Examining the BMW iDrive Interface

By Jeremy Laukkonen, About.com Guide

The central conceit of iDrive is that the entire system can be controlled by a single knob. That allows a driver to access a variety of secondary systems without looking away from the road or fumbling for buttons. Critics of the system claim that it has a steep learning curve, but most drivers get used to it pretty fast. In 2008, BMW started including a number of additional buttons. These buttons act as shortcuts, and the control knob can still be used to access all of the secondary systems. Each button can be programmed to access a particular function, screen, or even radio station.

Previous

• BMW's iDrive Vehicle Control System
• iDrive System Information
• iDrive Control Knob
• BMW Rotary Controls
• iDrive Navigation Screen
• iDrive POI Search
• iDrive Traffic Warnings
• iDrive Vehicle Information

Next