[530iDriver]

I still prefer iDrive 6 in my 2017 5-Series and physical buttons for HVAC. Can't beat the simplicity in both interfaces.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by FCX5

Reminds me of people in my office who said they would never give up their blackberry's for an iPhone because of the keyboard…

IDrive 8, at least on the iX I drove was pretty slick and intuitive. But I can see the benefits of physical buttons.

Yes that might be it but remember that nothing beats "Muscle memory" and haptic feedback technologies have not yet replaced the tactile feel/feedback of physical buttons/switchgear.

[Wheelwright]

Those Android-based car interfaces are good for the unwashed masses buried in their smartphones all day long, and therefore are more applicable to entry-level A to B transportation pods such as VWs, Toyotas etc: However I believe that BMWs should be on a higher level of precise connection and interaction between the driver and the machine. For that you need buttons, rows of them, like in a cabin of F-16. In this way your brain synapses must actually fire when you're trying to interact with the machine, instead of simply going through the motions of menus within menus. Yawn. But with the buttons your brain actually gets engaged and then rewarded by the machine quickly responding, which creates a transcending experience. Add a precise manual transmission and it is heaven, too bad it is all going away, because BMW entirely forgot what it is about.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by Wheelwright

Those Android-based car interfaces are good for the unwashed masses buried in their smartphones all day long, and therefore are more applicable to entry-level A to B transportation pods such as VWs, Toyotas etc: However I believe that BMWs should be on a higher level of precise connection and interaction between the driver and the machine. For that you need buttons, rows of them, like in a cabin of F-16. In this way your brain synapses must actually fire when you're trying to interact with the machine, instead of simply going through the motions of menus within menus. Yawn. But with the buttons your brain actually gets engaged and then rewarded by the machine quickly responding, which creates a transcending experience. Add a precise manual transmission and it is heaven, too bad it is all going away, because BMW entirely forgot what it is about.

They didn't forget what BMW is all about.

Rather, they have adjusted and adapted to what the market wants, expects and demands today.

BMW signaled a change of direction 20 years ago with the E65 2002 BMW 7 Series. Look, feel and core mission all took a shift. Some would say for the best, and others would claim for the worst.

That ain't manual transmission, button laden dashboards or exterior/interior design from yesteryear. BMW and most of the car industry have abandoned the concept of a car as a deeply engaging analog transportation device.

In this process some of the hardcore BMW customers or those who preferred the brand and products from 25-30 years ago, will naturally be left out.

For them the markets offers other manufacturers with more restrained, classic and flowing design language. Perhaps some of them would still capture on what is perceived the "Lost core values" from the BMW of old time.

[themnmd]

Originally Posted by mopaman

I think the sheer volume of available options and controls for all the vehicle features and vehicle status/information requires an interface like an iPad to control and access it all. That being said, the day to day tactile stuff such as audio volume, climate and wipers should be available.

I think with so much being automated (climate for example does not require much resetting on the go), physical controls may not be something most people miss.

I appreciate what the tech can do,but it's application should not overshadow he look of the interior. It should enhance it.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by nerdogray

The market doesn't know what it wants. Just look at Tesla. Quality issues abound, yet they just keep selling. It's not about substance anymore. BMW is riding a wave they created decades ago, patting themselves on the back in between reacharounds, thinking it is their progressive "design." It isn't. They could literally put wheels on a giant, polished turd, slap a 50-year anniversary emblem on it, and the same masses that brought us ass and Tide Pod eating would beat the doors down to buy it.

I believe with Tesla is also part an issue with the "Cult of Musk" which makes the fans of the brand overlook a lot of the glaring issues and defects with the products and the service experience.

I bet these same group of Tesla owners would far less tolerant if encountering similar QC issues in products from other manufacturers/

[sharkymcpeterson]

I'll buy this but I don't have to like it!


(Homer Simpson voice)

[JustinHEMI]

I hate screen HVAC controls. What if the screen dies?

I think Mazda nailed the mix.

My new CX50 has manual controls for HVAC and a dial like BMW with a couple of hard buttons around it. It's now even touchscreen (which I hate and don't use) for wireless android auto and carplay.

I don't want to be forced to touch the screen, can I use the scroll wheel for everything in Idrive 8?

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by JustinHEMI

My new CX50

Nice! Tops of my list as an upcoming X3 replacement. Kind of holding out for the PHEV version.

Off topic - I might PM you to ask about how you like it.

On topic - I agree, it's a good mix of digital and analog. Buttons / knobs aren't all bad.

[RLL RACER]

This I drive 8 screen/tablet look in BMW can go Bye bye! Starts to take away the look that your even in a ultimate driving machine!

[themnmd]

Originally Posted by JustinHEMI

I hate screen HVAC controls. What if the screen dies?

I think Mazda nailed the mix.

My new CX50 has manual controls for HVAC and a dial like BMW with a couple of hard buttons around it. It's now even touchscreen (which I hate and don't use) for wireless android auto and carplay.

I don't want to be forced to touch the screen, can I use the scroll wheel for everything in Idrive 8?

If the screen dies you die

[top-down]

The physical controls also would have benefited the passenger. This trend to delete tactile interactions is unfortunate because while obviously the driver should not be visually impaired (hopefully) and could operate a touch screen, some percentage of passengers surely are and are now excluded from managing their own climate.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by themnmd

If the screen dies you die

wut?

[Azfer]

This is the new trend but AC on screen can be a pain in the ass.

[JustinHEMI]

Originally Posted by themnmd

If the screen dies you die

Hahha that gave me a chuckle, thank you.

[JustinHEMI]

Originally Posted by Azfer

This is the new trend but AC on screen can be a pain in the ass.

I'm sure BMW's implementation will be better than Subaru's, but Subaru's is ghastly.

[themnmd]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

wut?

Sorry joking

[themnmd]

Originally Posted by JustinHEMI

Hahha that gave me a chuckle, thank you.

You are welcome , apologies for the Dad joke

[Azfer]

Originally Posted by JustinHEMI

I'm sure BMW's implementation will be better than Subaru's, but Subaru's is ghastly.

Truee

[Mach550]

I was watching demuros i4 video and it blew my mind to see prev/next track buttons which are present on the steering wheel but no physical hvac buttons. The whole area down below could have been hvac like my G30.

[FernandoH]

Originally Posted by Azfer

This is the new trend but AC on screen can be a pain in the ass.

lol

[PLF69]

Originally Posted by Mach550

I was watching demuros i4 video and it blew my mind to see prev/next track buttons which are present on the steering wheel but no physical hvac buttons. The whole area down below could have been hvac like my G30.

I am also mind blowned to see a company like BMW a pionner in car infotainment/nav make such a step backwards.

I understand the cost savings but adding steps to simple tasks is basically regression.