[chbrules]

Now I've gotten to thinking... I think the navigation system is dandy, though I'd probably never really use it, and the iDrive gizmos are really fancy and fun (I'm a tech dood), but is it really all that great?

Are there some quintescential features you iDrive/Nav owners use the system for? Maybe I can't think of something right now and I'll kick myself later if I find a good reason to have had it. Then again, it's $2100 extra.

[Zirenz2006]

I have it and use it a lot. My job also takes me on the road a lot and it is easier than trying to hold a map and drive. Beyond the NAV I happen to love the iDrive and the expanded screen, especially for displaying my musical selections.

[Dr_Dirt]

Originally Posted by chbrules

Now I've gotten to thinking... I think the navigation system is dandy, though I'd probably never really use it, and the iDrive gizmos are really fancy and fun (I'm a tech dood), but is it really all that great?

Are there some quintescential features you iDrive/Nav owners use the system for? Maybe I can't think of something right now and I'll kick myself later if I find a good reason to have had it. Then again, it's $2100 extra.

If your a tech dood get it so you can display more song info, more phonebook info. I'm sure when Sirius Satellite starts broadcasting TV you will have that option as well.

[Manny212]

I was in the same boat as you and originally didnt order it but i called up the next day after i ordered to add it. I know i'll regret it if i don't get it so i had to go with it. Gonna be worth it

[killer_bee]

I wasn't going to get it until I tried the updated march one at a dealership.

[scottp999]

I passed, have never had either so I don't know what I am missing.

[iatacs19]

It really depends, if you like tech gadgets then of course you would not even be asking us this question.

I'll say, think about the things you normally do in the car.

Do you talk on the phone?

Do you venture to new places often?

Do you often get lost?

If your answers are yes, then get iDrive otherwise spend the money on other options.

[NaViT]

i think it also makes the cars interior look nicer...

[HoosBMW]

Originally Posted by chbrules

Now I've gotten to thinking... I think the navigation system is dandy, though I'd probably never really use it, and the iDrive gizmos are really fancy and fun (I'm a tech dood), but is it really all that great?

Are there some quintescential features you iDrive/Nav owners use the system for? Maybe I can't think of something right now and I'll kick myself later if I find a good reason to have had it. Then again, it's $2100 extra.

I had it on my old car, used it a lot. Was in a consulting position with a lot of random locations to visit. Now I work at USC so no need.

[LEDZEP]

It's worth it. In addition to navigation (which BTW, you will use far more than you can imagine right now), you have much more control over the car's systems and many more programming options. If you are interested in the iPod option, Sirius, Bluetooth, etc. these options work even nicer with iDrive.

[bmw0perat0r]

March production car here, I don't know what iDrive was like before ...but I love it. I use the NAV to find plenty of places - have Sat radio and use it for that and iPod and ...i could go on and on about how useful it is.

You don't have to be techy to get the hang of it, but if you understand how to work an iPod you can work the iDrive. Apple and BMW must have worked on the iDrive together...

Took me about an hour to understand how it works, then its all messing with and remembering how to get what you want through the menu's. No more difficult than using any computer.

People that hate the iDrive are in the dark ages.

[Sea2Ski]

I got it. I never thought I would use it as much as I actually do. It is great knowing that if I ever want to "see what is down that road", I can without the fear of getting really lost. Plus, I really like being able to see more information in respect to the audio I am listening to, as well as my phonebook.

I love it and am glad I got it.

[Ryan 330i]

if you can afford it, its a MUST. even if you dont use the nav, its just nice having the i-Drive for the visuals: bluetooth, setup, etc.

[fizzle]

personally i didnt get it and its not because i couldnt afford it, its just too damn complex to change settings. i mean yea while im not driving, i could find stuff fast but while i was, pain in the A. my brothers 5 has it and its like go here then go here just to change the temp. lots of settings so if ur a function over form person, get it. if not, the simplistic standard radio is fine. i have bluetooth and it was a snap to setup.

[Revlis]

I enjoy idrive. GPS... Kinda chintzy entering addresses is a ponderous undertaking and the points of interest and restaurants and such are pretty useless. It'll get you there though..

Over all I like the look, didn't think I would but I do, and the idrive is a great toy...

[MacAttack]

Agree. Always there when you need it.

[chbrules]

My only beef is if it's going to screw up the asthetics of the car. I test drove a couple 335i's with it inside and I'm real iffy about this bulging dome in the center of my dash with a big screen there. I read over the manual and you can setup a shortcut on the steering wheel to turn the display off. I figure I'll have it off most of the time, but I don't think I can beat the cool functionality and options iDrive gives you.

[STE92VE]

To answer your topic question, no.
You don't even need a BMW.
This car is about what you want.

[Revlis]

Originally Posted by STE92VE

To answer your topic question, no.
You don't even need a BMW.
This car is about what you want.

DING DING DING.... We have a winner!


But the Idrive does NOT screw up the aesthetics of what is otherwise a morbidly plain and boring expanse of moderately priced vinyl.

It's all good. cleans up the stack a bit, and adds some visual interest. Besides, it makes simple things complicated enough that you really DO have something to fiddle with at red lights. Besides yourself.

[ganeil]

I decided against it. Have a Garmin Nuvi that I love for nav and think the iDrive interface is clunky. Won't have the iDrive choice on the wife's X5 when she gets it so my opinion may change.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by fizzle

my brothers 5 has it and its like go here then go here just to change the temp. .

The 5 has two temperature dials. That is what should be used to change the temp. Not idrive.

[zenmaster]

Originally Posted by chbrules

Now I've gotten to thinking... I think the navigation system is dandy, though I'd probably never really use it, and the iDrive gizmos are really fancy and fun (I'm a tech dood), but is it really all that great?

Are there some quintescential features you iDrive/Nav owners use the system for? Maybe I can't think of something right now and I'll kick myself later if I find a good reason to have had it. Then again, it's $2100 extra.

RTTI feature can be useful. With regular everyday traffic, I can see it saving me an hour or more of wasted time a month (driving 60mi/day). But it's also damn convenient to detour around random accidents and construction (we have a lot that here). However, the RTTI does not currently work very well on surface roads. So it can easliy put you in a uncovered, slower route when avoiding the traffic it does knows about. I understand they are in the process of improving the coverage though.

The POI is handy: helped me find nearby Starbucks, Home Depot and Taco Mac when I was out around new areas. POI works good as long as you have an updated database.

If you're stuck in traffic on some long route, it's nice to be able to find the shortest detour around it.