Below are the official BMW AG photos of the upcoming 1 series new iDrive system. In addition to the new controller, the current pop-up screen has exited the dash in favor of a new wider and higher resolution (1280X480 to be exact) fixed screen. The system will also feature a 80 GB hard disk and brand new menu system as previously discussed for the 3 and 7 models.
This new Professional navigation system will allow for a full-screen map display and additional features such as travel and route planners.
These changes have been confirmed for most markets outside the US. Click on the “link” tab to view at a higher resolution.
(I apologize for the slow load times as I did not resize them appropriately)
As we reported awhile back the 2009 1 Series will indeed get the thoroughly revised iDrive. Bringing it in line with the 3, 5, and 7 series, the 2009 1er will also feature a larger 1024px screen that gives a traditional (in the BMW sense) split view and offers much more screen real-estate than previously available. You can check out pics below.
In a strange turn of events we realized that unless BMW USA made an error on their website the 2009 5er and 6er will also be receiving the new iDrive system. We had originally been told the 5 would get the update but the latest materials we obtained did not state this.
Jonathan Spira has informed us that there is indeed an error in the website so the 5/6 will NOT get the new iDrive.
The following from the BMWUSA website discussing Navigation for European delivery, BMW will now be loading all cars available for Euro pickup with the new maps (they will be on the hard disk prior to Welt pickup).
Navigation
If you have ordered Navigation on your new BMW, beginning with 2009 models, all Europe maps will be automatically loaded when you pick up your car in Munich. The only exception is X3 models, the process of ordering the DVD in advance of travel is still a requirement.
The X3 exclusion makes sense since the X3 system is the only model that will not have iDrive in the lineup for 2009, with iDrive being on its third rendition this really shows how antiquated the X3 is becoming and why it will not complete a full life cycle.
Here is a short little video that shows interior and the basic use of the next iDrive system. Besides being a new controller the actual visual portion of the system has been completely redesigned as well. Check out how the new controller can rock now!
Our friend Jonathan Spira, of Roundel and the BMWCCA, has also written a very nice article on the new systems content and functions which can be viewed here, and of course our many articles on the new iDrive.
2009 BMW 7 Interior and iDrive from BimmerFile.com on Vimeo.
While we know that we will all get to see the new system premier throughout the world in the new 2009 7 series within the next few days we still thought it would be interesting to discuss what we have been hearing about the new iDrive’s menu system
Sources indicate that the menus look more like the Audi MMI interface in the design of the lists and manner in which selections are highlighted. With the increase in screen resolution the fonts and maps are much cleaner looking and are also more visually appealing. The submenus will function more like bookmarks within the interface and include links to other menus.
One would think that if you happen to have or are looking at a new phone with Bluetooth capabilities it should work with the Bluetooth system within a BMW; this is not the case. Due to the differences in wireless manufacturers use of specific protocols under the larger umbrella of Bluetooth a specific phone may not be compatible or only partially compatible.
BMW had joined forces with Auto Wireless Solutions to help keep up with testing phones for compatibility. The company is also in the business of selling phones so things on the Wireless4BMW.com site are not always updated as they should be even though it is directly linked from BMWUSA.com.
So what are you to do if you are in the market for a new car or new phone if the official lists are not accurate?
Since we originally gave you much of the details about the soon to be released 7 (07.07.08 as we have been reporting since April) things have been fairly quiet in the form of rumors. We originally discussed the possibility of the famous 7 series night vision being moved into the Heads Up Display. Our sources still indicate this indeed will happen and that it is a product from Siemens VDO.
Though this is not the view of 7 with this technology active it shows what we can expect (according to sources).
The system could consist of a long range infrared camera behind behind the grill allowing for night vision of up to 500 feet down the dark road. Using this technology adapted from military as well as search and rescue will allow the warm objects to show up more vividly on the screen than the cold inanimate objects allowing the driver to see and react accordingly. The presentation in the head-up display has the advantage that the improved night vision is in the driver’s direct field of vision. Within the HUD makes more sense for safety sake, looking to the side (iDrive screen) was always tedious and took the driver’s eyes off of the road.
The BMW NG6 Project, Next Generation 6 (cylinder) was begun over 6 years ago. This document is believed to have been originally found in the garbage of a BMW facility back in 2003. It may be the notes from one of the engineers after they attended a meeting or presentation. So far all of the engines depicted on this have come to fruition, the only one the US has not seen is the N53.
Yes that is right, a 6 series with a sequential turbo diesel! We have no idea if or when this car will tour the streets of the US. It is just interesting to read the rave reviews this engine is receiving.
The shear fact that even in a larger car it is still able to reel in 34 mpg (when converted from imperial gallons) and have excellent performance is astonishing. We look forward to BMW finally allowing the US to have the engine much of the world has already been enjoying!
This review is from “The Car Enthusiast” out of the UK.
Check out all the photos and the entire article here
Here is a nice video with CGI that shows the premise of the X-drive system in many BMW models. The X6 is the only exception. The system transfers power from front to rear as needed.
As you can see in the photo the controller features the same button configuration seen in recent photos of the E90 and F01 with the updated iDrive. The idea behind the change is to allow for the driver or passenger to access data in a more efficient manner by creating shortcut buttons to common tasks and even a back button. Also seen in a recent picture of the new F01 7 Series is a thumb scroll wheel meant to allow the driver easier access to long lists of data. It’s interesting to note that we do not see that feature in the E60. From that can we expect any current generation car with the update won’t be getting that handy addition? Or is this feature only there on cars equipped with navigation (remember the E60 doesn’t come standard with the option). We’ll hopefully have more on this soon.
According to Jonathan Spira (of Roundel fame), who documented the various (unseen) versions of iDrive, this controller represents part of the fourth generation of BMW’s iDrive cockpit controller system.
Spira tells BimmerFile that the key difference between BMW’s new cockpit controller and the competitions’ is button placement.
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We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
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Sections: E81/82/E87 1 Series, Official News, Technology Jul 20th, 2008 3 Comments 
