WHAT IS iDRIVE
According to
BMW Professional Development
(2004), “The BMW
iDrive System is
a new and innovative control system that brings the
future of automobile technology into the cockpit.” The iDrive
System first became
available in the
BMW 745i model
in 2001. As
of 2004, the
iDrive Systems are currently standard in both the 7-Series and 5-Series
automobiles. In 2006, the iDrive System
will become an option in the 3-Series vehicles. The iDrive System provides a link between
the driver and the car that has never been seen before in the automobile
industry.
The
iDrive control console provides quick and easy access to a multitude of luxury
options. Items from navigation,
entertainment, comfort, climate control, communication, and internet access are
accessible from the
joystick control located
on the center
console. By utilizing
the joystick for central control of multiple systems,
instrument panel “real estate” becomes available.
The
system controls are located in an easily accessible and readable location to
both the driver and passenger. The
location for both the 5-Series and
7-Series control mechanism is located on the center consol, with in easy reach
for all. The iDrive display is located
in the center of the dashboard, just to the right of the speedometer and
tachometer.1 This high location on
the dash along with sharing the same line of sight, permits quick glance
reading and minimizes “eyes off road’ time.
As
mentioned, the iDrive System is available on both the 5-Series and 7-Series
autos. As of the 2004 model year, the
iDrive System is on the “second generation” version of the system. This new version provides
a critical menu
button that was
not available on
the previous generation;
this eliminated one of
the biggest problems
which was migrating
to the root
menu. Also, the
new “Second Generation” system for the 5-Series and 7-Series system is
almost identical, thus creating iDrive cross-functionality between multiple
lines of cars.
The
7-Series offers eight sub-trees for functionality, whereas the 5-Series offers
only four sub-trees. The selection of these sub-trees is accomplished by moving
the joystick to one of the four primary (or four additional secondary compass
points on the 7-Series) to select the desired menu. Once on the desired menu, rotation of the
control knob allows the user to highlight the desired sub-menu. After reaching
the desired menu, the user presses down on the knob for final selection of
desired effect.
The
four primary sub-trees on both the 5-Series and 7-Series provide access to
Climate Control, Communication, Entertainment, and Navigation. BMW Assist, Configuration, Help, and Vehicle
are the secondary sub-trees (only available on the 7-Series).
consists
of approximately 3000 words, which provides an extensive list of short commands
allowing instantaneous access many of the iDrive functions.
A Head-up
display was also
implemented in the
7 and 5-Series
vehicles. Though not
directly connected to the iDrive System, it is related in the sense of
removing “hard” switches with “soft” switches by replacing “hard” gauges with
“soft” images. This technology fits
perfectly with the iDrive concept by
floating useful driver
information directly in
the driver’s line
of sight. All information available
to the driver
in this Head-up
display can be
customized with the
iDrive System. These settings can
be saved and then available for each individual driver at startup.
The
BMW iDrive is one of the first systems to address the growing complexity of
vehicle control systems in today’s luxury vehicles. The resultant design provides a cleaner and
more functional dash design that more closely resembles the dashboard of a C-5
cargo jet than a luxury auto. This
system is a completely new way of operating a multitude of features in a
completely new way.
Data Courtesy : M.M.V.ABHINAVA TEJASVI (Mechanical, JB Group of Institutioons)
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