Comments on: Mini Cooper to get iDrive http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html Car news, reviews, and specs for the auto-industry Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:29:28 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: mblommel http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258924 mblommel Fri, 01 Sep 2006 05:13:17 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258924 No, NO! Make it stop! No, NO! Make it stop!

]]> By: Dan http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258721 Dan Thu, 31 Aug 2006 22:02:40 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258721 what a horrible idea. unless they made it look like the world's largest toggle switch. jk. it's a bad bad thing... why is there so much crap in cars today? AC needs 3 knobs: -fan speed -vent select (includes winshield defog) -temp (maybe a rear defrost button) Radio needs 5 knobs -tune -volume -bass -mid -treble (push-pull some combination of those for fad/balance) and maybe a button for input... among those knobs there ought to be a way to navigate cd's and mp3s on an ipod or sirius/xm Seriously... 8 knobs and 2 buttons. I dare someone to do it. I don't even need radio presets or exterior temp buttons. quality not quantity. what a horrible idea. unless they made it look like the world’s largest toggle switch. jk.
it’s a bad bad thing… why is there so much crap in cars today?

AC needs 3 knobs:
-fan speed
-vent select (includes winshield defog)
-temp
(maybe a rear defrost button)

Radio needs 5 knobs
-tune
-volume
-bass
-mid
-treble
(push-pull some combination of those for fad/balance)
and maybe a button for input… among those knobs there ought to be a way to navigate cd’s and mp3s on an ipod or sirius/xm

Seriously… 8 knobs and 2 buttons. I dare someone to do it. I don’t even need radio presets or exterior temp buttons.

quality not quantity.

]]> By: Veda http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258411 Veda Thu, 31 Aug 2006 11:29:38 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258411 The steering wheel control would be less distracting when driving but the additional steps to change a simple operation like the AC is still a user unfriendly design of the vehicle. You should not have to take your eyes off the road for more than a sec to change the airflow. It's dangerous and annoying to the user. It doesn't matter how simple or complicated it is, it's the additional steps required to get there. The steering wheel control would be less distracting when driving but the additional steps to change a simple operation like the AC is still a user unfriendly design of the vehicle. You should not have to take your eyes off the road for more than a sec to change the airflow. It’s dangerous and annoying to the user. It doesn’t matter how simple or complicated it is, it’s the additional steps required to get there.

]]> By: Hidden_Hunter http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258371 Hidden_Hunter Thu, 31 Aug 2006 08:35:17 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258371 if BMW combine it all into a hud (like they have on the x5) and use steering wheel control's then it would be world class I think :) if BMW combine it all into a hud (like they have on the x5) and use steering wheel control’s then it would be world class I think :)

]]> By: Jon http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258268 Jon Thu, 31 Aug 2006 03:14:24 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258268 Looks like it would be hard to find that thing in the dark. Wonder if it lights up. Traditional iDrive/MMI position seems to fall at hand more easily. Looks like it would be hard to find that thing in the dark. Wonder if it lights up. Traditional iDrive/MMI position seems to fall at hand more easily.

]]> By: Atomicbri http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258254 Atomicbri Thu, 31 Aug 2006 02:51:49 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258254 Oh God No!! I just wouldn't option it....don't need some "i"ntellegent (if you could even say that software is) driving me around.... no thanks BMW. Oh God No!! I just wouldn’t option it….don’t need some “i”ntellegent (if you could even say that software is) driving me around…. no thanks BMW.

]]> By: VB http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258252 VB Thu, 31 Aug 2006 02:50:28 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258252 That's the problem with BMW....They want to add complexity to things that don't require it. We've got more than we can handle with these #^%! cell phones while driving. Now, we're expected to navigate through menus to change a radio station or cabin temperature. That’s the problem with BMW….They want to add complexity to things that don’t require it. We’ve got more than we can handle with these #^%! cell phones while driving. Now, we’re expected to navigate through menus to change a radio station or cabin temperature.

]]> By: Veda http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258219 Veda Thu, 31 Aug 2006 01:34:20 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258219 The problem with i-Drive is simple, yes it is more complicated than Audi's interface but the main gripe comes when trying to change simple things like AC operation while driving. Which is pretty much impossible without dangering yourself and others. What you're left to do is to remember the steps and directions to get to the menu that you want without having to look at the monitor. Compared to the others I really though BMW could've done a better job on it. The problem with i-Drive is simple, yes it is more complicated than Audi’s interface but the main gripe comes when trying to change simple things like AC operation while driving. Which is pretty much impossible without dangering yourself and others. What you’re left to do is to remember the steps and directions to get to the menu that you want without having to look at the monitor. Compared to the others I really though BMW could’ve done a better job on it.

]]> By: JSP http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258203 JSP Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:38:41 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258203 ... so when is BMW going to consult Apple to redesign the iDrive interface? … so when is BMW going to consult Apple to redesign the iDrive interface?

]]> By: V'duv Kux Klan http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258186 V'duv Kux Klan Wed, 30 Aug 2006 23:59:57 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258186 http://www.mx.autocosmos.com/contenidos/videos.asp i found this page and looks like the 2007 Honda CRV is already for sale in Mexico http://www.mx.autocosmos.com/contenidos/videos.asp i found this page and looks like the 2007 Honda CRV is already for sale in Mexico

]]> By: Wickedated http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258181 Wickedated Wed, 30 Aug 2006 23:48:45 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258181 The iDrive really isnt that bad. You have to be a numbnuts not to figure it out. Old timers need to stop complaining and get with the program. My only complaint is that it is distracting. But complicated? Give me a break. If you can figure out an ipod, you can work the idrive. Seriously.... welcome to the 21st century. The iDrive really isnt that bad. You have to be a numbnuts not to figure it out. Old timers need to stop complaining and get with the program. My only complaint is that it is distracting. But complicated? Give me a break. If you can figure out an ipod, you can work the idrive. Seriously…. welcome to the 21st century.

]]> By: British_Rover http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258167 British_Rover Wed, 30 Aug 2006 23:16:17 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258167 The piss poor reliablity of the MINI is a myth. They only score low on the various reliablity studies because of the design components that have been added to the survey. I only ever had one warranty problem with mine in 30,000 miles. I have also used I drive on a couple year old 7 series and found it very frustrating. I suppose I would haev eventually got use to it but in general I did not like it. The piss poor reliablity of the MINI is a myth. They only score low on the various reliablity studies because of the design components that have been added to the survey. I only ever had one warranty problem with mine in 30,000 miles.

I have also used I drive on a couple year old 7 series and found it very frustrating. I suppose I would haev eventually got use to it but in general I did not like it.

]]> By: Hidden_Hunter http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258165 Hidden_Hunter Wed, 30 Aug 2006 23:12:08 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258165 I love technology and don't mind the iDrive system but some things BMW incorperated into it should of been left as simple buttons. I was actually talking to a dealer the other day who thinks that the iDrive will do pretty much nothing to your resale value, something a bit dissapointing given how expensive it is to option on some of the cars (on the 3 it's very expensive I have a feeling) I love technology and don’t mind the iDrive system but some things BMW incorperated into it should of been left as simple buttons.
I was actually talking to a dealer the other day who thinks that the iDrive will do pretty much nothing to your resale value, something a bit dissapointing given how expensive it is to option on some of the cars (on the 3 it’s very expensive I have a feeling)

]]> By: Steve-O http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258152 Steve-O Wed, 30 Aug 2006 22:45:33 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258152 Jon, I have an '05 Cooper S. 22,000 miles so far, and no problems. It's well on it's way to proving you wrong... Jon,
I have an ‘05 Cooper S. 22,000 miles so far, and no problems.

It’s well on it’s way to proving you wrong…

]]> By: Interphase http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258143 Interphase Wed, 30 Aug 2006 22:27:06 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258143 The problem with iDrive is a basic one - it moves too many functions that generally require a simple one-touch selection method into a unified system that needs to be navigated. If the iDrive functions were one-shot things that you might only need to do while stationary then it'd be fine, but when some of the more common features (music, climate control etc) take more than one click or twist to set it can get irritating. Don't get me wrong - I'm all for technology (I run a network of 1500 computers covering a city so I have to be!) but I stil recognise when something is overly complicated because it can be rather than because it has immediate benefits. The problem with iDrive is a basic one – it moves too many functions that generally require a simple one-touch selection method into a unified system that needs to be navigated. If the iDrive functions were one-shot things that you might only need to do while stationary then it’d be fine, but when some of the more common features (music, climate control etc) take more than one click or twist to set it can get irritating.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m all for technology (I run a network of 1500 computers covering a city so I have to be!) but I stil recognise when something is overly complicated because it can be rather than because it has immediate benefits.

]]> By: Dave http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258139 Dave Wed, 30 Aug 2006 22:03:13 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258139 MINI reliability has improved a lot. My 2005 is much better than my 2002 was, and I didn't care about the problems I had with the 2002 because I loved driving it. And, not all MINI owners are under 30. I'm 62, and I love hi-tech toys. I did drive a 7 series with iDrive for a couple of days, and I was not overly impressed, but I could get used to it. I figure that the main problem with it is the fact that Microsoft had something to do with it's software. If only Apple had designed it, it would be a lot better. MINI reliability has improved a lot. My 2005 is much better than my 2002 was, and I didn’t care about the problems I had with the 2002 because I loved driving it. And, not all MINI owners are under 30. I’m 62, and I love hi-tech toys. I did drive a 7 series with iDrive for a couple of days, and I was not overly impressed, but I could get used to it. I figure that the main problem with it is the fact that Microsoft had something to do with it’s software. If only Apple had designed it, it would be a lot better.

]]> By: kafkef http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258135 kafkef Wed, 30 Aug 2006 21:52:43 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258135 jon, i'm aware of those certain BMWs but this article is about an optional componant for the Mini. you choose if you want it or not.. jon,
i’m aware of those certain BMWs but this article is about an optional componant for the Mini.
you choose if you want it or not..

]]> By: Jon http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258128 Jon Wed, 30 Aug 2006 21:28:07 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258128 Piss poor reliability is not on the ‘plus’ column for the Mini. Jon. Piss poor reliability is not on the ‘plus’ column for the Mini.

Jon.

]]> By: Steve-O http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258123 Steve-O Wed, 30 Aug 2006 20:59:34 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258123 Don, The MINI is a "bad car"? Care to give a reason? Don,

The MINI is a “bad car”? Care to give a reason?

]]> By: iDrive Option For The New Mini - German Car Scene http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258122 iDrive Option For The New Mini - German Car Scene Wed, 30 Aug 2006 20:59:31 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258122 [...] [Source: Left Lane News] [...] [...] [Source: Left Lane News] [...]

]]> By: Camron http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258115 Camron Wed, 30 Aug 2006 20:52:13 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258115 the audi mmi is much easier, but the idrive isnt hard to use at all. only older adults find it complicated. and since most people that own mini coopers are between 16-30, i'm sure the people that decide to equip their mini with it will be able to use it with no problem, just like i did on the 7 series the audi mmi is much easier, but the idrive isnt hard to use at all. only older adults find it complicated. and since most people that own mini coopers are between 16-30, i’m sure the people that decide to equip their mini with it will be able to use it with no problem, just like i did on the 7 series

]]> By: Don http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258097 Don Wed, 30 Aug 2006 20:24:31 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258097 bad addition to a bad car. It works. bad addition to a bad car. It works.

]]> By: Jellyhead http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258078 Jellyhead Wed, 30 Aug 2006 20:07:22 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258078 The Audi MMI is way superior The Audi MMI is way superior

]]> By: Jon http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258068 Jon Wed, 30 Aug 2006 19:57:25 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258068 Kafkef, There are certain BMW’s (7-Series for example) that come with the iDrive and you can’t get the car without it. Also, you can’t get Nav on a BMW without the rest of the shitty iDrive interface. Jon. Kafkef,

There are certain BMW’s (7-Series for example) that come with the iDrive and you can’t get the car without it. Also, you can’t get Nav on a BMW without the rest of the ****ty iDrive interface.

Jon.

]]> By: kafkef http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258046 kafkef Wed, 30 Aug 2006 19:31:45 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258046 can't see how they can be "ruining yet ANOTHER car" with an OPTIONAL computerized interface. if you want it you buy it if you don't want it you don't buy it.. it's that simple.. can’t see how they can be “ruining yet ANOTHER car” with an OPTIONAL computerized interface. if you want it you buy it if you don’t want it you don’t buy it.. it’s that simple..

]]> By: (V)ike http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258045 (V)ike Wed, 30 Aug 2006 19:31:36 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258045 How many of you have actually ever used the iDrive? Probably not many, and on top of that you are all "Jonny Come-lately's" and just jump on the band wagon and like all the old crotchety editors of the leading car magazines, you bash something you never take the time to figure out. I test drove a new BMW recently, and the iDrive was one of my favorite parts. Simple, stylish, actually VERY easy to use and ALL the other German luxury makes are following suit. Which seems to be the case with all of BMW's controversial things, like Design and the iDrive. How many of you have actually ever used the iDrive? Probably not many, and on top of that you are all “Jonny Come-lately’s” and just jump on the band wagon and like all the old crotchety editors of the leading car magazines, you bash something you never take the time to figure out. I test drove a new BMW recently, and the iDrive was one of my favorite parts. Simple, stylish, actually VERY easy to use and ALL the other German luxury makes are following suit. Which seems to be the case with all of BMW’s controversial things, like Design and the iDrive.

]]> By: Jon http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258039 Jon Wed, 30 Aug 2006 19:21:37 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258039 Thank you BMW, for ruining yet ANOTHER car. Jon. Thank you BMW, for ruining yet ANOTHER car.

Jon.

]]> By: Joel B http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258037 Joel B Wed, 30 Aug 2006 19:10:21 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258037 BMW just couldn't resist, why make a simple car complicated? BMW just couldn’t resist, why make a simple car complicated?

]]> By: Madcapp http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive.html/comment-page-1#comment-258036 Madcapp Wed, 30 Aug 2006 19:10:17 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/30/mini-cooper-to-get-idrive/#comment-258036 That's craptacular. That’s craptacular.

]]>