[DTM]

Nav seems useful, but the limited dashboard knobs for the stereo seem like a pain in the neck. I personally prefer to have all the knobs right there for the system. Was bmw trying to avoid a busy dash?

[krndanic307]

I thought Navigation wasnt worth it at all. Since I have my dad's car with Navigation... I barely use it. But I regret so much not getting the Idrive for my car... It changes the whole look of the interior and it's worth having it! No mapquest needed or yahoomaps whatsoever!

[nrg09]

I guess if you're into gadgets and gizmo's and you got the cash then YES!

[arn]

I personally think iDrive is a must have for any luxury car... a 35k+ car just looks weird w/o navigation. but that's just my point of view.

[jcoo085]

Wouldn't buy a BMW without it.

[chun_tak]

I love iDrive. Are there things that needs to be improved? yes and I do have my rants abut iDrive but I really like the integration. Also, there are voice commands for quick access to many functionality.

[beldredge]

Related to iDrive, is it expected that a future iPod integration kit would somehow interface with the iDrive controller and Nav screen? Or is this even technically feasible?

I am not too interested in the navigation system itself, but I like the controller and interface. If I could control my iPod through that system, I would probably pony up and get the nav/iDrive.

[voltron1011]

Originally Posted by beldredge

I am not too interested in the navigation system itself, but I like the controller and interface. If I could control my iPod through that system, I would probably pony up and get the nav/iDrive.

Join the club.... We've all been waiting for that. :mad:

[Barry626]

I love the the idrive & navigation!
First car I ever had it & will never do without it again!

[c5driver951]

The i-drive is fantastic. The perspective view on the Navigation display is very cool.

I like the way the radio interface works. It is quite simple to set up stations and work your way through the different options.

I must say I think the car mag guys aren't too smart or they are just unwilling to learn.

[garethpeate]

If you were getting a 1-series I'd say avoid it like the plague, but in the bigger cars it just looks empty without it. The second bump on the dash and the shark's fin on the roof are pure class

Agreed that journalists don't seem to be that bothered about learning how to use it. Look at Jeremy Clarkson...

[RustyR]

I was stuck with a loaner without i-Drive for a week. It was hell getting use doing things the old way. All the little things you miss besides the NAV make it all worth every cent.

Here's my final thought. If you own it, you will use it and the more you use it, the more you can't do without.

[jetblack325xi]

If you think you might want nav in the future, get it now. I wanted nav in my 2001 infiniti qx4 but my wife talked me out of it. Last year I bought a garmin quest nav (suction cup on window). I love the gps but I hate the wire coming off the dash to the lighter.

In my bmw I have used the built-in nav even more then my old nav. A few trips to the east coast, house hunting, and business meetings. Once you have it you will find uses all the time.

Oh, I am surprised how many people regret not getting Nav due to the posts on how to add a aftermarket unit.

[mike20022]

iDRIVE?

Well I am down to the final option list and idrive is now my last choice. Is it a yes, or is it a no. I have read good posts from most of the members on this site, and outside reviews have said stay away from it. Yeah the screen is cool, but is that really worth $2,000. I have NAV in my Accord, and from all of the NAV's I have tested out and had, I think Honda has a slight edge on most of the automakers. The touchscreen works amazingly well, and everything is so simple.

I am a gadget kida guy, so right now I am leaning towards idrive. I just don;t want any Regrets, so I guess I am forced to add it.

-Mike-

[kobechrome]

I personally don't think its worth it for me. I know how to get to work and for the few times I do need directions, I don't mind using mapquest or google maps at all. If I were a travelling salesmen or or had to go to alot of unfamiliar areas, I would have considered it. For me, I wanted to keep the car under 35K and there were other options that were more important for me like CA, xenons.

Plus, I think you can buy a tomtom for $700. But admittedly, the wire coming from the lighter doesn't look so good.

[rebelfocus]

I fall into that large category of people who really, really prefer the look of the e90 dash without iDrive. I could live with a second binnacle in the larger 5 series but it doesn't look right for the smaller 3 series.

And I also think SatNav is generally a expensive gimmick (although admittedly an occasionally useful one).

I choose my car without iDrive.

[Barry626]

Originally Posted by tonyobrien

And I also think SatNav is generally a expensive gimmick (although admittedly an occasionally useful one).

I choose my car without iDrive.

For me a lot more then occasional.
Recently I had to meet very impatient friends for dinner & movie.
I was on Garden State Parkway in NJ. Exit was backed up apprx. 50 cars.

I called my friends & said u better go without me.
I realized get the hell out of the lane & let Nav. reroute me.
I called my friends & said looks like I can be there in 10 mins.
Car took me to my friiends a way I would of never known & I know NJ.

Let along all the other features of the Navigation, I feel is worth every dime!

[Barry626]

Originally Posted by kobechrome

I personally don't think its worth it for me. I know how to get to work and for the few times I do need directions, I don't mind using mapquest or google maps at all.

You can also get lost using them because they don't update nearly enough.
I used Map Quest few times & twice it's directions were wrong.
Used it from NJ to Maryland & got lost. My Nav. is way more accurate!

[SteveMD]

There's so much more to the IDrive than just the nav though. The 'Entertainment' quadrant is fab. Loads of fun. The 5th option - not shown on the screen - you push once down, has a ton of vehicle related options and of course the voice recognition is a great feature.

[Pretender]

Still...I don't think $2K worth it IMO. If it's Acura Nav, I'm down for it. Idrive's very distracting. Unless BMW comes up with something better, I won't get it. I actually tried it a few months in my brother's car before I bought my car, but I wasn't impressed. Up to you tho. If you like to have the luxurious interior look and have extra $$$, go for it. Otherwise, invest that money in sport pkg, parking assist, bluetooth (for 325i) or extended warranty/maintenance.
This is my honest opinion to you since I've been driving both Idrive e90 (325i) and non-Idrive e90 (330i) for a while. Others probably have idrive and of course, they'd be all over the idrive. I'll be getting the M3 when it'll come out (2007) and will not get the Idrive if it'll be the same as in E90. No regret whatsoever. Again, I'm more into car performance than the look. Others could be different.

[voltron1011]

Googlemaps and Mapquest are pretty horrible. If you aren't carefull it will plot you on a route that takes you through some shady places. I was driving my dad's Maxima to Las Vegas (from Tucson) and Googlemaps had me going through industrial roads through Phoenix.

[geeslice]

I've heard a lot of people say that if you are leasing to get the Nav/iDrive... I am buying the car and I don't think I'll use it that often... maybe once a week or so. I'm planning on keeping the car for the "long term", estimating about 5 to 6 years and am curious to hear ppl's thoughts on the Nav/iDrive if you are keeping a car that long and for resale if it would be considered a plus or minus... I'm getting screwed on the resale for my TT so I'm sensitive to these things...

I appreciate it! Thanks!