X6 with new i Drive

[Deda]

well i was waiting for my car from april,so that is quite enough for me..i dont think i should wait no more for new i drive or something else.

[gnjuss]

The worse thing about this car is the waiting,am I right??

[Deda]

yeah 100%,and the only thing!

[XBMW6]

Unfortunatly, I got some bad news...I just got off the phone with BMW Sales Manager at our local dealer, in Kuwait, and he said that he recently talked with the BMW Regional Manager and has confirmed that the new iDrive in X6 has been pushed back to September 2009 Production. I'm not sure the reason behind such decision, but I would suspect it has to do with the economic crisis that is already hurting auto industry.

I've read that German auto makers are seeking govenment assistance due to recent losses and the slow down in demand. BMW seems to be in a worst shape.

So I think the iDrive push back is one of the things they're considering in order to cut down costs.

Here's the link to the recent article from BusinesWeek, which gives good insight about the troubles facing the German auto industry:

http://www.bmwblog.com/2008/11/30/ca...des/#more-6313

[Deda]

hmm,interesting...

[dmlgc]

Originally Posted by XBMW6

Unfortunatly, I got some bad news...I just got off the phone with BMW Sales Manager at our local dealer, in Kuwait, and he said that he recently talked with the BMW Regional Manager and has confirmed that the new iDrive in X6 has been pushed back to September 2009 Production. I'm not sure the reason behind such decision, but I would suspect it has to do with the economic crisis that is already hurting auto industry.

I've read that German auto makers are seeking govenment assistance due to recent losses and the slow down in demand. BMW seems to be in a worst shape.

So I think the iDrive push back is one of the things they're considering in order to cut down costs.

Here's the link to the recent article from BusinesWeek, which gives good insight about the troubles facing the German auto industry:

http://www.bmwblog.com/2008/11/30/ca...des/#more-6313

I think GM is in the worst shape but it's hard to tell, I think a lot of auto manufacturers (as well as other industries) are using this to get free money. Although BMW probably had the most exposure on leases.

[branko]

Originally Posted by Deda

that is not big issue for me..i can live with this one.

I though you were not sleeping lately, when will yours be delivered ... ?

[Zirenz2006]

Originally Posted by chuck92103

I think folks are putting to much weight into the new iDrive. It is evolutionary not revolutionary.

It will take BMW several years to perfect the new one with lots of updates.

I've used it extensively. It is leaps and bounds better than the current version which I have had in two different cars. I didn't notice any of the bugs I experienced with the outgoing version. It is a major step forward.

[chuck92103]

Originally Posted by Zirenz2006

I've used it extensively. It is leaps and bounds better than the current version which I have had in two different cars. I didn't notice any of the bugs I experienced with the outgoing version. It is a major step forward.

OK let's see.

1. First iDrive was crap in the 7 series. Many cars bought back.
2. Next Gen iDrive that came out in 2004 was improved with bugs.
3. In 2008 iDrive shortcut buttons were added, they removed the haptic controller feedback, which sped things up and finally most bugs were now gone 8 years later.
4. BMW introduced twin turbos in 2007. Software glitches caused lag
5. Fuel pump failures across the board on turbo cars
5. In 2006 BMW had massive steering angle sensors failures resulting in buy backs.
6. Battery drain alarms 2004-2009 still persist.
7. Numerous bluetooth issues.
8. Numerous iPOD issues.

I can go on and on with electrical issues. But history shows you are kidding yourself if you think BMW electronics won't have issues.

A year from now, the boards will be littered with complaints.

The new iDrive will be great, around 2013.

I love BMWs, but after 5, I know how long it takes for BMW to work out bugs and it ain't over night.

[xDrive50i]

I agree with Chuck for the most part that any new development will take it's time to work out kinks and/or bugs.

But let's not forget that this IS the 4th generation iDrive system, which means they improved upon the current generation systems. This is NOT a new system, so in all fairness, you can't compare it to the original iDrive system when it was first introduced!

Sure it will have it's kinks and bugs... but what system these days doesn't ???

I don't think you can say that it will take them 5 years to 'fix' it to work like the current systems do... it already does!

What they basically did is take the existing system, ported it to a new hardware platform, improved the user interface, added more features (which will no doubt introduce new and different issues) and changed the input device slightly.

I'm not saying it is perfect, but it is a SIGNIFICANT step ahead (IMHO, definitely in the right direction)!

[Deda]

Originally Posted by branko

I though you were not sleeping lately, when will yours be delivered ... ?

Ha ha,today my dealer called me that my car is arriving TOMMOROW,and delivery day will be 4th December..so boys 2 more days...

I will post pics same day!

[Deda]

Originally Posted by xDrive50i

I agree with Chuck for the most part that any new development will take it's time to work out kinks and/or bugs.

But let's not forget that this IS the 4th generation iDrive system, which means they improved upon the current generation systems. This is NOT a new system, so in all fairness, you can't compare it to the original iDrive system when it was first introduced!

Sure it will have it's kinks and bugs... but what system these days doesn't ???

I don't think you can say that it will take them 5 years to 'fix' it to work like the current systems do... it already does!

What they basically did is take the existing system, ported it to a new hardware platform, improved the user interface, added more features (which will no doubt introduce new and different issues) and changed the input device slightly.

I'm not saying it is perfect, but it is a SIGNIFICANT step ahead (IMHO, definitely in the right direction)!

Nice write up

[Zirenz2006]

Originally Posted by chuck92103

OK let's see.

1. First iDrive was crap in the 7 series. Many cars bought back.
2. Next Gen iDrive that came out in 2004 was improved with bugs.
3. In 2008 iDrive shortcut buttons were added, they removed the haptic controller feedback, which sped things up and finally most bugs were now gone 8 years later.
4. BMW introduced twin turbos in 2007. Software glitches caused lag
5. Fuel pump failures across the board on turbo cars
5. In 2006 BMW had massive steering angle sensors failures resulting in buy backs.
6. Battery drain alarms 2004-2009 still persist.
7. Numerous bluetooth issues.
8. Numerous iPOD issues.

I can go on and on with electrical issues. But history shows you are kidding yourself if you think BMW electronics won't have issues.

A year from now, the boards will be littered with complaints.

The new iDrive will be great, around 2013.

I love BMWs, but after 5, I know how long it takes for BMW to work out bugs and it ain't over night.

The new iDrive is already great and much better than the current one. 2013??

[shenard]

Originally Posted by chuck92103

OK let's see.

5. In 2006 BMW had massive steering angle sensors failures resulting in buy backs.

Chuck,

Do you have any more info about what the problem was with the steering angle sensor. Unfortunately, I am having some major steering issues with my X6 and may ultimately have to go through the buyback process and I have a feeling it could be related to the steering angle sensor. They have already replaced this once and after two attempts in service departments the problem is still not gone.

[branko]

Originally Posted by XBMW6

BMW seems to be in a worst shape.

Can't be true, BMW has consistently outperformed its competitors
with a net profit margin of >5 pct in 2007 and >2 pct last quarter..

Comparison :
2007 and last quarter
BMW : 5.59 pct 2.37 pct
Ford : -1.42 pct -0.24 pct
GM : -23.97 pct -6.98 pct
Daimler : 4.48 pct 0.92 pct
Fiat : 3.51 pct 3.27 pct
VW group : 3.79 pct 4.01 pct
Audi : 5.03 pct 5.35 pct

The drop in net profit seems a lot bigger indeed than Audi, VW, Fiat..
but from then to conclude that there are in the worst shape is a big step...

On the other hand if you look at the balance sheet :
Total debt increased in 2007 from 59.9 to 67.2 Billion
Total equity increased in 2007 from 19.1 to 21.7 Billion

One can assume they have invested a lot in research..
in particular into hybrid/electric technology..
they had plans to create a 4th brand dedicated to those technologies...

They above mentionned balance sheet is still looking a lot nicer than some of the others at the end of 2007
Ford:
Debt 273 Billion
Equity 5.6 Billion
GM:
Debt 186 Billion
Equity -37 Billion

When will GM collaps ??

[x6bgd]

its crazy... they started selling 2009 when... in sept 2008?? and I drive comes out in March 2009 for 09 model?! My X6 is 03 week production of 09 and expected to arrive by the end of feb. I guess with out a new idrive...
Also same think is for new engine 30d with 245 HP it will be in X6 only after 2010 even it is now in new serie 3! I got this info from BMW Munich directly since Ive asked...

[Deda]

Well,you need to enjoy...dont worry about that...what do you think,how did x5 buyes felt when they saw brand new x6 just after few months they bought they new x5...i guess like shit.

[xDrive50i]

Originally Posted by Deda

Well,you need to enjoy...dont worry about that...what do you think,how did x5 buyes felt when they saw brand new x6 just after few months they bought they new x5...i guess like shit.

Don't know about that. After all, the X6 IS a different car. Most people that were looking at the X5 back then would probably buy the X5 again even now that the X6 is sitting right next to it in the showroom!

[Deda]

well,my favorite car was x5....but i have changed my mind..and ordered x6!

[dmlgc]

I had an X5 (couple actually) and I was looking for something different, X6 fits the bill perfectly. I liked driving my X5 but I looove driving my X6.

[Deda]

cool...very good comment!

[x6bgd]

Originally Posted by Deda

cool...very good comment!

I was considering X5 about year ago and then imagine, Ive ordered 330d!!
And since they were late with delievery for 3 months I canceled that car and ordered X6. I thing that was one of my best moves recently