BMWs iDrive System
Now we all have heard a lot of horror stories about the demonically complicated iDrive system. Lets take a deeper look, is it REALLY that bad?
What it is
iDrive is BMWs proprietary system for managing different functions of your car. It’s also sometimes called a ‘vehicle control system.’ Its User Interface consists of a control knob and a menu button on the centre console and an LCD in the centre of the dashboard. Basically what iDrive does is to combine all the secondary systems of your car, like audio, navigation, climate, and communications with the various sensors which tell you your cars health, into one easy to access display. Vital controls including indicators, headlight controls, windscreen wipers, and basic sound system and communication controls remain near the steering column, close at hand.
How it works
The system promotes use through a single control knob, which can be rotated, pressed and pushed in all four directions of a compass. The control knob provides ‘haptic’ feedback. This means that the user can feel as it moves through the options on the screen. It also has a ‘force feedback’ feature; it kicks back slightly while scrolling through lists. This makes it easier to use while driving while keeping your eyes on the road. Key driving data such as speed and navigation directions are presented in your line of sight, on the Head-Up Display (HUD). While different years’ models show slightly different iterations of iDrive, the basic elements remain the same.
Features
The system represents a stride forwards in car diagnostics. Where as previously a vague check engine light would appear, the iDrive system provides a full readout on the centrally mounted LCD on a variety of parameters, enabling the driver to access a wealth of information on the cars health. It also alerts the driver when oil changes and other repairs become due.
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