	Agent00J Life is too short to drive boring cars...
	View My AgentSpace

CONTROLLED CHAOS - Did iDrive Change the Industry???

Agent00J submitted on 05/10/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 10:20 AM
from: www.autospies.com

[32] user comments | category: Spy Shots

Print this Page |

Digg It |

del.icio.us

CONTROLLED CHAOS - Did iDrive Change the Industry???

Look around everywhere and it is impossible not to notice something branded iSomething or another. Whether iPod, iPhone, iMac, iTV or iDrive, the proliferation of all things “i” is immense.

Five short years ago BMW hit the market with iDrive, a new driver interface meant to do away with dashboard clutter and make the driving experience better. Car magazines as a whole were very negative towards the new technology and filled page upon page bashing the new system as a disaster. Open editorials were made to BMW begging them not to ruin the 5-Series and 3-Series with this device. BMW conceded in a small way by making the iDrive optional on the 3-Series when it was introduced in 2006, however the iDrive was standard on the 5-Series when that came online in 2004.

A funny thing happened along the way however with the iDrive, other manufacturers debuted their own version of the iDrive. Audi has the MMI, Mercedes-Benz offers the Command system, and Acura has the Multi-Information Display (which is trickling into Honda as well).

BMW is now getting ready to introduce the next generation of iDrive shown here:
www.autospies.com/news/Exclusive-Photo-The-new-iDrive-in-the-5-Series-29432/

From a personal level, I SWORE I would never drive an iDrive or similarly equipped car.

Period, end of discussion.

And then my wife asked for and got the 2006 Audi A6 4.2 with MMI. This centrally located dial controls most functions of the car, although redundant HVAC controls adorn the dash as well. And, for the most part it isn’t that difficult to operate if you spend a few minutes learning the basics.

Widely praised by the auto magazines, the MMI took the iDrive concept and made it better.

And Mercedes-Benz shortly followed suit with the Command system first seen in the new S-Class. This design is infiltrating the rest of the lineup, although it is still optional on the newly released C-Class.

Mercedes-Benz Command controller

And Acura, although not placing the knob in between the seats like the others but rather on the dash itself, has allowed a central dial to control multiple functions thereby freeing up an otherwise button cluttered dashboard.

So the question is this, (and I know all you BMW haters will jump on this like crows on road kill) like the Bangle Butt of the 7-Series, did BMW revolutionize the industry with the iDrive technology and design?

A few ground rules here in discussion, if you haven’t driven ANY of the systems, your opinion is purely speculative at best. I come to the table having used the iDrive, the MMI and Acura’s Multi-Information Display systems over extended periods of time. (2 of the 3 systems because I own cars equipped with them)

The Audi MMI system is a semi-redundant system as there are 4 buttons that act as additional aids in the use of the system. Certain tasks like changing radio stations are easy to achieve, however a task as simple as changing the date and time can frustrate as those functions are buried in a maze of menus. A button labeled “return” takes you back to the previous screen you were on, so navigating the numerous menus is made a little easier. One nice feature on the A6 is the volume control for the radio situated right next to the MMI that falls readily to hand without any need to look away from the road.

The Audi MMI Interface

Trying to enter an address into the navigation unit however is a task that one should devote time to however, as the system is not all the intuitive to begin with, and the unit is very particular in the naming of the streets and cities, and leads to a lot of frustrating as you scroll through the alphabet to spell out where you are going only to have the system say no such address or city or number exists. Part of the deficiency here is the software itself, but it leads to a frustrating experience especially when you are trying to program the system while driving.

The MMI Volume Control falls readily to hand

The MMI Volume Control falls readily to hand

Not all Audis however have the MMI in between the seats however; the TT in particular has the control on the dashboard. I have not driven an Audi set up this way, so I will withhold opinion on that setup, but can address it somewhat based on time spent in an Acura RL.

Last year while on vacation in Southern California, I spent a week driving the 2007 Acura RL. Forget the fact that the car drove like the 2004 Accord I owned, the Multi-Information Display system is the subject at hand. It took me almost 2 days to simply get my Bluetooth equipped phone to sync with the system, and half that time was spent navigating the menu system. I finally consulted the owner’s manual and even then could not get the phone to pair with the car. This multi use knob sits just out of the normal grasp of drivers, and as such using it was distracting and frustrating. The menu system on the surface appeared to be simple but within the sub-categories some frustration was incurred, as things weren’t as simple as they appeared. The fact that the knob required extension of your arm to reach and fiddle with did not score highly with me. I was glad to give the RL back after the week.

Which brings up the BMW iDrive. I have spent extended periods in the 5-Series equipped with iDrive and now my own iDrive equipped M3, however I have not driven the 7-Series at all so my comments don’t cover that car.

iDrive as seen in the M3

My biggest criticism of the iDrive is simply this, and it concerns the 5-Series in particular, what is the point if the car is not equipped with Navigation? Now granted the Audi system is available even if navigation is not ordered as well, but as a whole why place the large screen there if Navigation is not there as well.

By making the iDrive optional on the 3-Series and 1-Series as part of the navigation unit I think the system makes pretty good sense. Although I swore I would never have the system myself, I have now spent 2 months driving with it everyday, and it really isn’t that bad. For me personally I was sold on it in the M3 when I saw how you could control your iPod. The iDrive display is laid out similar to the screen on your iPod allowing you to quickly find the music, artist or play list you want to listen too, much like the touch wheel on the iPod itself.

I am not much of an owner’s manual kind of person, so when it came time to enter an address I went it alone, and honestly it was simple. The entire process was accomplished while I was driving, and the system did a good job of “thinking” for me as the information was entered into the system. I told my wife how easy it was compared to the Audi, and she tried it as well and agreed.

The best feature of the system is the ability to split the screen and have information from 2 different sources displayed at the same time. With the Acura and Audi systems, if you wanted HVAC info, that is what is displayed, want navigation, you got it but nothing else. With the BMW you can display navigation on 1 portion of the screen, and have your iPod play list on the other portion and to move between the 2 sections require nothing more than a simple nudge of the iDrive controller.

The iDrve split Screen

As stated earlier, I have not tried the Command system in Mercedes-Benz; perhaps some of you out there who do have this system can offer some comments. If you have another system to do your own comparison to that would be great.

But it does bring us full circle, BMW introduced the first single controller design, and others followed suit. Is it fair to say that BMW revolutionized the industry with the iDrive technology and design?

CONTROLLED CHAOS - Did iDrive Change the Industry???

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

RubberDucky - 5/10/2008 11:59:21 AM

+2 Boost

First-off, there is a correct name for the automobile journalists who "were very negative towards the new technology and filled page upon page bashing the new system as a disaster." The word is Luddite. With the attention span of a gnat, the writers showed their dislike for anything not found on their father's Oldsmobile and taking more than 3 minutes to master.

The key points that experienced users would offer: 1). You don't use most of this stuff often and lots of it just once; 2). The stuff you do use you get good at quickly; 3). The range of user-controllable features jumped exponentially with iDrive; 4). Each generation gets better.

reply to this comment

1995e34 - 5/10/2008 12:23:56 PM

0 Boost

luddite-great reference. rubberducky, youre the one.

EnnNorak - 5/15/2008 10:35:52 PM

+1 Boost

Go ahead and call me a Luddite if you want. From the marketing perspective, iDrive is a really stupid mistake as it takes the fun out of driving and makes it more difficult to use the product (the car) --moreover it adds to the life-cycle cost of the product by introducing a needless complication that reduces the overall mean time between failure requiring expensive maintenance.

amazinBimmer - 5/10/2008 12:21:36 PM

-9 Boost

Rubber Ducky.. i agree

i have idrive in my wifes 5 series and quite honestly it is a breeze to use, especially with voice activation.

I also have a different version on my 750Li. its different, a little more complicated, but once you get used ot it, even better...

the audi mmi is nothing but a redundant set of control placed closer to your hand.. no innovation there.

BMW is clearly the leader in interior and exterior design, and simply make the best engines out there. period (for mass luxury cars). the Magic feel is to die for.

reply to this comment

stone - 5/10/2008 12:56:00 PM

+2 Boost

I agree as well, I have iDrive in my 745, it was the 1st generation and everyone says it is the worst. I just don't get it, just RTFM, you know that little book that lives in your glove compartment. I was proficient in less than a day and I can control virtually everything without taking my eyes off the road which makes me a safer driver. People will spend days learning how to use every single useless feature on their new Powerbook, or iPhone, but can't be bothered to learn the intricate details of their luxury sedan. I have played with MMI on an A8 briefly and it is definitely easier to use than iDrive, and with their somewhat lower resale value in the US, the A8 will more than likely replace my 7, but I know I will not get into the car and know everything, I will still need to spend a few hours in my garage doing the homework......

Stone

CWill550 - 5/10/2008 1:05:26 PM

+1 Boost

Yes BMW changed the industry........ and for the better.

I own 07 Merc CL550 and I love the command system.... very easy to use after spending about a half day driving getting use to this new device.

Very easy to go from Nav, to Phone, to Car Settings, to Audio........... Merc also allow you to control your Audi, Phone, and Nav via voice command.

Volumn control via steering wheel on dial nx to Command controller.

I enjoy the experience so much that I purchased my 20 year old Merc C300 with the system.... and I have the pleasure to sit back and watch her take delight and joy of the gadgetry of not just owning a Merc, but to watch her get in my car and navigate her way through the controls like it was the back of her hand.

Like alot of people I wasnt a big fan of the new BM design language, but have come to really enjoy what they have done for the industry.

Just to be clear.... I have always been a huge BM fan. I consider myself a BMW style driver more than Merc. But Merc have been able to forth some the most beautiful autos

reply to this comment

nybimmer - 5/10/2008 6:09:36 PM

0 Boost

I have an S550 with command and I think the command is really great. I share the car w/3 drivers (one of which is a total luddite) and we all were easily able to learn it. I am a software developer, so I really appreciate the 'ease of use' that went into the Benz system. For you nerds out there, one of the greatest unappreciated ideas on the s-class is to replace the speedo with essentially an LCD laptop screen. This screen allows virtually unlimited versatility and can projct a host of useful info (in addition to the cool speedo needle). I'm sure it saved M-B a ton of money too - b/c an LCD screen basically costs a couple of bucks and has no moving parts. Very cool!

I've spend some time in a 2005 530i and the BMW interface is just not as good as the MB. However, I'm sure BMW's 3rd gen I-drive will again give increased utility and ease of use.

Cheers!

Htay7500 - 5/10/2008 2:03:23 PM

+4 Boost

yes...but even as a tach-savvy person, driving to me is just driving.

reply to this comment

huu76 - 5/10/2008 2:58:03 PM

-1 Boost

I take it nobody here was alive in the mid 90s when they coined the term 'eCommerce'? Pre-fixing a worde with lower case letter isn't new.

Must've been a slow news week if this is supposed to pass for another BMW innovation.

reply to this comment

DaHarder - 5/10/2008 2:59:53 PM

+3 Boost

Just So That You'll Know - The iPod Monicker Came Along Long Before BMW iDrive Abomination...

reply to this comment

theoptimisticpessimist - 5/10/2008 3:34:28 PM

-4 Boost

Apple launched the Ipod October 23, 2001
BMW Launched the current 7er at the Frankfurt Autoshow which opened September 11 2001. Looks like BMW was first.

FitzLA - 5/10/2008 5:29:57 PM

+4 Boost

Sorry, but apple introduced "i" before BMW. Before the ipod came iMac, iBook, etc. Apple was first. Check your facts.

theoptimisticpessimist - 5/10/2008 8:56:39 PM

+1 Boost

I stand corrected Apple use of "I" was in 98 three year before the current 7er, but the 7 debuted before the Ipod.

tattedtwice - 5/10/2008 3:19:23 PM

-1 Boost

And as always, the only nay-sayers are the ones who dont own an iDrive equipped vehicle and probably havent even touched it. Sad.

reply to this comment

FitzLA - 5/10/2008 5:31:54 PM

0 Boost

I think the only nay-sayers are the ones who are too stupid to use it, and bash it cause they don't want to admit they just don't have the brains to figure it out. Too me less than an hour to figure out how to use it. Easiest system I have ever had.

MunichRob - 5/10/2008 3:30:21 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

I didn't really think this topic was a question on anyone's mind. I think it's clear to see that they revolutionized the industry with i-drive whether or not they do it the best or not.

It's refreshing to see a balanced review done on the system like Agent 00J has presented us with this time around. I for one am an i-Drive supporter if you will, & I have it in my 6 & prefer it to the touch screen systems I've used countless times in my Jeep & a buddy's Acura TL.

I haven't used the Acura system found in the RL & new Acura & Honda models, but I could imagine an i-drive like controller on the dashboard would defeat the convenience of the system all-together.

reply to this comment

BMW4me4ever - 5/10/2008 4:08:48 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I like my I-drive. I have it both in my 2006 330xi and 2008 535i. Actually, it is my girlfriend who has made it a neccessity to get it on every new BMW we get. She loves it and figured it out in 15 minutes after the first time I showed it to her. I have never understood why some people have such a hard time with the functionality of it. I have a BlackBerry Pearl and find that much harder to figure out all the functions than the idrive could ever dream of being.

reply to this comment

huu76 - 5/10/2008 6:05:05 PM

+2 Boost

"Trying to enter an address into the navigation unit however is a task that one should devote time to however, as the system is not all the intuitive to begin with"

vs. my $150 aftermarket GPS which goes "poke poke poke, autocomplete city. Poke poke poke, autocomplete street.

I also get the added excitement of doing this at 100km/h, or if I feel like using the on/off switch for the A/C and find the dial just too mundane (isn't this the reason why iDrive was invented, to add excitement to A/C manipulation?).

reply to this comment

bclemans - 5/10/2008 6:51:25 PM

+1 Boost

Seems like BMW changed the "German" industry. The pics shown were from Audi and Mercedes. Not a surprise there as the German manufacturers viewed each other as main competitiors.

Lexus has a touch screen interface, Infiniti has a joystick but the sequence of input commands are quite different than the i-drive.

Another article from this forum says the 09' Porsche 911 will have a touch screen interface. I hope that materialize.

Advice the Audi, BMW and Mercedes: Outsource the interface to a Japanese firm and concentrate on doing what you do best (the rest). Clue: Sony is the number one consumer electronics brand in Germany, not B&O. So forget about Bosch. Nissan GTR's interface is created from scratch and that didn't take long either.

reply to this comment

MunichRob - 5/10/2008 6:52:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"huu76" you seem to know so much about BMW's for a guys that's never driven one. I know this because of the comments you make like "isn't this the reason why i-Drive was invented, to add excitement to A/C manipulation?"

Get it through your head that you don't have to go through i-Drive to work the A/C, heat & fan controls!

I also remember you stating something along the lines that BMW is "cheap" because the i-Drive controller is made of plastic when anyone who's been in a modern day Bimmer knows it's a material of much higher quality.

You shouldn't even be in this blog as history has shown you really know nothing about BMW.

reply to this comment

auto001 - 5/10/2008 11:49:21 PM

+3 Boost

iDrive was invented by bunch of engineers who don't have a clue about user interface design - touch screen is far superior. Ever see a Point Of Service device (ATM, self checkout, DMV self-serve kiosks, movie ticket kiosks) with a stupid "joystick" attached to it? no, it's because we have the ability to quickly scan a page of visual info to single out a target of our choice. It is far more intuitive to go "directly" to that target of choice than having to "scroll" in a sequential manner to make that choice. For the disabled that have limited movements, this scrolling method is often required i.e., Stephen Hawing. Scrolling endlessly back and forth between alphabets/numerical values/options/choices is like using only the "tab" key on the keyboard to browse a information packed website.

reply to this comment

lexusrox123 - 5/11/2008 1:58:06 PM

+1 Boost

Amen to that!

McSmarty - 5/11/2008 1:09:34 AM

0 Boost

I have driven Lexus LX470 with touch screen, BMW 745i with Idrive and MB E63 with command system. First I will say the haters of Idrive are probably mostly old people (50+) that still dictate to a secretary and don't use email. Anyone tech savvy can learn Idrive quickly. Yes there are things that can be better but it was a great start. Touch screens are nice but look like shit after 3 years with big finger prints everywhere. MB command is good with logical advances from Idrive. Regardless the technology is here to stay so get used to it.

reply to this comment

SoSnootySo - 5/11/2008 12:19:58 PM

+2 Boost

uhm. the TL doesn't have an idrive, idiot. The MID is for controlling settings to the car when it is parked. The only function that the MID has is basically what has existed in dashes foe more than a decade. You press the button and it shows you oil. press it again it shows mileage. There's no lame knob to move around. MID is very simple and quick.

reply to this comment

hao420 - 5/11/2008 9:19:31 PM

+1 Boost

Acura Legend/RL I-drive kinda quick to proficient with out reading instruction book_>_sorry,BMW

reply to this comment

FitzLA - 5/11/2008 9:32:29 PM

+1 Boost

Who had to read the manual on iDrive? I have never once had to use it.

amazinBimmer - 5/11/2008 9:56:00 PM

0 Boost

fitz.. neither me...

turns out morons need instructions...people like us do not...the smart good looking ones like us do not.

reply to this comment

IhavearedS2000 - 5/12/2008 12:03:40 AM

+1 Boost

'With the Acura and Audi systems, if you wanted HVAC info, that is what is displayed, want navigation, you got it but nothing else.'

Don't Acuras/Hondas have a separate smaller screen that displays radio and HVAC info right above or below the navi screen?

reply to this comment

2ndbimmer - 5/12/2008 10:41:36 AM

+1 Boost

I am sure all nav systems take time to get used to. I think they are all easy and just takes a few minutes to figure it out. i have a 335i with iDrive and it is sooo easy to use. my girlfriend who cares less about technology figured the whole system out in one drive out to dinner. 10 minutes of her day, now she wants my car! im in trouble!

reply to this comment

FitzLA - 5/12/2008 4:48:07 PM

+1 Boost

ROFL! You said what I was thinking. Thanks.

reply to this comment

moto - 5/12/2008 11:53:04 PM

+1 Boost

I cannot agree that the iDrive is a brilliant breakthrough. Convergence is nothing new, and everyone has their preferences. If you like driving everything from one knob, more power to you. I don't.

Apple lovers: not only is Apple usually first, they are also typically the best in consumer technology convergence. The iPhone is the only device since my first HP calculator that actually impresses me with capability and ease of use. Automakers have a long way to go before they get it right.

reply to this comment

BocaBMW - 5/13/2008 1:00:08 AM

+1 Boost

just got rid of my 06 audi a6 with mmi and nav for an 08 535I(once i drove the twin turbos i was sold) the AUDI system is much more user friendly and the "redundant buttons" are exactly what bmw needs to add in addition to touch screen technology like lexus...

reply to this comment

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories

Does The 911 Cabriolet Still RULE In Summer 2008? Or Is The New BMW M3 Cab The NEW King?Audi R8 race car debuts 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 - First Drive Review NO MORE GERMAN CARS - Now What Do YOU DRIVE???2008 Scion Limited Edition xD Release Series 1.0 Aston Martin Vantage RS spotted around Nürburgring Land Rover LRX Concept Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro Concept- Is THIS Audi's Answer To The BMW Tii Concept?Is THIS The Next Audi A6?JDM Goodness: Subaru Legacy STI S402 Top 10 Vehicles with Highest-Precentage of Male Drivers Video: Extreme testing for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK Dodge Challenger drag-racing version coming soon One, Two, Three! Did Acura Strike Out With The TSX?Alfa Romeo unveils Mille Miglia Special Edition Is This Fair? GM Cancels Health Benefits For Striking Workers Expect to pay over $90,000 for the Nissan GT-R Insanity? Audi Decides That 580hp In a RS6 Just Isn't Enough, 613hp On It's Way 2011 BMW 1-series spy images The Audi A6 scoop AC Schnitzer MINI Clubman S Volvo spices up its V70 wagon with R-Design package World's first test of A4 fighter: 2009 Acura TSX Ford Mustang Bullitt Review (video)All-New Ford Flex poised to deliver a quiet ride Video: V10-Powered R8 Spotted On The Road Comparison: 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i vs. 2009 Infiniti FX35 AWD Modern Street Car System Proposed for Dallas - BUT WOULD YOU RIDE???VW TIGUAN at DEALERS NOW - Ready for YOU???FUNNY COMMERCIALS INVOLVING CARS - Is it just Me, or are these Funny???Video: First 2010 Mercedes-Benz commercial GM may not offer Cadillac CTS Convertible 2009 Ford Escape - First Drive High Gas Prices: Are We Actually Sitting On A Gas Bubble?Audi Takes Inventor Of The Year Award For Use Of Space Frame Technology Video: Lotus Eagle Spied Testing on the Ring Spied: 2010 Audi TT Clubsport What Is The Most Prestigious Brand?BMW testing cars with solar panels Volt mules already getting 40 miles on electric only!The 2009 VW Tiguan SUV Is Nice- But Does It Have A Chance In Hell Against The New Honda CR-V?Video: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V around the Nurburgring in 7:59.32 Video: Jaguar XF Supercharged vs. BMW 550i, Mercedes E550, Audi A6 AC Schnitzer's 226-hp MINI Cooper Clubman S Mazda1 minicar concept coming to Paris with Nagari design style 2009 Hyundai Sonata and 2008 Chevrolet Malibu More Fuel-Efficient than Toyota Camry and Honda Accord Audi R8 V10 Video -spotted in the Wild Paul McCartney 's New LS600H Emits More CO2 In Transport Than It Will Ever Save!RECALL WEDNESDAY: Ford Is Looking For 655,000 F-150s For Brake Issues Audi R8 V10 Confirmed

More Recently Added News

Join AutoSpies

Photo Galleries

AutoSpies presents the best Auto Show Photos, Automotive Videos, Car Reviews and Hot Rides.

Latest Galleries