I'm a fence-sitter on my next purchase. The candidates are: 335i, IS350, C350, C55 ('06), E55 ('03-'04).

I love car technology and gizmos. The "Technology Package" of the Acura RL/MDX I consider to be the best, however those cars aren't in my narrowed down list. Secondly, the IS350. What I like is the keyless entry and keyless start. I like the NAV system with voice commands, touchscreen, and, although not factory approved, the ability to enable the system to allow address input while driving. I like the ventilated seats and the Mark Levinson sound.

The C350 technology package looks promising, although I haven't played with it - but the pop-up screen and early reviews of the sound system look/sound great.

Brings me to the BMW. From my perspective, BMW has always been behind the Japanese cars in the tech department. My experience with I-Drive is limited to an '04 545i (non-Nav) - and found it to be counter-intuitive. When I wanted to "Click" the salesman corrected me and told me to "push". When I wanted to "push", the salesman had me "Click". Being a "computer guy", I eschewed all the magazine folks' comments on how poorly the system is designed, but after that experience, I can agree.

That being said, I'm sure that with enough time with i-Drive, I'd learn how it wants me to do things against my intuition and in a month or two, would think nothing of it.

I've heard the NAV system lacks a lot of POI or other bells-and-whistles featured in Japanese cars (specifically, a user interface that is truly designed to help speed-of-entry and an accurate and robust voice-recognition vocabulary) - Magazine reviews don't spend any time with the technology stuff, all they seem to care about is how well the car handles a racetrack.

I've had a '99 323is and '01 M-Roadster. Neither was a technology showcase by any means. Both stereos were pathetic. The HVAC system in both could never be completely off (no air coming from the vents).

Forgetting styling, performance, and essentially everything except the technology stuff, what do you think of the NAV / i-Drive? What are it's strong points and weak points? How well does the voice recognition work? What are the most commonly used voice-commands? Does Comfort Access on the '08 still require the key to be inserted somewhere or does it simply need to be in your pocket? What, in your opinion, are the top "Gee Whiz" features of the 335?

TY!

Does Comfort Access on the '08 still require the key to be inserted somewhere or does it simply need to be in your pocket?
No, it remains in your pocket.

Can't answer the other questions, sorry!

I have an Acura TL with Navi and voice recog and the BMW 328 with iDrive and voice recog. So here are my impressions for what they are worth.

The voice recognition in the BMW is more reliable and consistent and easier to use when dialing a number. My Acura rarely gets all the numbers right particularly the number "9". Using voice commands in the BMW to dial a number is very basic..."dial number" and it asks you to say the number and you can basically recall 10 numbers at one shot then it asks for "next" and you say "dial number". Works every time for me. Second it automatically syncs ALL of your Blackberry addresses to the car and bring them up and dial them - can't in the Acura. Recalling stored numbers in the Acura is hit and miss using voice. Advantage BMW, hands down.

Navigation is an interesting question. For sure Acura's Navi is one of the easiest to use because of the touch screen and fairly big viewing area. Advantage Acura.

But...the Acura is not more accurate nor are the POIs any better in my view. I needed to find a golf club in the BMW, went to sports clubs and bingo, found it within 12km of where I was. Other things like gas stations etc. are about the same. The BMW has one advantage in that the screeen is split and you can toggle between the map on one side, and the radio or other controls like the phone on the other side. Advantage BMW, but close.

On the issue of iDrive, I don't think its well understood. It has one very good feature and that is memory. That is, when you want to toggle between screens you can do it without looking...just hold the iDrive knob for 2 seconds to the left, right, up, or down, and you will get to the previous screeen. Much better than looking for a switch on the dash. Also, the radio can be pretty much controlled without use of the iDrive either through the steering wheel or the dash. The disadvantage is that sometimes, the menus are 3 deep...that's a lot when driving. But generally, I don't need to go that far when driving. The drawback is adjusting base, treble, accoustics. That's a couple of menus deep, but most radios are like that now. Hope that helps.

"Technology" is the #1 complaint in cars. I like my car to be a car. I leave the "high tech" stuff in my house.

"Technology" is the #1 complaint in cars. I like my car to be a car. I leave the "high tech" stuff in my house.
Times are changing though. Soon enough our cars will be full of wizardry akin to that of sci-fi movies. For example, I was told that the 7 series has no less than 7 (that is SEVEN) embedded processors.

"Technology" is the #1 complaint in cars. I like my car to be a car. I leave the "high tech" stuff in my house.

I'm a "computer guy" myself and I don't like my cars to have alot of high-tech crap. Being in IT, I've found that a computer will always break down at an inconvenient time.....

The 7's will always have a lot of gadgets to keep up with Merc, Lexus, and Audi's flagships.

I buy a car/SUV to drive. The only tech I need is ABS and an IPOD hookup........:buttrock

I understand why some people don't like technology in cars. . .to each his own. ABS, airbags, DSC, more gears, variable valve timing, power/heated/vented seats, keyless entry/ignition, power windows/locks, high strength and lightweight steel, safety glass, cruise control. . .all technologies I embrace. Now, bluetooth, navigation, voice recognition, adaptive cruise, rear DVD systems, auto-manuals (good ones, not SMG), run-flats, LED lights, auto-parking, and those we don't know about are also technologies I like to experience. I'll reserve judgement unitl after I lived with 'em.

Point is, there are a LOT of technologies you use in your car daily whether you "like" technology or not. I prefer to try 'em all. I don't care about them breaking down or even becoming obsolete. Some things work great and are now standard on even Kias. Some things don't, and they go by the wayside (eg pushbutton dash-mounted gear selectors).

Today's cutting edge technology that works will become standard and boring on all cars in the future. Cruise control was pretty fancy, freaky, and state-of-the art when I first saw it work in Pop's Oldsmobile. . .

I can't wait for cars to all have Pre-Collision systems that can actually stop a car.

I digress. Thank you Gig and Peter (I'm glad to hear the CA option is truly keyless and I really like that Peter has an Acura to compare) and hopefully some more can chime in on what is good about or often not normally "published" about the current technologies items on the 3-series. What works and what doesn't.

I really don't see why so many complain about IDrive. Dedicate maybe a day to learning all its menus and how to access it all and it becomes like second nature. I admit I was frustrated at first trying to sort it all out, but once I got it down, I love it! +1 on the split screen as well. I always have the navi up on the right side and the stereo on the left. Oh, comfort access, worth every cent.

Just to chime in on the Navi, I had heard all kinds of wonderful things about the Honda/Acura system and how superior the Navi was to our BMW system. We just purchased a 2007 CR-V with Navi for the wife and I gotta tell you, apart from the touch screen and easier entry of addresses using the touch screen, I actually prefer the Navi in the BMW. The split screen with the voice prompts as you count down to your turn, and the pre-warnings on turns is much more intuitive and helpful than the Honda solution. Just my .02

For example, I was told that the 7 series has no less than 7 (that is SEVEN) embedded processors.It has a lot more than that.

I really don't see why so many complain about IDrive. Dedicate maybe a day to learning all its menus and how to access it all and it becomes like second nature. I admit I was frustrated at first trying to sort it all out, but once I got it down, I love it! +1 on the split screen as well. I always have the navi up on the right side and the stereo on the left. Oh, comfort access, worth every cent.The good thing about iDrive is that BMW is constantly updating its software. The newest version is a lot more streamlined.

iDrive is OK with me. People will always buck up against something new. As the software improves, I wouldn't be surprised to see some Japanese companies come out with something similar.

I liked it when certain cars had the window switches in the middle of the car. Raise your hand if you drive a stick. OK, which hand would you rather move, the one on the steering wheel or the one on the stick. Remember, you already move one of them for HVAC and radio.

I'm not confusing stuff that works with "fluff' That doesn't. Do you know that Tire Pressure monitors where the #1 complaint in the past few years. People going to the dealer clogging up time with "a light" which meant they needed air.

Bluetooth, keyless go, active cruise and whatever fluff technology usually does nothing for the driving experience and just makes stuff break.

I haven't gotten my car yet, but one of things I love about the BMW navigation is the real-time trafffic operates through FM (in major cities). This means no subscription required. Also means you are not tied to XM and can get Sirius to listen to Stern.

-Mark

If you're just looking for GEE WIZ, BMW may not be the right car. I know you asked to just talk tech here, but I find it hard to do when the one thing that makes everyone LOVE their BMW is the fact that NOTHING drives (within reason) like a BMW. They don't call them "The Ultimate Driving Machine" for nothing. That's why you should choose a BMW to be honest. Not because it's toys out play a Lexus in the toy department. I didn't get iDrive and don't regret it for a moment, but I got pretty much all the other toys and they work great in my book. Comfort Access is great. Logic 7 Sound System is superb. Guages and Controls work and feel high quality. But the reason I drive a BMW aren't it's toys. The reason I drive a BMW is because it drives like no other vehicle.

I'm not confusing stuff that works with "fluff' That doesn't. Do you know that Tire Pressure monitors where the #1 complaint in the past few years. People going to the dealer clogging up time with "a light" which meant they needed air.

Bluetooth, keyless go, active cruise and whatever fluff technology usually does nothing for the driving experience and just makes stuff break.

Bluetooth as "fluff technology"? Does nothing for the driving experience? You gotta be kidding...one of the best advancements in a long time.

For example, I was told that the 7 series has no less than 7 (that is SEVEN) embedded processors.
It has a lot more than that.

So it's still no less than 7 :D.

iDrive is OK with me. People will always buck up against something new. As the software improves, I wouldn't be surprised to see some Japanese companies come out with something similar.
.
The iDrive S/W will improve for sure. They are now using our software on the 5 series iDrive which I assume will make their way to the 3 series soon.

I kind of split the difference.

I replace my laptop every 2-3 years, but I plan to keep my car a lot longer than that. Computer tech moves faster than automotive tech, so the iDrive will be laughable sooner than the BMW overall, and might not be user upgradable... Anything standardized and useful (e.g. Bluetooth) I like, but I'd prefer to get my own state of the art nav....

Let's not forget the 6FL (USB iPod) kit for the stereo. It also accepts any USB storage device. I don't Acura offers that. I love being able to plug a 16GB flash stick into the car which holds my music. Best tech option in the car.

I kind of split the difference.
the iDrive will be laughable sooner than the BMW overall, and might not be user upgradable...

I wouldn't expect to see the iDrive system user-upgradable, but it is -- and presumably will continue to be -- dealer upgradable.

They upgraded mine a couple of weeks ago (6 hours of erasing and reflashing) and some of the things that were annoying me went away.

Plus I got new colors for the main menu and, importantly to me, new colors for the nav map. That old tan background is now a nice bluish-gray.

So unless there are hardware issues (such as new firmware that won't run on old hardware) then I think we can expect continual improvement in iDrive. Getting the new-and-improved firmware loaded in your car might be a hassle, though.

If you're just looking for GEE WIZ, BMW may not be the right car. But the reason I drive a BMW aren't it's toys. The reason I drive a BMW is because it drives like no other vehicle.

I agree that the 335 is a fantastic driver's car. And you're right, the BMW may not be the right car for me - that's why I joined this forum. You good people are a lot more knowledgeable about the specifics of the model than any dealer salesman.

Being the best race car is the not only factor used in my decision process. Ride quality (roughness), quietness, seat comfort, technology, rear seating room, trunk room, material and build quality, price (value), projected image, and other intangibles go into my decision.

I can work out most of the factors with test drives, but the technology often goes much deeper than what can be discovered idling on a dealer lot with a salesman that intentionally would steer me away from the things that don't work so well. . .

I agree that the 335 is a fantastic driver's car. And you're right, the BMW may not be the right car for me - that's why I joined this forum. You good people are a lot more knowledgeable about the specifics of the model than any dealer salesman.

Being the best race car is the not only factor used in my decision process. Ride quality (roughness), quietness, seat comfort, technology, rear seating room, trunk room, material and build quality, price (value), projected image, and other intangibles go into my decision.

I can work out most of the factors with test drives, but the technology often goes much deeper than what can be discovered idling on a dealer lot with a salesman that intentionally would steer me away from the things that don't work so well. . .

No offense, but based on your qualifications for a car, I think you would be happier in an Acura or Lexus.

No offense, but based on your qualifications for a car, I think you would be happier in an Acura or Lexus.

Why would I be offended? You may be right - That's something I'm trying to decide. The Acura is out, I like RWD. But now I'm curious - what specifically in my list of factors made you conclude that I'd prefer a Lexus or Acura over the BMW?

Why would I be offended? You may be right - That's something I'm trying to decide. The Acura is out, I like RWD. But now I'm curious - what specifically in my list of factors made you conclude that I'd prefer a Lexus or Acura over the BMW?


I didn't want you to be offended by me not recommending BMW.

This part of your post made me conclude that:

"Ride quality (roughness), quietness, seat comfort, technology, rear seating room, trunk room, material and build quality, price (value), projected image, and other intangibles go into my decision."

IMO, Lexus and Acura are better in most of these than BMW esp, in the price(value) dept.

I agree that the 335 is a fantastic driver's car. And you're right, the BMW may not be the right car for me - that's why I joined this forum. You good people are a lot more knowledgeable about the specifics of the model than any dealer salesman.

Being the best race car is the not only factor used in my decision process. Ride quality (roughness), quietness, seat comfort, technology, rear seating room, trunk room, material and build quality, price (value), projected image, and other intangibles go into my decision.

I can work out most of the factors with test drives, but the technology often goes much deeper than what can be discovered idling on a dealer lot with a salesman that intentionally would steer me away from the things that don't work so well. . .

The 335i is very confortable as the interior is top notch and the seats/driving position are just incredible, ride quality and quietness is also good. I am sure a Lexus will feel more cushioned, perhaps, but it will have a larger compromise in handling to achieve that. Buid quality is up there with the best, and BMWs generally have the highest residual value of any luxury car.

I'm a fence-sitter on my next purchase. The candidates are: 335i, IS350, C350, C55 ('06), E55 ('03-'04).

TY!

You may also want to consider the Audi A5 due out in Spring (or S5 due out this Nov). It is a good blend of performance, style and luxury. I am gong for performance so have a 2008 335i on order.

The BMW's and most newer cars have over 50 processors in them.

Each ABS sensor x 4, window regulator x2 or 4, sunroof, tpms X 5, stereo x 2 min, hvac system, ECU, PDL, power mirrors, airbags x ??, trunk latch, ignition system, adaptive headlights, comfort access, telephone system, I-Drive, fuel injection list goes on

The BMW's and most newer cars have over 50 processors in them.

Each ABS sensor x 4, window regulator x2 or 4, sunroof, tpms X 5, stereo x 2 min, hvac system, ECU, PDL, power mirrors, airbags x ??, trunk latch, ignition system, adaptive headlights, comfort access, telephone system, I-Drive, fuel injection list goes on
Those are not processors, those are microcontrollers. I don't mean to preach computer engineering here, but need to be accurate sometimes.

Mryakan -- can you break down the general responsibilities of those processors, in terms of which vehicle systems are controlled by which?

Also, are they specialized processors or do they belong to a particular CPU family?

i think if you want a car that will have every feature to the point of brushing your teeth for you and brewing your coffee in the morning, you are looking at the wrong car.

with that said, i like my e92 alot. it is relatively stripped down (no idrive) but i got it with CA and USB. i think its the subtle everyday things that matter most to me.

usb is my favorite. i have an 8gb flash drive plugged in and i never use the radio, cd player (which plays mp3 cds) or the aux input.

with ca, the car senses where it is so you cannot start the car with the key outside, you cannot lock the keys in the car, nor can you lock it in the trunk because the trunk wont close

the seat belt arm is helpful. it knows when there is a passenger in the seat to hold the seat belt out longer

the hill feature on the manual is nice, it applies brakes for you for 2 seconds so the car doesnt roll back

the headlights move when you steer and thats really helpful too. they arent symmetrical in moving, meaning one moves more than the other and in america, they move farther to the right than the left as to not blind other drivers coming the other way. there is also an auxiliary parking light that flips on when you are driving slowly and turning sharply.

the rain sensor works well, you can change the sensitivity of it. the brake pads wipe the rotors when its raining along with the wipers.

in step when you are driving hard and you come off the gas, the tranny will hold your revs for a bit before shifting the shifts are also lightning quick (the one i test drove)

when you come off the gas really fast, the brake pads will wipe the rotors and hold itself more closely in anticipation of heavy braking. it makes the braking response alot better.

besides that, i appreciate the technology that went into the design. for most comparable cars that are often bigger, our 3's somehow have a longer wheelbase, often has more room inside, and is lower. our 3's are usually heavier and rated conservatively in power but somehow outperforms other cars on a track while being priced pretty competitively.

i picked out every feature on my car, and i use them just about every day. as for the features that came with the car, i use them every day too. its got everything i want and nothing that i dont.