[blackE90]

I was just wondering if anyone regrets not getting idrive.

I personally did not because I could not justify the price hike for something I didn't "really" need, but trust me I was tempted

[ward]

2 grand for navigation isn't an option,

for me that's way too much money for something I wouldn't use that often.
I wouldn't have a problem with idrive if it was standard, but I'm not paying 2 grand for it. maybe I would have paid 600-800 but not 2 grand

I'm sure the vast majority of 3's will not have idrive and navigation

[Robin_NL]

No. Not at all. 3500 euros are u kidding!

I had it in my 120d. It's not as good as I thougth for that money

[Broken1]

Here, they want R19 000 (without tv) and R25 000 (with tv) (about $3200 and $4200 respectively)

For that money, it's hardly worth it. I had navigation on my 325ti and I used it maybe 2ce. I used the tv a few times, but there was never anything decent to watch anyways!!

I plan to sell my car in 2 or 3 years, and you can't "reclaim" any money for extra's when trading it in, so...to me...it's hardly worth it. I would've loved an idrive tho :/

[silverado]

I love mine. Zero regrets about getting it. I would have probably paid more for it (but don't tell BMW ).

Not exactly your question, but just my 2 cents.

[AudiA4]

I said my next car would have navigation, but personally, I think that the nav/iDrive screen in the 3 series is the poorest integration - aesthetically - in any current car. It was unsightly enough that I didn't want it in the car. The added "hump" is a complete disruption to the interior, and looks as if it were an afterthought. So yes, I do regret not having navigation in general, but not this specific system (iDrive).

[Robbie!]

nope I have no regrets and I could use it being a realtor .. I am ok with my map book

[RedStripe]

iDrive is on my order because I was afraid about getting a car these days without an integrated Navigation system.

[jiggax23]

i do not regret getting it. i got it because i think it looks better, the non-navi version is too plain for me, and i like gadgets. but i can see where people get frustrated with it

[ldpantoja]

I don't regret getting it. Also, I don't understand what the fuss is about. Lot's of people complain about it being difficult to use. I think that it's pretty simple.

[bozo5521]

All Ive heard from owners is that this Navi system is full of bugs...Not sure how true that is, but it seems to be a pretty consistent claim...

[JBOO]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I absolutely love iDrive.

I use the functions everyday and really can't see getting a new BMW without it. Of course,the frugal side of me contemplates saving that extra money since they have given me a choice, but I know that I would regret making that decision.

The US price is $2K, which I think is more than appropirate. $6-800??
Are you kidding me? What manufacture offers navigation alone for that amount? I see portable units costing more than that.

I personally think the idrive is well integrated into the dash (not at all an afterthought). To me the iDrive-less dash seems as if something is missing, which should clearly indicate that idrive was not an afterthought.

[scottz5]

I keep thinking I want to change my order and get it, because I love tech stuff. As for the 2,000, i dont really care either way. Here is my feeling about the whole thing. My wife has a 2004 Lexus RX330 with Navi and the system is great. It is a touch screen and easy to use. Lexus and Acura use the best systems out there. I do not feel that the BWM or MB systems work that well. I may kick myself later for not getting it, but I dont feel the current system works that well for $2000. So, I dont think I will be adding it to my order. Plus, I only work ten miles from my house and never use my car for long trips. I feel the system should have came with every car and then the price could have been cut to that 600-800 mark.

[Jerel56]

I love the IDrive/NAV system but, I can see not getting it to save a few $$$. I'm sure Acura/Lexis and some others have a better system but, the BMW system is fine by me, works well and, I love the way it looks in the dash. I don't like the flat touch screen look even as it may be more functional. I prefer the BMW recessed "cockpit" look...just my opinion.

[scottz5]

I hear you but once you use either a lexus or acura system you will fell like your getting ripped off. I guess that was my point. On the other hand lexus and acura's dont drive like a BMW.

[silverado]

Originally Posted by bozo5521

All Ive heard from owners is that this Navi system is full of bugs...Not sure how true that is, but it seems to be a pretty consistent claim...

I don't know what these bugs that it is "full of" are. The only issue I ever experience with it is that it occassionally takes longer than usual to respond to a command. This happens maybe 5% of the time.

I actually like the fact that there aren't many buttons to press and that I can do all this from one knob.

[Jerel56]

Agreed, I think the dash is streamlined nicely with the knob concept. Also, if you have a passenger who isn't familiar with it, it lets you keep total control of without them fiddling with your radio/entertainment settings. Of course, a quick tutorial makes it real simple, however, there are those occasional annoying people who insist on changing the station every two minutes and the knob can be a great deterrent to that...

[jiggax23]

i agree, the navigation system isn't the best, but there are multiple functions on it that make it quite worthwhile. worth the $2000 they charge for it? thats up to you to decide. but i like the fact i can view a phone list, and like the voice activation (sometimes when i can't find something in the i-drive menu, i can sort of guess what the voice command is and pull it up that way). also, even tho im pretty good w/ directions and dont use the actual navigation itself that much, its nice having a map in front of me while im driving.

[scottz5]

Originally Posted by jiggax23

its nice having a map in front of me while im driving.

thats why i was thinking of adding it.

[scottz5]

So what can you do with Idrive that you cant do with the Prem Pack? Is it just the phone list and some of the voice controls?

[JBOO]

Keep in mind, iDrive is not just the Navigation for $2K, although other manufactures charge at least a $1K for that option alone. Some of the features I enjoy:
-Visual representation of the PDC
-The ability to see the radio presets and scroll to the station I prefer.
-On board information
-Controlling vehicle settings (steering wheel controls, turn signal indicators, delayed lighting, door locks, etc)
-Climate controls and seat heating functions
-Telephone interface and number listings
-The service and engine status screens

There are several more options, but these are the most important to me. Of course, most of these you can still do on on your own without iDrive, but you also lose that gadget and wow factor that if offers. To me, it's well worth the $2K. Unless however you are on a budget and/or you will never use navigation.

[fusionnv]

Originally Posted by blackE90

I was just wondering if anyone regrets not getting idrive.

I personally did not because I could not justify the price hike for something I didn't "really" need, but trust me I was tempted

I love it. The methods to get to some of the options people complain about are sometimes werid. It basically allows you to change options that you would have to go to the dealer to change. I give it . Pricey yes, but I think it should worth while to have. Everybody that I showed it too said it is hoT! Esp on the navi the clouds move while you are drive on the perspective screen.