To iDrive or not to iDrive, that is the question

[peterbkk]

I am planning to place an order with PML for a new 325i. As it will be an "indent" order, I have some flexibility on the options to include (at a price, of course).

My last BMW, a 520D, had the iDrive system with an iPod interface (instead of the 6 CD changer). I enjoyed driving around with access to all 12,000 songs on my iPod, using the iDrive screen and control to select the playlist and song.

The 325's pricing at PML does NOT include the iDrive system. I can add it as an option but it'll cost about an extra few thousand dollars.

The Singapore version of the 325 comes with a "BMW Professional Radio" and a USB interface. I believe that an iPod can be connected via the USB interface and controlled through the radio.

My question is to any owners of the current model 3 series that have BMW Professional Radio and USB interface and use it to connect a iPod with lots of music onboard. How well does it work?

1. Can you effectively and easily operate the iPod from the radio head controls?
2. Can you operate the iPod through the iPod wheel control
(and listen through the car's speaker system?
3. Can you get access to ALL the songs on the iPod or just ones in special playlists?
4. Does the radio display the name of the current song playing?
5. Are you satisfied with the sound quality
(assuming your iPod has songs ripped to a quality level)?
6. Would you pay about some extra thousands to get the iDrive system?

I appreciate your guidance on this issue as it is an important part of my buying decision.

Regards
Peter

 

[n@u9ht]

Re: To iDrive or not to iDrive, that is the question

Hi Peter, i believe that you cannot access your ipod through the radio controls by using BMW Pro Radio with USB. Even with the idrive system, you would still have to get a BMW-Ipod Y-cable which plugs into your ipod at one end, and the USB + AUX on the other end to effectively control your ipod using the car's controls. However, you should be able to play the ipod through the car's speakers using the ipod wheel controls without any problems.

We did not get an idrive in one of our cars and really regretted it and i feel that if possible, always spec your car with one. However, if you are not planning to keep your car for long, specifying your car with idrive doesn't improve it's resale price significantly, and you might end up selling at a similar price point as a car that hasn't got idrive.

Regarding questions 3,4,5, With the idrive system, you get access to all songs, and it does display the song names while they are playing and quality is pretty good, probably only slightly worse off than CD quality, which i believe is quality lost due to the cables.

And having played with the new idrive on the 7 series, which i believe is the same offering on facelifted 3 series, Yes, i will definitely specify an idrive as long as it's within budget.

 

[Slater]

Re: To iDrive or not to iDrive, that is the question

peter dun bother bout the iDrive, most controls can be operated even without the iDrive. frankly u wun have the time to operate the iDrive whilst driving. its really just a look good factor in my opinion. for 10k u can do alot more with the car.

did u look for my car sales person?

 

[C3P0]

Re: To iDrive or not to iDrive, that is the question

Hi Peter,

You can read the following threads, where you will find the info you want and more:
http://www.bmw-sg.com/forums/i-c-e-...reaming-a2dp-into-your-car-stereo-system.html

http://www.bmw-sg.com/forums/i-c-e-section/36762-simple-ipod-questions.html

http://www.bmw-sg.com/forums/group-...-thread/36141-gb-ipod-iphone-y-cable-bmw.html

Hope it's useful for your decision making. Do let us know your final decision.

 

[peterbkk]

Re: To iDrive or not to iDrive, that is the question

did u look for my car sales person?

Yes, I asked for John specifically. Yesterday he took us for a test drive in a couple of cars.

He remembered you as a "good customer".

He will definitely be handling my order. Maybe you can use my intro for "brownie points" next time you are shopping for a BMW.

Regards
Peter

 

[Slater]

Re: To iDrive or not to iDrive, that is the question

Yes, I asked for John specifically. Yesterday he took us for a test drive in a couple of cars.

He remembered you as a "good customer".

He will definitely be handling my order. Maybe you can use my intro for "brownie points" next time you are shopping for a BMW.

Regards
Peter

thats good to know. u will be in good hands with him. a pure motor enthusiast himself

 

[jerr87]

Re: To iDrive or not to iDrive, that is the question

the ipod on the professional radio sucks.

Suppose you have hundred or thousands of songs.... you cant jump to alphabet, theres no wrap around meaning from first song cant scroll back to last song and vice versa, the screen is only 2 lines, to navigate is just via 1 stupid knob turn and turn and turn until pek check becos everytime u access the main list it jumps to the top

 

[sharps]

Re: To iDrive or not to iDrive, that is the question

yes, its much more easier to use it with the idrive
tested n proven