The new iDrive screen is a thing of beauty. A 10" HD display screen, what else could you ask for. I wish we have the TV functions here in the US like they do overseas.
Excellent review. The X5 has a very extensive list of customizations in its iDrive system. My 2013 F30 328i is far more limited. I must say, now that I am used to the iDrive system, I really like it and I think the look of the screen is very clean; there is NEVER any glare on the screen despite it's glossy finish. I do, however, wish the screen were able to retracta into the dash. It looks like it could/should be removable, and the fact that it's fixed makes it a bit awkward. Overall, I'm a HUGE fan! I love my BMW!
Very good explanation.... TKS for sharing your knowledge on the system.. uff I'll have to take a few hours to "learn the whole system" well enough and take full advantage of the futures.. TKS again .. just subscribed 👌🏻.. God bless,.
Alex, You have several great reviews/demos so I contributed via "Support" link. Google says "An error occurred" but I got charged so make sure the big G pays you, buddy.
Alex, to you point I don't normally like the current trend of screens that pop out, especially when permanent. However the BMW system with the nav and technology is really nice and looks good. Of course I'm based since I bought one...
In regard to the test message options...Strange that this system doesn't provide a pop up to allow you to quickly select it and listen vs. having to make multiple toggles to get to and then play message. Fair more unsafe then picking up your phone and looking at the texts. Does anyone know if they've improved this yet?
The new 7 series will have everything you spoke here plus gesturer recognition and touch screen. Hopefully these filter down to there other vehicles eventually.
Thank u very much for this helpful video, I have a problem that I can't find a solution for,The speedometer, radio light, and air conditioner buttons are white when there is good lighting, but when the lighting becomes low or when night falls, their color turns orange. How can I keep them white?
Great info thank you. Can you please confirm whether in order to use bluetooth audio streaming, one must have the connecteddrive feature/package, is that true? I'm thinking of getting the 428i and there's no bluetooth audio streaming until I include the ConnectedDrive package. Does the ambient light included in all the model or just the X5?
Cool video... I was thinking about returning to the world of BMW, buuuuut if or when I buy a new vehicle my opt for the QX80. I like the review that you did on that one. It is a much larger vehicle than what I need, but it appears to carry over some features that I have on my Nissan Pathfinder that I really like. My assumption is that backup camera and surround camera was not an option on the BMW that you tested as I watched the whole video really looking for that. That feature is such a requirement for me that it may prevent me from returning to BMW. I do remember that I liked even loved the way my BMW X5 handled, but like I said that camera is a necessity. Thanks again for sharing your experience.
Hey Alex, I am a big fan of BMW but never rode it hahahaha and it was interesting to know these features and next time do not press so hard on the button its sensitive
I have this option on my 2012 f11 530x (4UR Ambient Light), and I can't seem to find it in the iDrive. I have the CIC version, not this NBT which you are reviewing in this video. I can see the leds but they are off, can you please guide me to find the 'magic button' that turns them on? Best regards!
Thanks for the video! I recently bought a 2015 428i M-Sport and I am struggling to turn on my ambient lighting. I also did not see the color options as you gave, is this ambient lighting package not part of the M-Sport & Premium packages?
very nice explanation, I do have a question, I just bought a 2015 228I, but at the radio screen, I do not get the dial feature that you show, checked my software ver. and is up to date, do you think is defective? thanks
Hi, is it normal for the radio to turn on with the vehicle being on? I was just curious and pressed the radio and it turned on without the vehicle being on or key any where near by. 2014 X5 xdrive35i
What ver of idrive is this? Not seeing some of these features on a 2016 435i. Could I update the software between BMW website using a flash drive to the car's USB?
your reviews are always among the best....any chance of you doing a review of portable navigation systems like Garmin & Tom Tom for those of us on the closer to broke income scale?
I have a US Spec 2016 340i I locked up in Germany, that has no options in Connected Drive. Is this something that should have been installed at the port? Two dealers so far are totally perplexed.
If I update the software in my 2013 3 series, will the display look like this video? The video says "2014/2015/2016" - does that mean regardless of the software I have, I will not be able to update the system to look like this because of my current hardware? Thanks.
You didn't mention anything about whether this system can find different kinds of restaurants or movie theaters or gas stations? Would I be able to say find me a mexican restaurant while I am driving in an area i don't know?
The finger writing thing is moot, because the voice activation works so well for most things. It is faster and easier to blurt out a street address then to use the finger pad (and one doesn't have to take eyes off the road)
So all of a sudden my phone won’t show the name of the person texting me. It shows the text message and the number but not the name all though it shows the name of the person in the contact list. Anyone know how to fix this. I didn’t change anything and it used to work before. Even more odd if that same person texting actually calls me their name and picture display but not their name if they send a text it’s just their phone number which is useless unless I know every persons number my memory. Any help?
I cannot honestly comment on this because I have no idea what was done to the car before I got it. I don't know if someone changed the oil and didn't refill properly, if it simply consumed the oil, etc. etc,
Probably the best and most thorough walk-through of the iDrive system that I have seen. Well Done. Thank you.
I'm only half way through this video and I've learned so much. Thank you for this very detailed video.
Awesome informative videos!!! Picking up my new BMW X5 tomorrow! Thank you for all your videos to help guide me on my decision
The new iDrive screen is a thing of beauty. A 10" HD display screen, what else could you ask for.
I wish we have the TV functions here in the US like they do overseas.
I could ask for an infotainment system that doesn't require you to run over 14 pedestrians just to change the radio station.
I feel like cutting your fingers for clicking so hard on the console.Great video.
Chill
This video was much needed. I definitely will make sure to reference this often
Alex your reviews are so thorough and awesome! I'm looking to pull the trigger on an x5 in the next few months and your videos have been so helpful!!
It would be awesome if in all you infotainment reviews that if nav is on it you demo the turn by turn voice! Great job!
Very cool! Feel this is one of the best looking LCD design out there. Really like it when I test drove the X5 awhile ago.
Dam, easy guy. Is a new car, no need to slam on that center wheel
I know! I cringed every time he did it, I catch you doing that to my car and you will need a cast in your fingers....
Brandon Roldan same xD
I'm with you on that, my wife is always slamming my buttons also. HA HA!
Lakram
how to break the controller wheel.? then complaining about the build quality
I love your reviews! Keep up the great work!
Alex, That is a great review. I have a 520D Luxury and it has helped me a lot to learn about my I Drive. Well done
iDrive is by far the most appealing infotainment system. The speed and responsiveness is very impressive.
I own both a 2015 335i and a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I love both, but the G.C.'s infotainment system is out of the Bimmer's league.
A very comprehensive and easy to understand video. Thanks I learned so much in 20 minutes.
Best video i have seen for the f15 x5. very informative and explained to a relevant detail.
Excellent review. The X5 has a very extensive list of customizations in its iDrive system. My 2013 F30 328i is far more limited. I must say, now that I am used to the iDrive system, I really like it and I think the look of the screen is very clean; there is NEVER any glare on the screen despite it's glossy finish. I do, however, wish the screen were able to retracta into the dash. It looks like it could/should be removable, and the fact that it's fixed makes it a bit awkward. Overall, I'm a HUGE fan! I love my BMW!
Just bought a 2015 550i thanks for all the great info
Lincoln is about an hour northeast from Sacramento. Such a nice city to live in.
Very good explanation.... TKS for sharing your knowledge on the system.. uff I'll have to take a few hours to "learn the whole system" well enough and take full advantage of the futures.. TKS again .. just subscribed 👌🏻.. God bless,.
Why do you press so hard? Don't punch it dude! It'll cost you around 1200$ to change.
thought I was the only one cringing every time it was mashed.
ha-ha, I has the exact reaction to him fist punching the control every time
What is the upgrade package called?
Alex, You have several great reviews/demos so I contributed via "Support" link. Google says "An error occurred" but I got charged so make sure the big G pays you, buddy.
This was absolutely awesome. Thank you so much for walking through that.
Well done video. Full detail. Surely helped me after purchasing my 2014 335i Sport since it came with the new iDrive 4.2
What is with the constant angry SMACK on the iDrive wheel? It doesn't take that much pressure to select something... :)
Is with additional direct menu control buttons makes for quick and intuitive opérations.... Is so much fun to drive !!!!!!
Best infotainment system so far
Alex, to you point I don't normally like the current trend of screens that pop out, especially when permanent. However the BMW system with the nav and technology is really nice and looks good. Of course I'm based since I bought one...
In regard to the test message options...Strange that this system doesn't provide a pop up to allow you to quickly select it and listen vs. having to make multiple toggles to get to and then play message. Fair more unsafe then picking up your phone and looking at the texts. Does anyone know if they've improved this yet?
The new 7 series will have everything you spoke here plus gesturer recognition and touch screen. Hopefully these filter down to there other vehicles eventually.
Thank u very much for this helpful video, I have a problem that I can't find a solution for,The speedometer, radio light, and air conditioner buttons are white when there is good lighting, but when the lighting becomes low or when night falls, their color turns orange. How can I keep them white?
Alex thank you for your time and work!
Thank you. Just got my BMW X 5. This helps!
Great review of iDrive.
I needed this video.. ty
This vid is very helpful. Thanks
Well done. Can you tell us how to save a "position" on the GPS as I pass it or even when I reach a destination that I want to save? Thank you.
thanks for the thorough review, look forward to seeing audi vs bmw center control.
Great info thank you.
Can you please confirm whether in order to use bluetooth audio streaming, one must have the connecteddrive feature/package, is that true? I'm thinking of getting the 428i and there's no bluetooth audio streaming until I include the ConnectedDrive package.
Does the ambient light included in all the model or just the X5?
That is correct. Streaming is not always included in iDrive, it depends on the vehicle and the market.
Alex on Autos hi r u not how to fix it my bmw x5 35xdrive after I change the batery the i drive not working any more please how can be fixed
trinhk subscribe
alex farfan bmws have certain things they force u to see dealer for
Cool video... I was thinking about returning to the world of BMW, buuuuut if or when I buy a new vehicle my opt for the QX80. I like the review that you did on that one. It is a much larger vehicle than what I need, but it appears to carry over some features that I have on my Nissan Pathfinder that I really like. My assumption is that backup camera and surround camera was not an option on the BMW that you tested as I watched the whole video really looking for that. That feature is such a requirement for me that it may prevent me from returning to BMW. I do remember that I liked even loved the way my BMW X5 handled, but like I said that camera is a necessity. Thanks again for sharing your experience.
has the app changed names again or is it only for certain countries ? i cant find it
I’m considering a 2014 740Li. Thanks for the vid
Went way too fast for my retention abilities. Great video pretty much covered everything.
Hi I just bought. 730 li 2007 do you have a video to explain how to use I drive and the DVD player in the trunk? Thanks
Hey Alex, I am a big fan of BMW but never rode it hahahaha and it was interesting to know these features and next time do not press so hard on the button its sensitive
Excellent!! This was very helpful. Thank you.
I have this option on my 2012 f11 530x (4UR Ambient Light), and I can't seem to find it in the iDrive. I have the CIC version, not this NBT which you are reviewing in this video. I can see the leds but they are off, can you please guide me to find the 'magic button' that turns them on? Best regards!
Thanks for the video! I recently bought a 2015 428i M-Sport and I am struggling to turn on my ambient lighting. I also did not see the color options as you gave, is this ambient lighting package not part of the M-Sport & Premium packages?
very nice explanation, I do have a question, I just bought a 2015 228I, but at the radio screen, I do not get the dial feature that you show, checked my software ver. and is up to date, do you think is defective? thanks
why would you hammer that button?
Is there away to display a screensaver or pictures? In order to not display the menu screen!!!
Dammmm.... Top of the line... Lots of info
how to get weather on navigation? ... have 2015 535i I don't see that in my nav
Can i have rearview- / 360*-Camera always on while driving? Or in Splitview?
Hi, is it normal for the radio to turn on with the vehicle being on? I was just curious and pressed the radio and it turned on without the vehicle being on or key any where near by. 2014 X5 xdrive35i
I'm using Bluetooth but I don't see the album art on the display
Can I follow this guide to use idrive in my 2017 X3 m sport ?
What ver of idrive is this? Not seeing some of these features on a 2016 435i. Could I update the software between BMW website using a flash drive to the car's USB?
BMW should pay you for having done such a great job! Better than even BMW does it!
your reviews are always among the best....any chance of you doing a review of portable navigation systems like Garmin & Tom Tom for those of us on the closer to broke income scale?
That's an interesting idea. I'll see if I can get them to lend me any models to test.
Hi, can the monitor (drive touch) be hidden? (slide under or something..)
When did they stop the wiki tour and the fb app?
Is this the same system that is in the 2015 650 gran coupe? And will my galxy note be able to work with the apps or do i need an iphone?
also can you link the system to an outside wifi connection? Like a mobile hotspot?
Pandora is not showing under Presets in my 2016 BMW 428i. How do I add this app?
great this video shows all features
I have a US Spec 2016 340i I locked up in Germany, that has no options in Connected Drive. Is this something that should have been installed at the port? Two dealers so far are totally perplexed.
Great video! Can I connect a 2014 528i via Bluetooth to listen to audio music?
Lana Haddad yes
Very well explained!
Alex please show me where is doors lock button in case we do not use key fob. Thank you
Jasmine Phan it’s under the hazard light button
Thanks for the video. How can I delete songs from the i-drive?
4:39 - No traffic on 17? Likely story...
I have a 2015 228i and my screen has bubbles..where to buy a replacement except the dealership
Why are you poking the control knob like tha
So true it annoyed me so much!
If I update the software in my 2013 3 series, will the display look like this video? The video says "2014/2015/2016" - does that mean regardless of the software I have, I will not be able to update the system to look like this because of my current hardware? Thanks.
Thanks, informative video. But that 15.4 mpg seems very low, even for a top sec model.
You didn't mention anything about whether this system can find different kinds of restaurants or movie theaters or gas stations? Would I be able to say find me a mexican restaurant while I am driving in an area i don't know?
Roger Johnson Yes you can
*I !find! a working! version$ hack tool, last upd@te,@* plus.google.com/107983146447862522308/posts/Tmz1FRUqSsh
hill west h
proper meaning of fully loaded !! iDrive great... but how many knows and using all these functions ??
Does the screen retract into the dashboard like the ones on an Audi A6 or A4 (2016) model?
thanks, that's what I thought.
The finger writing thing is moot, because the voice activation works so well for most things. It is faster and easier to blurt out a street address then to use the finger pad (and one doesn't have to take eyes off the road)
Great review thanks 👍
You think this update is available for the 2011 BMW 750Li
Any word on when BMW will update their app so we can start using it?
Why are you poking the control knob like that? Just palm it down, jesus.
Get lost with your rude disrespectful comments 🤬
Thanks for sharing
Is ConnectedDrive (traffic updates) a subscription?
Apparently you get the first 3 years..
Alex. Is it possible to delete a profile on a 2013 iDrive system? Thanks.
+WakeMarine Figured it out. Cant delete profiles but instead rename. www.bavarianmw.com/guide-3088.html
Elegant and simple 👍
Nice features, but how is the sound quality?
Mama Mia, here you go again with all these high tech car
Hey Alex, do you think iDrive on 2012 328i with Nav would be similar to 2014? Or maybe at least software upgradeable?
The 2012 should be very similar. You can get the VIN and ask the dealer if there are any software updates for that particular car.
Got a 2015 328 using my note 8 with bmw ConnectedDrive and still not able to see art cover anyone can help ?
It’s been 7 years.
wonder how much time it sat in repair shop vs driving time.
How do we turn the radio off when getting out the car
Nice it’s 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I like this I drive version and I have a X3 with this model
So all of a sudden my phone won’t show the name of the person texting me. It shows the text message and the number but not the name all though it shows the name of the person in the contact list. Anyone know how to fix this. I didn’t change anything and it used to work before. Even more odd if that same person texting actually calls me their name and picture display but not their name if they send a text it’s just their phone number which is useless unless I know every persons number my memory. Any help?
Is this the same version you find on the 2013 x5 too (old version Of x5). If not can it be updated?
PIERN96 It is very similar with the exception of the finger-writing touchpad.
Search on Google BMW Retrofit, they call eNBT to enable touch sensor on the older vehicles like yours.
I saw that the engine oil was already low, but the service request says it would due in 3500 miles. So how much has this particular X5 been driving?
I cannot honestly comment on this because I have no idea what was done to the car before I got it. I don't know if someone changed the oil and didn't refill properly, if it simply consumed the oil, etc. etc,
hi any wan not how to fix it my bmw x5 35xdrive 2013 after I change my battery the i drive not working any more please help mee to fixed
helloooooooooooo
have you tried hitting the button as hard as this guy?
take it easy on the button dude chill you are not fighting it damn