[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Lassaxi

I'll admit that I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to things like this, but I generally think it's a bad idea to store a "home" address. If your car is stolen, a "home" address gives the crooks a map, with turn-by-turn directions (and now real time traffic info) to your house.

So does the registration card in your glove compartment. I agree that for portable GPS units it's a good idea not to have that information in there - because they are more apt to be stolen. Someone suggested making an address near your home the "home" address - which is a good idea for portable units. This could also be done for integrated systems if that is a concern. Perhaps an address one or two streets away, a local convinience store, etc.

[Lassaxi]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

So does the registration card in your glove compartment.

True, but something just seems different to me about handing someone directions vs. just an address. I know that it's easy enough to find a home from the address on the registration card, but still...

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Lassaxi

True, but something just seems different to me about handing someone directions vs. just an address. I know that it's easy enough to find a home from the address on the registration card, but still...

I'm not making light of your cautious attitude... I agree that it's better to be safe. But there is no way to completely prevent that information from becomming known under certain circumstances. If a mugger takes your wallet he has your address too...

Contrary to popular TV and movie scenarios, most petty criminals (such as muggers and car theives) are not interested in stalking you after the crime and making your life a living Hell. They want a quick getaway and to remain unknown.

If a thief gets my car, well - he gets my car. If he comes to my house he has no idea what is in store for him... but I do, and I'm willing to replace the carpet afterwards.

[kuthair]

hrmm.. they came up with this new-fangled IDrive design so they could have a sparse dash board with few buttons...

Now, they've added buttons to the IDrive.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by kuthair

hrmm.. they came up with this new-fangled IDrive design so they could have a sparse dash board with few buttons...

Now, they've added buttons to the IDrive.

You're right, they shouldn't update technology or enhance the vehicle in any way to respond to customer feedback. There should only be an AM radio in the dash.

I've always considered the iDrive bashers - particularly the journalists - to be inept cry babies, but I think the addition of the buttons allows many sayers of nay to program a shortcut directly to an often used function. Certainly one is not forced to use them... just like common audio presets.

As far as the asthetics, it does not detract, in my opinion from the dash controls nor does it add clutter or complexity.

Not everyone will like them, but I think most will. There are still people who prefer the dash design of the E46.

[kuthair]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

You're right, they shouldn't update technology or enhance the vehicle in any way to respond to customer feedback. There should only be an AM radio in the dash.

I've always considered the iDrive bashers - particularly the journalists - to be inept cry babies, but I think the addition of the buttons allows many sayers of nay to program a shortcut directly to an often used function. Certainly one is not forced to use them... just like common audio presets.

As far as the asthetics, it does not detract, in my opinion from the dash controls nor does it add clutter or complexity.

Not everyone will like them, but I think most will. There are still people who prefer the dash design of the E46.

Sorry, I didnt mean to say I dont think they should have put the buttons in. I wish I had the buttons.

The last thing I meant by my post is to keep technology at bay. Please innovate, but please do it wisely. And they should absolutely listen to our feedback. I just think they got it all wrong with IDrive, and adding extra buttons as shortcuts is proof of that.

IDrive is a pain in the ass to use, it's not very intuitive. Here's an example, how do u go to Radio Preset 1:

1. Go to Entertainment section, push knob down direction.
2. Select FM and push down on knob.
3. Scroll to Preset 1 thru all the other presets.

It's slow and inept. It stops to play all the other presets as I'm scrolling to the first 1.

10+ years ago, if you wanted to go to Preset 1, you pushed a single button and everybody knew what those buttons did, so why in 2007 do I have to read a car manual to get to my first radio preset? (I'm exaggerating to make a point)

Adding these shortcut buttons will most assuredly make it MUCH better, and I wish I had them.

I dunno, maybe I'm just spoiled, maybe I'm just expecting to much. I came from an A4 and that had the best interior in its class, imo.

[LEDZEP]

No, your point is valid. I'm sure the buttons are response to just that realization. I haven't spent much time playing yet with iDrive to a deep extent or especially the voice commands - but my goal is to use voice commands whenever possible.

[iatacs19]

I haven't received my car yet, but is there no way to create a shortcut like in the PC?
It would make sense that there is 1 area where all you have is shortcuts and you select them with your knob.

[kuthair]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

No, your point is valid. I'm sure the buttons are response to just that realization. I haven't spent much time playing yet with iDrive to a deep extent or especially the voice commands - but my goal is to use voice commands whenever possible.

Good luck with it! The nav kicks ass, and I found the voice commands work better the longer you wait after you press the button (just dont try to saying Auxillary Audio On ).

[abc]

Originally Posted by tctic

Yes, if you have iDrive.

i see. i thought for the e92 we'd have to wait until into Sept./Oct. for '08' model.

[Thor]

Can you shortcut to the EQ settings?

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Thor

Can you shortcut to the EQ settings?

No.

I don't have Logic 7, but are the EQ settings stored for each separate audio source?

So far I've stored some Sirrius channels. I'll probably add home NAV address too. Thought about phone number, but the voice commands are easy enough for that.

[pnkflyd]

Originally Posted by drkeng

What is everyone with the new i-drive unit using the shortcut buttons for?
I haven't set any of the six on the dash yet.
Steering wheel top (diamond): change entertainment mode
Steering wheel bottom (star): display phonebook
Considering for 1-6: call home, Sirius 22, Sirius 100, FM 93.1, ????

Seems like you don't really need to enter i-drive for basic climate functions, like a/c, defog, temp and fan settings; they're right on the dash, like any car.

I stilll have to set up my buttons . I had so many stuff to take care of after owning a car after a year , MAN that was a long wait but totally worth

[Crazy Bimmer]

Ok i just read my manual and for some reason I couldnt find how to save things to the preset buttons. Only thing i knew was the radio and thats it.

How do i save the oil level and navigation "home" to be available for a preset button?

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Crazy Bimmer

Ok i just read my manual and for some reason I couldnt find how to save things to the preset buttons. Only thing i knew was the radio and thats it.

How do i save the oil level and navigation "home" to be available for a preset button?

You can't set a button for you oil level.

For a navi destination, you must first enter the destination and then start guidance to it. Once that's done you can set a button for it.

[Crazy Bimmer]

Thanks sir!

[reddragon]

I will set them to;
1. change a tire
2. fill up the tank
3. eject my wife when she is a pain in my ass
4. cloak mode

[GTownUDM]

Originally Posted by Lassaxi

I'll admit that I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to things like this, but I generally think it's a bad idea to store a "home" address. If your car is stolen, a "home" address gives the crooks a map, with turn-by-turn directions (and now real time traffic info) to your house.

You can use the entrance of your neighborhood as "home". Or better yet pick a neighbor you don't like and use their address!!