[cntlaw]

I love idrive but the dealer charges me US$5200 for it so I have to go for the 330i without. For this extra, I would have it on the coming M3 E90 which I will order later.

[readthis13]

i didnt get it, i cant use nav where i live cuz bmw doesnt have maps for it, and just the i drive its self, not worth the money.

[lux.sh]

Like I said in my other thread regarding my first navi/idrive experience,

Screen itself + features you can access: A+
I.drive: C+

[Luongo]

RDS will become available on pre-September built E90's once you get the software upgrade (CIP 19.1). You have to turn it on by going into FM radio and clicking the iDrive knob. Also, audio CD's will show the name of the songs if you burn them with ID tags.

[CnoteMD]

My iDrive has always shown song names if the CD has CD-text and I never had any computer upgrades.

I don't have RDS or mp3 capability, though.

Overall, I am very pleased with iDrive and would highly recommend this option. Occasionally, there is a slight delay in the response but others are reporting improvements after the software update. I will wait for the update that includes mp3.

Michael

[Petercat]

I didn't get the iDrive because I bought my car off the lot... Had I ordered it, I probably would have opted for it. I am fine with the look of the interior with or without. I do wish I had the iDrive though. I found it easy and intuitive when I was on my test drive and would like to have all that access to settings.
Enjoy the new car.

I also came from a 996C4 for the same reasons. I have the 325 and am very happy with it in all ways. The Porsche was tough as a daily driver, but I did love it. The 325 is very practical and I really like it, but not the love of a Porsche.

[Bimmerista]

IMHO the I Drive bulge on dash makes the car look ridiculous from outside and inside. Most people get it because they feel they need Nav. That may well be the case, but then you have to live with all the other "functions" IDrives hives off within the system.

I have avoided IDrive like the plague, especially since it increases the electronic gremlin factor by about x100.

If you really need Nav, there are excellent portable/after market systems which cost less, do not require integration with the car's electronics and will perform the same functions as Nav (I am less sure about the trafic warning system - but that system is not available in USA or Canada as far as I know).

I love my car and am happy I had the choice of not getting IDrive.

The above is simply my opinion, I do not intend to denigrate anyone who got IDrive and loves it - good for them; BMW is about choosing the features and options which are right for each one of us.

[ThreeBimm]

Originally Posted by Bimmerista

IMHO the I Drive bulge on dash makes the car look ridiculous from outside and inside.

I was debating whether or not to get it but I agree that I don't think I like the way the two bumps look so I opted not to get it. Also, most people I've talked to and things I've read did not favor iDrive. If I want Nav I will just have to get an aftermarket system.

[shutterbug]

Originally Posted by Bimmerista

If you really need Nav, there are excellent portable/after market systems which cost less, do not require integration with the car's electronics and will perform the same functions as Nav

I totally agree. I plan to use my Garmin 2610 which I've used with great success in other cars. I respect some people want to have everything integrated for the "clean" look, but there's something to be said about portability/flexibility. And those 2 bumps on the dash bother me, too.

[brokah]

The I-drive is great, it is so much more then just Navigation.

[Scott Carpenter]

i got it ,never use it, but it looks cool.

[Bimmerista]

Originally Posted by Tape

i got it ,never use it, but it looks cool.

[natalia]

I ordered it. I think it all depends on how you'll use it. My navigation on my current car has helped me out a lot over the last couple of years. So I had to get it on my new e90. I dont' think that idrive is difficult to use, then again I only tried it on the test drive.

[Thumpzilla]

After a week with Idrive, it has become second nature.

I really think it adds a lot to the e90, not essential mind you, but i love it and would recommend it if you are on the fence.

[silverado]

Originally Posted by RINALDS

I was debating whether or not to get it but I agree that I don't think I like the way the two bumps look so I opted not to get it. Also, most people I've talked to and things I've read did not favor iDrive. If I want Nav I will just have to get an aftermarket system.

I think if you look around here you'll see that most actual owners quite like iDrive and most of the negativity comes from reviewers who basically don't spend enough time with the car to lear now to use it and enjoy it.

[pharding]

I am thrilled with the I-driver on my 5 er. My son likes it so much that he ordered it on his e90 330. The I-drive is awesome if you have it. I highly recommend the I-drive.

[lux.sh]

Originally Posted by silverado

I think if you look around here you'll see that most actual owners quite like iDrive and most of the negativity comes from reviewers who basically don't spend enough time with the car to lear now to use it and enjoy it.

While I am one of those "reviewers", I stand that this statement is correct.

All magazines and those who had minimal experience with the i-drive say avoid i-drive at all cost, but actual owners either, don't care of it much, or like it alot. Conclusion I made, get one and see if you like it. If you don't, thats too bad, don't use it. but remember its still better for resale.
(unless bmw comes with some sort of better x-drive module later on)

[CA330i]

Originally Posted by sirees01

I have placed my order for a E91 330d M Sport Touring, which is due in December.

Saphire Black/Terra Dakota/Burr Walnut

I didn't go with the I-Drive as I didn't feel the need for this car. I have no problems with the system as I found it easy to use in my 7 series that I owned 18 months ago.

It just got me thinking how many of you new owners have opted for the system ?

Did you specify I-Drive for your car Yes/NO

Yes

[db17k]

Originally Posted by beauforty

Sirees01, comfort is awesome. I've done a 6 hour drive to the Lakes and it was effortless and very comfortable in the sport seats. They hug you nicely.

I did a trip at the weekend, mostly A roads and motorways and I got 41.5 mpg. Your diesel will be even better!

Good luck with the waiting - my 3 month wait was agony!

Loving this car....you won't regret it (although a Porsche is a bit special!!)

41.5 MPG!!!?? or 41.5 KMPG?

[ben1364]

i-Drive is a matter of personal choice. While I think it completely out of place in a performance car, others love to play with it while driving.

[JamieA]

Originally Posted by Bimmerista

IMHO the I Drive bulge on dash makes the car look ridiculous from outside and inside.

You know when iDrive first came out I would have said that I totally agree with you on this point. But now it is growing on me, and during the test drive I totally fell in love with it. Like the whole design of the E90 it is a grower.

Perhaps BMW have become better at integrating it into their interior design themes just as flame surfacing is finding its own equilibrium...

As someone else said at the end of the day it is personal choice.

[Bimmerista]

Originally Posted by JamieA

You know when iDrive first came out I would have said that I totally agree with you on this point. But now it is growing on me, and during the test drive I totally fell in love with it. Like the whole design of the E90 it is a grower.

Perhaps BMW have become better at integrating it into their interior design themes just as flame surfacing is finding its own equilibrium...

As someone else said at the end of the day it is personal choice.

Agreed-totally a question of perso pref - I just wish BMW would make Idrive optional across the line. As someone who would prefer not to have it, I wish I had the choice I had with my 3er for the X5, 5, 6, 7 series (not that I could afford to go that high....yet ).