BMW's second generation iDrive

Mark · 10-31-2008, 07:11 AM

After 7 controversial years, iDrive is now in it's second iteration. The system, which is already on the road in the new 7-Series and updated in the 3-Series and 1-Series, will be forthcoming across the entire BMW lineup. BMW is proud of this very fact; that the same system powers all the vehicles in it's lineup offering a level of cohesiveness in the brand which is unmatched at this time. To date, there are over 2 million cars sold using the iDrive system.

The new system began development in 2002, just one year after the launch of the original iDrive. The system went through various stages of development which included cockpit models, two concept cars, and prototype cars equipped with various iDrive elements for real world testing. Additionally four sites were established in the USA, Europe and Asia for further testing which eventually encompassed over 500 test participants.

What did the participants actually do? BMW established certain driving situations, such as having to make a left turn, and asked the subjects to perform an iDrive related task as well. BMW fine tuned its systems based largely around these situations in order to optimize the overall system. For example, subjects were asked making a lane change while using the navigation system.

However, BMW didn't solely rely on these subjects for its system. It also took each task and compared it to the original iDrive system to make sure it was shorter in duration on the new system. They also made direct comparisons to various car-control systems from rival automanufacturers. BMW ultimatly wanted the user to be able to perform any given task while "blind", without actually looking at the screen; the way it should be.

BMW keenly aware that user tactile feedback is a large part of the user experience went to task with the actual iDrive controller knob. Based on biomechanical research the tactile and haptic feedback of the controller were modified to bring it as close to a computer mouse as possible. Surrounding the knob are four buttons which represent short-cuts to the most used iDrive functions, think of it as an F-key on your keyboard. These "shortcut" keys are also seen on the steering wheel as well.

Finally and thankfully, BMW decided to up the ante on the screen which now measures 10.2" or 8.8" with a stunning 1280x480 resolution.

The new iDrive sounds like an amazing piece of equipment with less focus on being "gadgety" and much more focus on brining alot of the components of the car together in a truly functional piece of equipment. The new screen will take care of the "gadgety" part

Year's_End · 10-31-2008, 07:29 AM

Can I play Forza on that?

Year's_End · 10-31-2008, 07:30 AM

oh, and your avatar - best part of that movie.

krote345 · 10-31-2008, 09:16 AM

The steering wheel with the gray wood trim is

but I like the one with the silver rollers.

mcacciola · 10-31-2008, 10:25 AM

Love it....It looks like a 777 cockpit :-)

Mooreski · 10-31-2008, 11:04 AM

Why is all the dash lighting bright white? I like my red numbers!

Noodlefoxes · 10-31-2008, 11:21 AM

ANY word at all on retrofitting!?!

Acemetrical · 10-31-2008, 11:43 AM

That trim is totally ridiculous. The white numbers - not good. But did they get rid of the dashboard "Bump". THANK GOD! The new iDrive looks like it is set up perfectly. I look forward to it in our next Bimmer.

quest556 · 10-31-2008, 12:00 PM

Awesome, looking forward to seeing it firsthand.

Hula-Hula · 10-31-2008, 01:09 PM

Is that second interior some sort of testing cockpit or what? :S
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iDriveaBimmer · 10-31-2008, 01:17 PM

I hope they don't model future BMW interiors based on this test. IMO there are too many gadgets and it makes the car look cluttered and dated. Everything seems waay too boxy for my taste. Part of why I chose a bimmer is because the interior (with the iDrive) is so elegantly perfect! There are no unsightly cup holders in the middle of the console (like the test model above) in my bimmer; they are concealed in the dash, which is absolutely stunning (but admittedly not too functional). I do like the updated interface on iDrive.

MI6 · 10-31-2008, 01:52 PM

OMG!!!

Is it just me or is that a mock up of the new 5 series interior we are looking at about half way down the images?!?!?!!!!!

It's not wide enough to be a 7er and that is definitely a 5er steering wheel...

What a scoop this could be....!!!!!!

misterng · 10-31-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MI6

OMG!!!

Is it just me or is that a mock up of the new 5 series interior we are looking at about half way down the images?!?!?!!!!!

It's not wide enough to be a 7er and that is definitely a 5er steering wheel...

What a scoop this could be....!!!!!!

It's a SUV, so my guess is X1.

Buffalo_Bush · 10-31-2008, 02:27 PM

The 3 interior is really cool, so are the updates on the 5, except that dash trim...

Ryan335 · 10-31-2008, 02:32 PM

I'm thinking that it could possibly by the new interior for the upcoming X3 or X1. Those mirrors are very squared off and bulky, and the air vents are too. Those are usually tell tale signs of an X model.

Mark · 10-31-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MI6

OMG!!!

Is it just me or is that a mock up of the new 5 series interior we are looking at about half way down the images?!?!?!!!!!

It's not wide enough to be a 7er and that is definitely a 5er steering wheel...

What a scoop this could be....!!!!!!

I think you are onto something

BaLLzZz · 10-31-2008, 03:45 PM

will this i drive be on the MY 09 x5?

Bluesummer · 10-31-2008, 03:53 PM

that car needs blacklines j/k LOL
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MkLV_M3 · 10-31-2008, 05:17 PM

I just picked up my 09 335i with the new iDrive, it has way more features than the old version and I think its a huge improvement, its a lot easier to use.

Blake · 10-31-2008, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkE90M3

...

in response to attached pics:

the ultimate video game! i want one!

Deda · 10-31-2008, 05:55 PM

sweet looking!

sparkyg · 10-31-2008, 05:55 PM

That interior is hideous. The steering wheel needs help, bad.

Wow, the 5 is designed for aliens or something

10-31-2008, 07:11 AM	#1
Mark Administrator 7031 Rep 4,203 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 1 Series M ... [8.36]	BMW's second generation iDrive After 7 controversial years, iDrive is now in it's second iteration. The system, which is already on the road in the new 7-Series and updated in the 3-Series and 1-Series, will be forthcoming across the entire BMW lineup. BMW is proud of this very fact; that the same system powers all the vehicles in it's lineup offering a level of cohesiveness in the brand which is unmatched at this time. To date, there are over 2 million cars sold using the iDrive system. The new system began development in 2002, just one year after the launch of the original iDrive. The system went through various stages of development which included cockpit models, two concept cars, and prototype cars equipped with various iDrive elements for real world testing. Additionally four sites were established in the USA, Europe and Asia for further testing which eventually encompassed over 500 test participants. What did the participants actually do? BMW established certain driving situations, such as having to make a left turn, and asked the subjects to perform an iDrive related task as well. BMW fine tuned its systems based largely around these situations in order to optimize the overall system. For example, subjects were asked making a lane change while using the navigation system. However, BMW didn't solely rely on these subjects for its system. It also took each task and compared it to the original iDrive system to make sure it was shorter in duration on the new system. They also made direct comparisons to various car-control systems from rival automanufacturers. BMW ultimatly wanted the user to be able to perform any given task while "blind", without actually looking at the screen; the way it should be. BMW keenly aware that user tactile feedback is a large part of the user experience went to task with the actual iDrive controller knob. Based on biomechanical research the tactile and haptic feedback of the controller were modified to bring it as close to a computer mouse as possible. Surrounding the knob are four buttons which represent short-cuts to the most used iDrive functions, think of it as an F-key on your keyboard. These "shortcut" keys are also seen on the steering wheel as well. Finally and thankfully, BMW decided to up the ante on the screen which now measures 10.2" or 8.8" with a stunning 1280x480 resolution. The new iDrive sounds like an amazing piece of equipment with less focus on being "gadgety" and much more focus on brining alot of the components of the car together in a truly functional piece of equipment. The new screen will take care of the "gadgety" part Attached Images __________________ BMW 1M. BMW M2. BMW M2.
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10-31-2008, 07:29 AM	#2
Year's_End Lieutenant General 1232 Rep 12,446 Posts Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Can I play Forza on that? __________________ Past: '08 E92 335i\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6AT Past: '15 Mustang GT\|401A\|PP\|6MT Current: '20 Shelby GT350\|6MT
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10-31-2008, 07:30 AM	#3
Year's_End Lieutenant General 1232 Rep 12,446 Posts Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	oh, and your avatar - best part of that movie. __________________ Past: '08 E92 335i\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6AT Past: '15 Mustang GT\|401A\|PP\|6MT Current: '20 Shelby GT350\|6MT
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10-31-2008, 09:16 AM	#4
krote345 Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 230 Posts Drives: '08 e90 328i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E90 [0.00]	The steering wheel with the gray wood trim is but I like the one with the silver rollers. __________________ Jet Black, 6MT, CW Pkg, PS, iPod, Style 189 Wheels
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10-31-2008, 10:25 AM	#5
mcacciola Second Lieutenant 31 Rep 220 Posts Drives: 09 335i, Silver - M Sport Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: miami, fl usa iTrader: (0)	Love it....It looks like a 777 cockpit :-)
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10-31-2008, 11:04 AM	#6
Mooreski Lieutenant 29 Rep 489 Posts Drives: LMB '09 E90 M3 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (1)	Why is all the dash lighting bright white? I like my red numbers!
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10-31-2008, 11:21 AM	#7
Noodlefoxes Your Father 12 Rep 130 Posts Drives: '08 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The Wild West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 M3 [0.00]	ANY word at all on retrofitting!?! __________________ '08 E92 M3- MR- Tubi Style Exhaust- HRE P90 19's Powder Coated Black
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10-31-2008, 11:43 AM	#8
Acemetrical Enlisted Member 4 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi Sedan - Jet Black Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Racine, WI iTrader: (0)	That trim is totally ridiculous. The white numbers - not good. But did they get rid of the dashboard "Bump". THANK GOD! The new iDrive looks like it is set up perfectly. I look forward to it in our next Bimmer. __________________
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10-31-2008, 12:00 PM	#9
quest556 Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 239 Posts Drives: F10 535i x-Drive Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (4)	Awesome, looking forward to seeing it firsthand.
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10-31-2008, 01:09 PM	#10
Hula-Hula Lieutenant Colonel 93 Rep 1,964 Posts Drives: ♥ Join Date: May 2005 Location: Nürburgring iTrader: (0)	Is that second interior some sort of testing cockpit or what? :S ________ Genetically modified food ________ How To Make A Heat Gun Vaporizer ________ LIVE SEX Last edited by Hula-Hula; 08-27-2011 at 08:52 AM..
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10-31-2008, 01:17 PM	#11
iDriveaBimmer Enlisted Member 2 Rep 31 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi E90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I hope they don't model future BMW interiors based on this test. IMO there are too many gadgets and it makes the car look cluttered and dated. Everything seems waay too boxy for my taste. Part of why I chose a bimmer is because the interior (with the iDrive) is so elegantly perfect! There are no unsightly cup holders in the middle of the console (like the test model above) in my bimmer; they are concealed in the dash, which is absolutely stunning (but admittedly not too functional). I do like the updated interface on iDrive.
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10-31-2008, 01:52 PM	#12
MI6 The World is Not Enough 173 Rep 1,088 Posts Drives: Aston DBS-R Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Skyfall iTrader: (0)	OMG!!! Is it just me or is that a mock up of the new 5 series interior we are looking at about half way down the images?!?!?!!!!! It's not wide enough to be a 7er and that is definitely a 5er steering wheel... What a scoop this could be....!!!!!!
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10-31-2008, 02:27 PM	#14
Buffalo_Bush Private First Class 21 Rep 106 Posts Drives: 07 E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	The 3 interior is really cool, so are the updates on the 5, except that dash trim...
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10-31-2008, 02:32 PM	#15
Ryan335 Lieutenant 107 Rep 428 Posts Drives: Macan GTS Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I'm thinking that it could possibly by the new interior for the upcoming X3 or X1. Those mirrors are very squared off and bulky, and the air vents are too. Those are usually tell tale signs of an X model. __________________ Present: ‘17 Macan GTS Past: ‘15 ML350, ‘13 E92 335i, ‘11 E92 335i, ‘06 E90 330i, ‘06 A4, ‘04 A4
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10-31-2008, 03:45 PM	#17
BaLLzZz Colonel 128 Rep 2,298 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (5)	will this i drive be on the MY 09 x5? __________________ Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction. - Albert Einstein 01 e46 m54 - Current : 14 f10 n26 - Boring & Gone : 15 f30 n26 - Current : 08 e92 n54 - Gone & Missed!!!
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10-31-2008, 03:53 PM	#18
Bluesummer Lieutenant General 590 Rep 15,816 Posts Drives: slower than Ayrton Senna Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (15) Garage List 2017 BMW X5M [0.00] 2015 M4 [0.00] 2011 E82 135 [0.00] 2011 M3 [0.00] 2007 335 [0.00]	that car needs blacklines j/k LOL ________ Vapolution ________ The Cigar Boss ________ Unexpected_Lover ________ DelightNight ________ California medical marijuana Last edited by Bluesummer; 09-07-2011 at 06:27 AM..
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10-31-2008, 05:17 PM	#19
MkLV_M3 Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 265 Posts Drives: 08 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chatsworth, CA iTrader: (17)	I just picked up my 09 335i with the new iDrive, it has way more features than the old version and I think its a huge improvement, its a lot easier to use. __________________
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10-31-2008, 05:55 PM	#21
Deda Major General 572 Rep 7,033 Posts Drives: BMW M5 comp Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Croatia iTrader: (0)	sweet looking!
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10-31-2008, 05:55 PM	#22
sparkyg Brigadier General 152 Rep 3,522 Posts Drives: A6 Allroad Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Oil Country iTrader: (5)	That interior is hideous. The steering wheel needs help, bad. Wow, the 5 is designed for aliens or something
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