PS: I also just picked up a 2007 Audi A8L. It has a programing wheel now too (MMI)! Yes, it is a lot easier to use and learn then BMW’s, but BOTH are worth the rewards of learning….

Don’t be a sheep….try it yourself, before passing judgement!!!!!!!!!!!

it just takes 15-20 minutes and an open and positive attitude. you can also perform eleventy billion things by voice commmand. And it does work very well. The first few times it has to get used to your voice and inflection, but after sometime it works very well.

John

           BCNU,
         Rob in Dago

Actually, I PREFER the iDrive to touchscreen systems found in Lexus, Mercedes, and the other competitors. Why? Because with a touchscreen, you must look at where you’re touching–far more dangerous than a glance at the screen to see what menu option you’ve scrolled to.

I think iDrive is designed to be a safer alternative to touchscreen systems. Yes, it is frustrating, but in the end, it is safer.

However, I tend to agree with Frank’s view as far as putting electronic gizmos and complex electronics in cars.

One example of that I would cite is the problem with Window control on some early MINIs, when the windows would roll completely open inexplicably while parked. I suspect this is because that some sort of micro-controller interpretting the controls and their meaning, then according to their programming perform the expected operations. As a result, if some error conditions occur, the result is unpredictable. Why BMW/Mini did not go with a more conventional approach is any body’s guess — perhaps to minimize wiring, or to minimize number of components required , etc., but in any case, while their approach allow you to do more fancy stuff, it also make problems like this more probable. As an electronics engineer myself, I had learned to always go with the tried-and-true approach.

Some might argue that the problem I mention was an old problem, and has long since been fixed, similar to some who have argued that criticisms against i-Drive were from old articles. But the point is, because it is a more complicated system, it is therefore more susceptable to unforeseen problems.

I also recall that there is going to be enhanced iPod interface. Does this mean info on the iPod screen will be displayed on the nav creen when in entertainment mode?