Car Articles

iDrive system is a latest technology driven by computer shinning in the BMW cars. Though it is found in Audi and Mercedes-Benz cars, it was introduced as a standard device for BMW 7-Series and is soon to enrich the ambience of 1-Series and 3-Series as well.

The BMW iDrive like the car series have witnessed three generation in the car industry. This technology was first showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show in1999. The concept was further refined to put in the production model of 2002. The first generation iDrive was supported by Microsoft Windows CE, which was further replaced by virtual real time software, Microsoft VxWorks, in 2003 for the second generation iDrive. The third generation iDrive was finally introduced in the year 2007 and the all new system was fitted in the BMW 7 series. The new and upgraded iDrive is adorned with innovative colours and graphic systems mated with highlighted sections to make the routes and details distinctive.

The key task of the control system is to support the driver, enabling him to control variety of functions through just a few instruments arranged in new, logical arrangement. This computerized system displays a LCD panel mounted in the car dash and a controller knob on the center console. This controller knob helps the driver to access four main applications including communication, navigation, entertainment, and climate coupled with other functions like BMW Assist, Vehicle, Help, and Configuration. The four main applications are based on four different compass directions.

Communication here means access to the Internet. The device is linked with the Google on the web to give complete information that Google has on it. It is also used to transfer data from any home computer to the computer installed in the car. In addition, access to the internet also means communication through the Bluetooth. This system supports PIM services (Personal Information Manager), a service that transfers all the contact addresses in the phone memory to the hard disc. It also uses a wireless device to operate the mobile telecommunication system.