BMW electronics due for upgrade?

mark1996 · 11-28-2008, 04:31 PM

I realize that our cars drive well and all that but my girlfriend's Microsoft Sync system in her 2009 Ford Escape just blows the BMW system away. The navigation system, the Sirius system, the cell phone integration etc are just better and significantly more user friendly in the Ford. My BMW system now feels like it is about 5 years behind the state of the art.

Anyone else have similar experiences with other makes and models?

Kilgore Trout · 11-28-2008, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark1996

I realize that our cars drive well and all that but my girlfriend's Microsoft Sync system in her 2009 Ford Escape just blows the BMW system away. The navigation system, the Sirius system, the cell phone integration etc are just better and significantly more user friendly in the Ford. My BMW system now feels like it is about 5 years behind the state of the art.

Anyone else have similar experiences with other makes and models?

The limitations of the BMW system have been frequently discussed here. In general, the consensus is that the system does not measure up to the best in the industry (which would include Ford, some Honda/Acura products, and maybe some Lexus/Toyota products). The new Idrive probably address some of the shortcomings of the earlier system, but is still not likely to be on par with systems like the Ford's.

When it comes to navigation systems, phone/bluetooth, and ease of using controls, there is rarely a correlation between cost and quality. That is, the systems available in some very inexpensive cars actually outperform the systems in prestige makes like BMW, Audi, and M-B.

In general, this is one domain where German cars lag behind.

Dillusion · 11-28-2008, 05:25 PM

It's a pretty weird realization seeing how many state of the art technologies are used in Germany, like Volkswagen's 'green' car plant and AMD's microprocessor headquarters. I saw it on the discovery HD channel and that car plant is A-MA-ZING!

Kilgore Trout · 11-28-2008, 06:48 PM

BMW does offer some feature that those cars don't have (like the MYINFO) stuff. Also, BMW, unlike many other makes, does not handicap their system my locking you out when it is moving.

bsamoul · 11-28-2008, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

BMW does offer some feature that those cars don't have (like the MYINFO) stuff. Also, BMW, unlike many other makes, does not handicap their system my locking you out when it is moving.

I hate when companies lock you out when you start moving

PaulBailey@ltbmw · 11-28-2008, 07:41 PM

Q. BMW electronics due for upgrade?

A. YES BMW is very due for an electronics upgrade! Our instrument cluster on the dash and heater/AC looks the same as is did in 1995 with the E36!
All other competitors, Lexus, Infiniti, Audi, Mercedes, Acura, all have wayyy better electronics and Navigations.
Lucky for us, and BMW, our car's still drive freaking amazing!

barbados · 11-28-2008, 08:05 PM

Yup, Microsoft Sync blows away BMW's iDrive system.

CyberGypsy · 11-28-2008, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skibbs

Yup, Microsoft Sync blows away BMW's iDrive system.

Prefer Apple!MS Sucks!

Aurora Bearialis · 11-28-2008, 08:34 PM

never tried that microsoft thing. but on the mercury commercials they make a big deal about it can read out your text messages. it's cool, if it works and if we could pick the voice I turned off my robot mother voice for navigation

roadkillrob · 11-28-2008, 08:41 PM

I would still rather have a BMW was crap electronics than the worlds greatest nav system attached to a FORD - a TOM TOM blows them both away, just get that!

Aurora Bearialis · 11-28-2008, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

I would still rather have a BMW was crap electronics than the worlds greatest nav system attached to a FORD - a TOM TOM blows them both away, just get that!

yeah, I was gonna say that but just wanted to stick to the topic of systems lol cause if it were cars well... EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS FOR ALL lol

Barmats · 11-28-2008, 09:05 PM

The factory nav in last year's Mitsubishi Outlander is 100x easier to use than ours, and has a superb interface. BMW's electronics are fine until you compare them to others.

barbados · 11-28-2008, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberGypsy

Prefer Apple!MS Sucks!

Really? You prefer the Apple car systems over Microsoft Sync, huh... That's funny because Apple doesn't make any car systems, silly fanboy

bsamoul · 11-28-2008, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberGypsy

Prefer Apple!MS Sucks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by skibbs

Really? You prefer the Apple car systems over Microsoft Sync, huh... That's funny because Apple doesn't make any car systems, silly fanboy

Seriously, what are you smoking lol. Let me have some

SkipSauls · 11-28-2008, 10:53 PM

I love my BMW, but now that that's out of the way, I agree that the electronics could use an update. The new iDrive is probably better, but until it is as intuitive as the Japanese systems, it will always be a problem. I think the BMW designers and engineers need to give up on iDrive, etc. and just go with the flow. Thank goodness that things like steering wheels, pedal arrangements, and shift knobs are already too well established for "innovations" from BMW. Oh wait, they've already started screwing around with shift knobs, so I guess we can expect some weird steering wheel replacement next.

ejazbmw · 11-28-2008, 11:16 PM

i've sat in a is350 and the new A4 and it makes the inside of my bmw look like crap lol, i really hate how plain bmw's interiors are compare to other cars that cost less....oh well

Mattingly · 11-28-2008, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejazbmw

i've sat in a is350 and the new A4 and it makes the inside of my bmw look like crap lol, i really hate how plain bmw's interiors are compare to other cars that cost less....oh well

I'm new to BMWs and "luxury" cars, but I happen to like the no frills spartan interior. Our cars want to be driven, not played with.

JL330i_UT · 11-28-2008, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattingly

I'm new to BMWs and "luxury" cars, but I happen to like the no frills spartan interior. Our cars want to be driven, not played with.

you sir are fantastic!

ejazbmw · 11-28-2008, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattingly

I'm new to BMWs and "luxury" cars, but I happen to like the no frills spartan interior. Our cars want to be driven, not played with.

eh its probably because I'm young and want pretty things to look at

, no but seriously i do agree with the drivers car, but damn could it hurt to change the amber interior lights to maybe white or blue and maybe add more buttons just to look at haha

JL330i_UT · 11-28-2008, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejazbmw

eh its probably because I'm young and want pretty things to look at

, no but seriously i do agree with the drivers car, but damn could it hurt to change the amber interior lights to maybe white or blue and maybe add more buttons just to look at haha

the amber lights are there for a reason. They provide the best light out-put while being glare free, and easy on the eyes. If white or blue were better colors im sure BMW would switch, they know their sh!t!

ejazbmw · 11-29-2008, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JL328i

the amber lights are there for a reason. They provide the best light out-put while being glare free, and easy on the eyes. If white or blue were better colors im sure BMW would switch, they know their sh!t!

its looks boring though

, not sure how they would be glare free though i mean you only see them at night where would there be glare? besides i have a 350z with white lights they seem fine to me...even during the day.

-=Hot|Ice=- · 11-29-2008, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsamoul

I hate when companies lock you out when you start moving

Agreed. Our Camry does that and it gets on my nerves!

11-28-2008, 04:31 PM	#1
mark1996 Private First Class 13 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 2015 320i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Seattle iTrader: (1)	BMW electronics due for upgrade? I realize that our cars drive well and all that but my girlfriend's Microsoft Sync system in her 2009 Ford Escape just blows the BMW system away. The navigation system, the Sirius system, the cell phone integration etc are just better and significantly more user friendly in the Ford. My BMW system now feels like it is about 5 years behind the state of the art. Anyone else have similar experiences with other makes and models?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-28-2008, 05:25 PM	#3
Dillusion is ross 22 Rep 190 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: South Fl iTrader: (1)	It's a pretty weird realization seeing how many state of the art technologies are used in Germany, like Volkswagen's 'green' car plant and AMD's microprocessor headquarters. I saw it on the discovery HD channel and that car plant is A-MA-ZING!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-28-2008, 06:48 PM	#4
Kilgore Trout Chicks dig wagons! 43 Rep 1,375 Posts Drives: 2009 E91 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Where you can see through the people, but not the air (i.e., Los Angeles!) iTrader: (0)	BMW does offer some feature that those cars don't have (like the MYINFO) stuff. Also, BMW, unlike many other makes, does not handicap their system my locking you out when it is moving. __________________ E91 Montego Blue gray leather burl walnut , Idrive, PDC, Logic7, CA, Sirius, xenons, 6FL, ZPP, heated seats, 17" tires. 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-28-2008, 07:41 PM	#6
PaulBailey@ltbmw General 663 Rep 26,878 Posts Drives: 2-325 330 2-335 2-Z4 2-135 X5d Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Huntington Beach, CA iTrader: (34) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i E90 [7.00] 2011 BMW 335i E92 [7.96]	Q. BMW electronics due for upgrade? A. YES BMW is very due for an electronics upgrade! Our instrument cluster on the dash and heater/AC looks the same as is did in 1995 with the E36! All other competitors, Lexus, Infiniti, Audi, Mercedes, Acura, all have wayyy better electronics and Navigations. Lucky for us, and BMW, our car's still drive freaking amazing!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-28-2008, 08:05 PM	#7
barbados First Lieutenant 15 Rep 337 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Gotham City iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00]	Yup, Microsoft Sync blows away BMW's iDrive system.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-28-2008, 08:34 PM	#9
Aurora Bearialis ¡Barça! 168 Rep 12,042 Posts Drives: Rainbow Sandals Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [0.00]	never tried that microsoft thing. but on the mercury commercials they make a big deal about it can read out your text messages. it's cool, if it works and if we could pick the voice I turned off my robot mother voice for navigation __________________ Tate's chicken sucks!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-28-2008, 08:41 PM	#10
roadkillrob Major General 863 Rep 5,448 Posts Drives: 08 335i,22 X3M, 2012 C63 Black Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (15)	I would still rather have a BMW was crap electronics than the worlds greatest nav system attached to a FORD - a TOM TOM blows them both away, just get that! __________________ 2022 X3M Brooklyn Grey 2008 E93 335i FBO 2012 Mercedes C63 Black Series Alanite Grey
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-28-2008, 09:05 PM	#12
Barmats Lieutenant 17 Rep 504 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X5 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (4)	The factory nav in last year's Mitsubishi Outlander is 100x easier to use than ours, and has a superb interface. BMW's electronics are fine until you compare them to others.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-28-2008, 10:53 PM	#15
SkipSauls First Lieutenant 40 Rep 361 Posts Drives: E70 X5 35d Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Longmont, CO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i Coupe [0.00]	I love my BMW, but now that that's out of the way, I agree that the electronics could use an update. The new iDrive is probably better, but until it is as intuitive as the Japanese systems, it will always be a problem. I think the BMW designers and engineers need to give up on iDrive, etc. and just go with the flow. Thank goodness that things like steering wheels, pedal arrangements, and shift knobs are already too well established for "innovations" from BMW. Oh wait, they've already started screwing around with shift knobs, so I guess we can expect some weird steering wheel replacement next.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-28-2008, 11:16 PM	#16
ejazbmw blahhh 302 Rep 6,355 Posts Drives: 2014 M235I Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NJ/NY iTrader: (7)	i've sat in a is350 and the new A4 and it makes the inside of my bmw look like crap lol, i really hate how plain bmw's interiors are compare to other cars that cost less....oh well
	Appreciate 0 Quote