[Vroom vroom]

I'm still searching for a car, and i'm debating if i should pass cars up
Just because they only have the sports package. Do i really need idrive? I know you can change certain features with it (unlocking the door and opening only takes 1 pull), but is there another way to change those features?

Also, should i stay away from 07s and look for an 08? Ive found many good 07s but that might just be too old. And isn't the fuel pump issue more common on 07s?
Thanks for any help.

[skatenc123]

I have idive in an 07. The idrive sucks pretty bad for atleast the 07 model apparently it got more user friendly later on. I havnt had any problems with mine yet, I would just make sure it has the latest HPFP in it. Also with an 08 youll have a good bit longer of CPO warranty.

[Wires]

I don't think you can change the door unlock with one pull with the non-idrive.
Honestly, there really isn't any reason why life would end if you didn't have it. It makes the interior more techno with the screen, and you can set different things like a chime should you exceed a certain speed, but I've lived without idrive for the past 4 years and no regrets.

[bmwauug]

Most people who ask this question are trying to determine where to carve $$ - is that the case? If not, go for it - screen is really nice (WS) and I love having it...would it kill me not to have it? No? Same with the M package - but I like them, so i got them.

[Vroom vroom]

Originally Posted by bmwauug

Most people who ask this question are trying to determine where to carve $$ - is that the case? If not, go for it - screen is really nice (WS) and I love having it...would it kill me not to have it? No? Same with the M package - but I like them, so i got them.

Yea id like to save as much as i could hence the 07-08 question. My main question is whether or not i'd actually use it.

[aarwilli]

Personally I specifically sought out a car without iDrive. Didn't want their notoriously horrible interface bugging me for the life of the car. I wanted to focus on driving not on having to use some annoying knob and crashing into people Just my 0.02. One thing I do wish I had that iDrive would have given me the opportunity to add is a rear facing camera for backing.

[Game]

07 and I love my iDrive.

[CUTigers]

I have an 08 loaded except the iDrive/navi... Didnt really care for it either way.Just preference for me. Came down to overall quality and miles of the car rather than if the car had it or not.

[kkttsang]

if i had to choose, i would rather get one with sports package rather than idrive. But if it has both then good but if you are choosing from one or the other. sports package > idrive.

[techwhiz]

My car is loaded, no iDrive/Nav.
My main preference was Sport Package (AT or 6 speed).
I couldn't live without the sport suspension and I wanted the oil cooler, just in case I wanted to tune.

I bought CPO.

[Doctor///M]

Originally Posted by Wires

I don't think you can change the door unlock with one pull with the non-idrive.
Honestly, there really isn't any reason why life would end if you didn't have it. It makes the interior more techno with the screen, and you can set different things like a chime should you exceed a certain speed, but I've lived without idrive for the past 4 years and no regrets.

yup the door unlock can be changed with some coding. Same here though, no-idrive and I get to focus more on the fantastic drive.

[Vroom vroom]

Is changing with coding complicated or expensive?

[RoundelM3]

No need for iDrive if you don't have navigation with it, and even then, a nice Garmin unit is less expensive and much easier to update ($89 for a lifetime map subscription and free software updates). I use the turn signal stalk button/switch to set all my preferences and have had some coding done to enable/disable features by a friend in the local BMW CCA chapter for free.

[Kolyan2k]

I wouldnt pass on a nice car and a good deal just because of iDrive. iDrive is nice, but after all you are buying a car, not iDrive. Sport package is another story.......no sport package, no deal for me.

[Aggression]

I personally wished I would have waited for IDrive and Comfort Access. Mine just has Sport and Premium.

[rondocap]

Sport package and iDrive are essential for me. Sport package gives the car better seats, suspension, and paddles - really good for sporty driving.

iDrive makes the car look updated and has some configuration options.

I think they are the 2 best options to have on the car. Awesome to see all of the iDrive menus, like service, etc. Just makes the car and dash look nicer.

[Titanium3Series]

You can change certain setting with the obc lever on cars without idrive. Idrive was not a deal breaker for me, but sport package is, I would not own a BMW with sport....

[Bendercle]

Originally Posted by Vroom vroom

Is changing with coding complicated or expensive?

Coding cable is ~$80, software is free and you need a laptop. General computer knowledge helps but there's a noob guide that's pretty good.

[cole92]

Originally Posted by Bendercle

Coding cable is ~$80, software is free and you need a laptop. General computer knowledge helps but there's a noob guide that's pretty good.

But noobs have bricked their phones/computers/cars/etc when writing wrong values to their registry or car, just a warning OP.

On question though, I think it depends on what you need the vehicle for and what the difference is in pricing.

iDrive was much better in 09 compared to 07-08. Best advice is to drive some cars with and without in the different years and find the options that you really want.

[bmcgarry84]

I actually looked specifically for a manual transmission without iDrive. Took me about two months to find one that was a good deal and it was worth it.

I still have hands-free Bluetooth and many other features but I'm one of those guys that would rather have more performance than have bells and whistles. If you want to program different "comfort" settings, you can do it without iDrive if you get a cable and perform some programming.

[Wires]

If you're worried about the money, I'd just skip i-drive. I didn't get the nav screen on my car or my truck when I bought it (sure I wanted it, but wasn't willing to plunk down ANOTHER $2k for each).

2 years later I looked into swapping the radio in my truck for the GM touchsceen nav. Easy mod, just plops in the dash, just need to pay the stealer $80 to code it. Problem is it was still $1200+coding when bought from Ebay.

Ended up just buying a garmen GPS for both vehicles for $150/ea. Does what I need, and I'm happen (I should add that I am the techno geek person, so I did really want the i-drive). But like mentioned, I decide sport package was better choice. Those seats are amazing....

[djjasper]

1. Sport
2. Premium
2a. Cold Weather- depending on where you live
3. Comfort Access
4. iDrive