So my wife and I are looking at a couple BMW’s to replace her volvo C70. Right now we are mainly looking at 2014-2015 X1 xDrive28i or xDrive35i, or the 328i xDrive wagon.
First, with the Navigation, does this get any easier to use? The control knob is kinda difficult to understand, and seem like it would have a steep learning curve, and not be that intuitive while driving. After having tried out a couple cars with it, I am leaning towards finding one without it. This also usually adds parking assist, backup camera, and iDrive, all which we don’t find necessary.
Second, with the X1, the xDrive28i comes with the smaller 4cyl motor and 8 speed electronic transmission with new shifter, while the xDrive35i comes with the 6cyl motor, and a 6 speed transmission with the standard shifter. I am not a fan of the new shifter, and feel like you could easily end up in the wrong gear if you are not thinking about it. Having to press the button for park is odd to me as well. Again, does this get easier to manage? Does the transmission hold up as well as the regular 6 speed one? I understand the 6 speed is older tech, but I think it would be more comfortable.
Any opinions or first hand experiences with either of these cars, drivetrains, or the navigation?
This led me to believe that iDrive is good now? 1:40 into the video:
https://youtu.be/RHE85kHxRw8
And 1:30 in this video leads me to believe that the 8 speed ZF is good:
doese the Xdr!>e28i come with a ZF sourced tranny?
This is what I was reading on the transmissions: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=650129
Seems like they are both ZF based
ATS is the best sport sedan of the bunch…Choose Cadillac.
BMW must have stopped paying Motor Trend.
control knob and gear shift becomes second nature. Ive had my X3 for about a year and a half.
The original poster is not shopping for a sport sedan, the videos provided addressed specific questions on technologies from the manufacturer in question.
I can chime in on the Nav and idrive as I have a 15 m3. I like the phone app (BMW Remote) because I can send all my coordinates through there to the car and pick them up in messages.
Using the Nav/ iDrive on the fly can be tiresome and overwhelming to say the least. Using the voice command to enter directions is a joke and I don’t even bother with it anymore as it adds to the frustration.
I’ve been successful using the nav on the fly to pinpoint points of interest and also detours off the main route. I’ve also failed miserably warranting a total melt down in front of my kids and wife; I’m also not a level headed person.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the responses.
Yes, no sports sedans here. After testing another X1 with Nav, my wife has officially veto’s the Nav System, as she found it frustrating trying to use it from the passenger seat, and since she’ll probably drive it more…
That being said, you can still find 14/15’s without it, so that is good, but they are few and far between.
We are also looking at a couple other brands (GMC Terrain, Volvo V60 Cross Country) as options as well, but really have to sell a car first.
That being said, anyone want a 2009 Volvo C70 convertible with 52k?