42:22 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

If the S4 is underpowered, where the hell does that leave the 335?

You have to shut up for awhile.

Jagexpert2 - 4/20/2008 12:33:43 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Best user interface is in the Jag XK and XF got try it before you all say I am wrong.

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/20/2008 2:45:00 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I've heard that the XK's interface can be frustrating because it's slow.

Haven't read anything on the XF's, though.

DrCallosum - 4/20/2008 4:11:02 AM

0 Boost

I hope they are planning on doing more then just updating iDrive. They need a good quality interior update similar to the 5 Series facelift.

Personally but, I have never had a problem with iDrive. But I can see where people will have problems when I am using it. Far from a iPod level of intuitive use...

reply to this comment

bmwfan1513 - 4/20/2008 7:41:01 PM

+1 Boost

Good. The current iDrive system isn't the best. It could use a little improvement.

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Steve - 4/23/2008 6:20:59 PM

+1 Boost

With each new iteration of iDrive, BMW answers the question "How many times can you polish a turd?"

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tarponsprings - 4/24/2008 9:00:04 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

BMW needs to concentrate on better quality interior materials. Sub out future I-Drive development to the Japanese, the Germans don't do software very well.

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