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      02-16-2013, 07:01 AM   #1
Lambobimmer
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Is iDrive worth it?

I have found a Z4 35i with all of the options that I was looking for except iDrive and I want to know if that should be a reason not to buy.
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      02-16-2013, 07:56 AM   #2
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Lack of iDrive is not a deal-breaker to me. Personal preference, as always, is the deciding factor. Our 35i does not have iDrive and I personally like the dash look without it. Our 535xi does have iDrive and I find it's most useful feature is Nav. The rest is fancy but not essential. Cheers.
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      02-16-2013, 08:59 AM   #3
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Like cdmulders mentioned, it is a personal preference. For me, it is a deal breaker. Why? Because putting a suction cup on your windshield for a $60k car just doesn't make sense to me. Additionally, I like to use the screen to look at the song I am listening to (monochrome just seems really cheap... especially on a BMW.

Additionally, Navi is always a plus. Ultimately, I would get iDrive for the factory look. And for $2,000, it's really not that bad. That's cheaper than some companies that package Navi in a $4-5k package.
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      02-16-2013, 09:07 AM   #4
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Basically, if you have to ask, then it isn't.

I believe the smaller and more robust 18" wheels, the PDC, the heated seats and the upgraded hifi (10+ speakers) are the only options you cannot live without.

Extended leather, M-sport parts and upgraded sports seats also look nice but they are easier to upgrade later...
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      02-16-2013, 09:19 AM   #5
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Agreed on the Hi-Fi Premium... However, I don't think PDC is a must. On such a small car (and especially since you're so close to the rear) parking shouldn't be too bad. Heated seats is a nice options, but again, depends on where you live. Also, in terms of retrofit, PDC is actually pretty easy to do... from what I know, iDrive is not retrofittable if you decide you want it later. Better save than sorry in my opinion, especially if you're having doubts.

Last edited by CedarZ4; 02-16-2013 at 09:31 AM..
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      02-16-2013, 09:55 AM   #6
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Idrive gives you more than just satnav. I do like the function of googling the destination to your car and it adds to your list of places. Also downloading and playing music from the hard drive is a handy feature. Split screen facility is also a nice feature. What ever you decide, I'm sure you will be happy with the car.
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      02-16-2013, 09:58 AM   #7
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I don't think that it is worth it. Our cars in Canada are significantly more $$$ vs those in the US so it is not a price-sensitive issue. I absolutely HATE buying an overly expensive product (virtually any in-house gps system) when any aftermkt gps is far superior, more upgradable and cheaper. I don't care about the 'suction-cup' look, I just don't like getting ripped off.
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      02-16-2013, 10:05 AM   #8
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My Z4 does not have iDrive. I just took it in for warranty work and had a loaner X5 with iDrive. It was nice, but not really worth the money, but I don't use the nav other than rare ocassions. I find my iPhone works just as well when I am traveling for nav although a little more cumbersome to operate.

I have Nav in my land cruiser and I keep it off all the time.

For me, if I was a person that use nav all the time or at least most, then iDrive would be worth it. If you don't see yourself really using the nav then I would pass.
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      02-16-2013, 10:09 AM   #9
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To be honest the best use of the idrive is to check the engine oil level, our car doesnt have the traditional stick.
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      02-16-2013, 10:34 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Constant.S View Post
To be honest the best use of the idrive is to check the engine oil level, our car doesnt have the traditional stick.
You can do that w/o idrive.
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      02-16-2013, 10:44 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CedarZ4 View Post
Agreed on the Hi-Fi Premium... However, I don't think PDC is a must. On such a small car (and especially since you're so close to the rear) parking shouldn't be too bad. Heated seats is a nice options, but again, depends on where you live. Also, in terms of retrofit, PDC is actually pretty easy to do... from what I know, iDrive is not retrofittable if you decide you want it later. Better save than sorry in my opinion, especially if you're having doubts.
Dont get me wrong, its the front PDC that I think is a must on this car! I agree, your arm can almost reach behind the car so reversing is not the biggest issue. But even regular sized cones can hide out in front of that long bonnet

BTW I think the engine oil level as well as service due dates/km can still be read even without iDrive.
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      02-16-2013, 01:08 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tranquility View Post
You can do that w/o idrive.
Oh, ok did not know about that. Anyways OP you can get it without the iDrive and retrofit it later on if you want
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      02-16-2013, 01:35 PM   #13
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Had it on my 335i, don't have it on the Z4. Don't really miss it.
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      02-16-2013, 01:56 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Asbjørn View Post
Dont get me wrong, its the front PDC that I think is a must on this car! I agree, your arm can almost reach behind the car so reversing is not the biggest issue. But even regular sized cones can hide out in front of that long bonnet

BTW I think the engine oil level as well as service due dates/km can still be read even without iDrive.
PDC on the screen is very useful. I like to sit low in the car and navigating tight spaces is super easy. Plus it does warn you if a pedestrian walks behind you (eg in a parking lot). Frankly, I use PDC more than the navi.

It just nice to have all the entertainment info, settings, etc. on the big screen. Like others said. Depending on your use of the car, you may not miss it.

Biggest disadvantage is another thing that creaks and rattles in some cars...
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      02-16-2013, 03:29 PM   #15
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Thanks for all of the feedback. I actually have been working with a private sale on a 35i that had iDrive. I didn't think that it would get done but it looks like we have a deal.

2009 White with Kansas

296 Wheels
DCT
Nav
Cold Weather
Premium Package
Premium Sound
Sport Package

Looks like it has pretty much everything except Comfort Access.

I already have Cobb from my 135i so it is time to get some:
DP's
Stett FMIC
Coilovers
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      02-18-2013, 08:49 AM   #16
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Get the iDrive!

For a $60k car, it would be too bad not get a beautiful screen in the middle of it to give you all information you need:
Music (radio list, your music collections), Nav (with 3D buildings in some cities), PDC, and a nice access to all your car settings/information.
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      02-18-2013, 09:36 AM   #17
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Deal breaker for me. Living in the Alps there so many small roads and no less than 3 countries within an hour half drive for me all in a foreign language....needless to say I would be crying without it.
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      02-18-2013, 09:38 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lamboworld View Post
Thanks for all of the feedback. I actually have been working with a private sale on a 35i that had iDrive. I didn't think that it would get done but it looks like we have a deal.

2009 White with Kansas

296 Wheels
DCT
Nav
Cold Weather
Premium Package
Premium Sound
Sport Package

Looks like it has pretty much everything except Comfort Access.

I already have Cobb from my 135i so it is time to get some:
DP's
Stett FMIC
Coilovers
check those 296s carefully mate. High chance of cracking on those rims especially with run flats.
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      02-18-2013, 09:53 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VailM3 View Post
check those 296s carefully mate. High chance of cracking on those rims especially with run flats.
That's what I hear so I will look at them closely. Will BMW cover cracks if still under warranty?
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      02-18-2013, 10:05 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lamboworld View Post
That's what I hear so I will look at them closely. Will BMW cover cracks if still under warranty?
they will indeed.
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      02-18-2013, 07:39 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lamboworld View Post
That's what I hear so I will look at them closely. Will BMW cover cracks if still under warranty?
Well, not necessarily ... at least in the US. I am sure others who had the actual experience will chime in. The time to get them fixed is before you pay for the car!
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      02-19-2013, 12:14 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lamboworld View Post
That's what I hear so I will look at them closely. Will BMW cover cracks if still under warranty?
Those wheels will only give you trouble. Best to get another set of wheels. Do more searches here about those wheels and the headaches they gave to owners.
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