BMW to replace iDrive
BMW's controversial iDrive system has not been popular with drivers
Author: Chris Barker
Published: 05 June 2008
The controversial BMW iDrive multimedia system that provides the ‘ultimate driving mystification’ is to be transformed into something even more complex.
According to industry gossip, confusion may be confined to BMW history when a bang-up-to-date version of the German car manufacturer’s much-maligned on-board vehicle intelligence system allows users to customise their previously do-everything-but-what-you-want-it-to-do equipment.
Pointing to the adaptation of driver’s personal preferences being programmed into the iDrive control function via owners PCs, laptops and portable USB devices, BMW drivers could in the future be able to tinker with screen-savers, menu display colours, interior lighting effects and seatbelt warning ringtones from the home, office or anywhere else with a broadband connection.
On a serious note, this next-generation iDrive could afford users the opportunity to remote set engine setting preferences that determine economy and performance or fine-tune the car’s suspension settings, transmission response or level of power steering assistance.
Additionally, a host of new attributes will emerge to make the BMW driver’s life that much more hassle free. An interactive diagnostics system that could even go as far as to enter into real-time web dialogue with service engineers in the event of a problem arising is an example, should they materialise.
Voice controls and remote controls for seat pre-heating and air-con instigation might smack more of driver whimsy; however the incorporation of panic alerts and emergency aid to any future iDrive concept would be considered a critical feature.
Being able to pre-programme your BMW’s digital radio to preferential broadcast services at specific times of the day with the provision to seek out a station of a similar genre should your signal lose its potency, combined with radio show playback and complete interactivity with your home PC hard-drive to create and upload play lists will appeal to many drivers.
BMW has released the first official pictures of the new X1 compact SUV concept, ahead of its debut this week at the Paris Show.
The revised versions of the BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring estate models for 2009 went on sale in the UK from 20 September.
The mid-life refresh for the BMW 3 Series saloon and Touring models ramps up performance and economy and cuts emissions, but how does the 3 Series measure up to the new C-Class and A4?
In a car industry struck by rising taxes and fuel costs, the introduction of a supercar convertible costing £55K might have been expected to dent BMW M3 Convertible sales.
The new BMW M3 Convertible review may cost a fortune to buy and run but offers staggering performance and awesome handling. If you're one of the few that can still afford it, you'd be advised to consider the M3 drop-top.
advertisement
Land Rover will introduce a stop-start version of the Freelander small SUV to drive down fuel consumption and emissions. | 07/10/2008
Renault has debuted the new Megane Coupe at the Paris Motor Show and will debut the model in late 2008. | 07/10/2008
Further details have emerged for the new Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer estate model, available from £17,185. | 07/10/2008
The Suzuki Swift Attitude gets a specification upgrade for 2009, adding air conditioning and sports seats for £9,999 on the road. | 07/10/2008
Volkswagen has announced a new entry-level specification and two additional engines for the Scirocco coupé, available to order now. | 07/10/2008
|06/10/2008
LSUK, thought to have been rescused by Euro Car Parts, has been unexpectedly closed by the new owners with the loss of over 600 jobs.
|07/10/2008
Euro Car Parts has put out a statement on the closure of LSUK, stating that a closure of the business was unavoidable due to a 'lack of support'.
|06/10/2008
An A-Z guide to all the manufacturer and new models at the Paris Motor Show in 2008.
|06/10/2008
Alfa Romeo MiTo, Citroën C5, Ford Fiesta, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Renault Mégane, Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Golf are European Car of the Year 2009 nominees.
|06/10/2008
The 21.2% year-on-year sales slump is terrible news for the car industry, but could be good news for car buyer.
|20/11/2007
Around 400 people a day risk damaging their car by misfuelling, and filling up with gas is a mistake that could cost thousands. So what do you do if you´ve filled up your diesel car with unleaded petrol?
|01/10/2008
Euro Car Parts has acquired Pinco 1555 Ltd, including all 53 of LSUK's 53 branches, together with subsidiaries M I Diesel Products, Protech Automotive (UK) and Yeovil Rewind.
|06/12/2007
Fuel protests similar to those that brought the UK to a halt in 2000 are being planned by a breakaway group of disaffected hauliers, according to press reports.
|06/10/2008
LSUK, thought to have been rescused by Euro Car Parts, has been unexpectedly closed by the new owners with the loss of over 600 jobs.
|16/03/2008
A list of the new road tax bands as described in the 2008 budget. Cars are placed in VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) bands acording to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the vehicle.
Search Motortorque:
No readers comments
Be the first to write a comment on this article