iDrive 8 vs iDrive 7 thoughts?

CptSL0W · 06-24-2022, 04:08 PM

Wondering how everyone feels about the iDrive 8 screens in the MY2023 cars. I really don't like the look of the 2 connected screens together and the fact that the physical buttons have been removed. I'm glad the iDrive knob is still present, but this just seems like a step backwards for an M car that should be more driver focused than tech focused. Can anyone talk me off the ledge here, I'm interested in ordering a MY 2023 and would like to get a base/manual. I just don't think it goes well with the large screens.

NightWriter · 06-24-2022, 04:38 PM

I'm glad someone finally started a thread about this

YamaLink · 06-24-2022, 04:40 PM

Not an actual copy/paste for the other umpteenth i8 vs i7 threads, but I think the naysayers (me) will get over it. Seen the i8 in the SUV, and it was just so wrong (to me). If two M3/4 were apples to apples except for i7 vs i8, I'd go 7. It's like manuals vs auto, i7 vs i8, RWD vs AWD, etc. Forums are great for opinions but I think a real 2023 M3/4 shopper is going to find an allocation and wait, and then talk about other things beside the hideous curved touchscreen after they actually own it and drive it.
Coming from my Tesla Model 3 the M4CX's i7 is a big reason I sold the white appliance. I missed, among other things, a traditional car feel. But if my car buying decision was this December instead of last December, and the i8 was THE interior, I would NOT have read about the last iteration and said "nah, I like the older car tech better."
All that said, I'd buy a EV m340i or M3/4 if it had i8 (obviously it will or i9) because I want the EV and the m340i/M3/4 part of the car MORE than I don't want the hideous long curved touchscreen.

madpistol · 06-24-2022, 04:47 PM

I think getting rid of physical buttons for A/C was a mistake. Beyond that, it's a great system.

T0RM3NT · 06-24-2022, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NightWriter

I'm glad someone finally started a thread about this

aldenleaf · 06-24-2022, 05:07 PM

I'll repeat what everyone has said about id8. My biggest problem with it is the removal of physical buttons and that the screens are just 2 ipads sticked together with no integration into the dash, it just doesn't look good, especially in performance cars.

I don't doubt it is a step up from id7 tech wise from what I have seen, and I do think id8 is better for non performance models, but for the 2 reasons stated above I just don't think id8 is a better system than id7 in my opinion, at least for M cars.

buckybadger · 06-24-2022, 05:11 PM

ID8 is more advanced but lacks integration.
Removing physical buttons is a step backwards.
For optimized experience, you need both advanced ID8 well integrated with physical buttons integration.

Not sure why is it so hard to do that. It can hurt BMWs sales for adding gimmicks.

I guess BMW employees both smart people and idiots, who happen to make such decisions.

Higgs Boson · 06-24-2022, 06:54 PM

who gaf about the screen. if it's a "drivers car" then turn the screen off and drive the car.

people resisting reality is the most amazing thing. they always do it and it's always wasted energy, nothing changes, and they only make themselves anxious and unhappy.

buy the car and drive it or buy something else, what good are complain threads like these? sorry guys, you missed the focus group meeting already, time to move on.

MMM.PWR · 06-24-2022, 07:06 PM

Does the lack of physical buttons suck? yes. Will the tech in iDrive 8 > iDrive 7? probably. Should this be a factor at all in buying an M3? absolutely not.

I'll say this: as an owner of a 2022, I don't feel like I am missing out on anything the 2023 cars offer.

Higgs Boson · 06-24-2022, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMM.PWR

as an owner of a 2022, I don't feel like I am missing out on anything the 2023 cars offer.

not even the higher price?

maverick618 · 06-24-2022, 07:30 PM

I don't really like the aesthetic of the new curved monitor. It is incongruous with the rest of the car's design philosophy.

However, I don't dislike it enough to back out of a dream car. Compared to what I have been driving, even having buttons on the steering wheel is a immense improvement for me

Tyga11 · 06-24-2022, 07:50 PM

I don't believe anyone has mentioned this but the lack of physical buttons is a turnoff for me

elbmw · 06-24-2022, 08:26 PM

I think it just takes away from an M car's character, the perception of it.
The old set up has a cockpit feeling to it and the buttons definitely add to that.
To me it just feels special, it surrounds you.
I drove an i4 and the screen set up felt flat, empty, kind 2D-ish, dunno how to explain it, just felt weird as if the steering wheel was attached directly to those screens.
I don't mind this set up on an i4 but not on an M car.

BEAR-AvHistory · 06-24-2022, 08:29 PM

I don't like it not being intergraded into the dashboard & lack of some buttons.

Would I not buy the car because of it, NO. Am I very happy I have a 2022, YES.

vj123 · 06-24-2022, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NightWriter

I'm glad someone finally started a thread about this

Maybe the "N+1"th thread.

Looks like the Captain is really slow!

gemini.m3 · 06-24-2022, 09:04 PM

This is just another step to the electrification era... they are buttering us up. I for one am glad I got an ID7 car coming next week.

snareman · 06-24-2022, 09:16 PM

I'll have to see if I can find my replies in all the other threads and copy and paste them here.

TLDR: Probably great tech, but no buttons sucks. Not upset I don't have it.

zambarossa · 06-24-2022, 11:35 PM

I'll jump on the hate the no physical buttons wagon as well :-D

JennyPenny · 06-25-2022, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CptSL0W

Wondering how everyone feels about the iDrive 8 screens in the MY2023 cars. I really don't like the look of the 2 connected screens together and the fact that the physical buttons have been removed. I'm glad the iDrive knob is still present, but this just seems like a step backwards for an M car that should be more driver focused than tech focused. Can anyone talk me off the ledge here, I'm interested in ordering a MY 2023 and would like to get a base/manual. I just don't think it goes well with the large screens.

I think, the graphics on ID8 is very modern and pin sharp. In my opinion, the menu system is quite well organized

However, the stick supporting the screen is sacrilege. Freaking ugly!!

The physical fan speed controls removal is a terrible oversight.

Mercedes CLA has the best screen and physical button balance.

MassComp · 06-25-2022, 05:51 AM

I personally have no issue with the new large screen, very avant-garde. I'm also a techie, so the more the better! I admit though BMW could have done a better job fastening the new display to the dashboard instead of going with that "kick stand".

And since this will be my first BMW, I won't miss those numbered memory buttons....

Vishal50028 · 06-25-2022, 06:05 AM

Get the superior g82, we still have id7 for 2023

figuec56 · 06-25-2022, 06:06 AM

I got a chance to drive the i4 a few weeks ago. I think I drive 8 looked really good in person. The UI felt a little more modern and a little crisper. Also seemed like there was a little more customization available. Actually the only thing I missed was the quick access buttons and the climate control buttons. However the climate control screen was always available but it got a little messy with ventilated/heated seats.

Overall impression. I drive 8 is Not something that would sway me one way or the other when buying a car.

06-24-2022, 04:08 PM	#1
CptSL0W Private 34 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 17 WRX/21 M2C 6MT (Ordered) Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	iDrive 8 vs iDrive 7 thoughts? Wondering how everyone feels about the iDrive 8 screens in the MY2023 cars. I really don't like the look of the 2 connected screens together and the fact that the physical buttons have been removed. I'm glad the iDrive knob is still present, but this just seems like a step backwards for an M car that should be more driver focused than tech focused. Can anyone talk me off the ledge here, I'm interested in ordering a MY 2023 and would like to get a base/manual. I just don't think it goes well with the large screens.
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06-24-2022, 04:38 PM	#2
NightWriter Colonel 4844 Rep 2,744 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Pure Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I'm glad someone finally started a thread about this __________________
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06-24-2022, 04:40 PM	#3
YamaLink Lieutenant 425 Rep 435 Posts Drives: rust-free '93 Toyota 2wd Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Northwest iTrader: (0)	Not an actual copy/paste for the other umpteenth i8 vs i7 threads, but I think the naysayers (me) will get over it. Seen the i8 in the SUV, and it was just so wrong (to me). If two M3/4 were apples to apples except for i7 vs i8, I'd go 7. It's like manuals vs auto, i7 vs i8, RWD vs AWD, etc. Forums are great for opinions but I think a real 2023 M3/4 shopper is going to find an allocation and wait, and then talk about other things beside the hideous curved touchscreen after they actually own it and drive it. Coming from my Tesla Model 3 the M4CX's i7 is a big reason I sold the white appliance. I missed, among other things, a traditional car feel. But if my car buying decision was this December instead of last December, and the i8 was THE interior, I would NOT have read about the last iteration and said "nah, I like the older car tech better." All that said, I'd buy a EV m340i or M3/4 if it had i8 (obviously it will or i9) because I want the EV and the m340i/M3/4 part of the car MORE than I don't want the hideous long curved touchscreen.
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06-24-2022, 04:47 PM	#4
madpistol Major 1745 Rep 1,351 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW M440i GC Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Florida, USA iTrader: (0)	I think getting rid of physical buttons for A/C was a mistake. Beyond that, it's a great system.
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06-24-2022, 05:07 PM	#6
aldenleaf Private First Class 350 Rep 165 Posts Drives: Voodoo Blue G82 Join Date: May 2022 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 M4Cx Voodoo Blue [10.00]	I'll repeat what everyone has said about id8. My biggest problem with it is the removal of physical buttons and that the screens are just 2 ipads sticked together with no integration into the dash, it just doesn't look good, especially in performance cars. I don't doubt it is a step up from id7 tech wise from what I have seen, and I do think id8 is better for non performance models, but for the 2 reasons stated above I just don't think id8 is a better system than id7 in my opinion, at least for M cars.
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06-24-2022, 05:11 PM	#7
buckybadger BMW forever! 1389 Rep 2,418 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	ID8 is more advanced but lacks integration. Removing physical buttons is a step backwards. For optimized experience, you need both advanced ID8 well integrated with physical buttons integration. Not sure why is it so hard to do that. It can hurt BMWs sales for adding gimmicks. I guess BMW employees both smart people and idiots, who happen to make such decisions. __________________ 2020 BMW X5 2019 BMW M2C 2014 BMW 335i 2009 BMW 328i
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06-24-2022, 06:54 PM	#8
Higgs Boson In the Details 1810 Rep 867 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Texas Hill Country iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 AMG GTR [0.00] 2022 R8 Quattro Spyder [0.00] 2023 X5M50 [0.00] 2023 718 Spyder [0.00] 2024 Silverado [0.00] 2024 Civic Type R [0.00]	who gaf about the screen. if it's a "drivers car" then turn the screen off and drive the car. people resisting reality is the most amazing thing. they always do it and it's always wasted energy, nothing changes, and they only make themselves anxious and unhappy. buy the car and drive it or buy something else, what good are complain threads like these? sorry guys, you missed the focus group meeting already, time to move on.
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06-24-2022, 07:06 PM	#9
MMM.PWR Sith Lord 3452 Rep 893 Posts Drives: G80X, Mazda 3 6MT (daily) Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 Comp. [10.00]	Does the lack of physical buttons suck? yes. Will the tech in iDrive 8 > iDrive 7? probably. Should this be a factor at all in buying an M3? absolutely not. I'll say this: as an owner of a 2022, I don't feel like I am missing out on anything the 2023 cars offer. __________________ Always two there are.
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06-24-2022, 07:30 PM	#11
maverick618 Private First Class 422 Rep 186 Posts Drives: BMW G80 6MT Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: US iTrader: (0)	I don't really like the aesthetic of the new curved monitor. It is incongruous with the rest of the car's design philosophy. However, I don't dislike it enough to back out of a dream car. Compared to what I have been driving, even having buttons on the steering wheel is a immense improvement for me
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06-24-2022, 07:50 PM	#12
Tyga11 Lieutenant Colonel 3236 Rep 1,606 Posts Drives: M4 Comp Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	I don't believe anyone has mentioned this but the lack of physical buttons is a turnoff for me
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06-24-2022, 08:26 PM	#13
elbmw Second Lieutenant 813 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: SEA iTrader: (0)	I think it just takes away from an M car's character, the perception of it. The old set up has a cockpit feeling to it and the buttons definitely add to that. To me it just feels special, it surrounds you. I drove an i4 and the screen set up felt flat, empty, kind 2D-ish, dunno how to explain it, just felt weird as if the steering wheel was attached directly to those screens. I don't mind this set up on an i4 but not on an M car.
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06-24-2022, 08:29 PM	#14
BEAR-AvHistory 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt 3129 Rep 5,264 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 COBRA (FFR rep ... [8.57] 2023 Jeep Wrangler ... [9.50] 2009 Yamaha V-Star [0.00] Cars 2-BMW, 2-FORD, ... [0.00] 2023 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2020 Z4 M40i [10.00] 2022 BMW M4C [7.25] 1998 FORD Ranger 4X4 [0.00]	I don't like it not being intergraded into the dashboard & lack of some buttons. Would I not buy the car because of it, NO. Am I very happy I have a 2022, YES. __________________ Kevin Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers 2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
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06-24-2022, 09:04 PM	#16
gemini.m3 Major 1497 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 xDrive comp Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (8)	This is just another step to the electrification era... they are buttering us up. I for one am glad I got an ID7 car coming next week. __________________ 2022 M3 xDrive Comp 2020 M2 CS (retired) 2018 M3 Comp (retired) 2015 335i (retired)
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06-24-2022, 09:16 PM	#17
snareman Leave the gun. Take the Canoli. 9052 Rep 7,621 Posts Drives: ///M8 & X3 ///M40 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	I'll have to see if I can find my replies in all the other threads and copy and paste them here. TLDR: Probably great tech, but no buttons sucks. Not upset I don't have it. __________________ Current: 2023 Santorini Blue ///M8 \|\|\| 2023 X3 M40 Retired: 2021 Enzian Blue ///M4 \|\|\| 2018 ///M4 \|\|\| 2017 ///M4 \|\|\| 2014 435i \|\|\| 2009 335i Coupe \|\|\| 2007 335i Coupe
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06-24-2022, 11:35 PM	#18
zambarossa Vault Dweller 704 Rep 577 Posts Drives: 2021 M3 6MT (Dravit/KO/ZPP) Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Ottawa, ON iTrader: (1)	I'll jump on the hate the no physical buttons wagon as well :-D __________________ Current (delivered 20/10/21): 2021 G80 M3 6MT; Dravit/KO/ZPP; 826M; Sunroof (yes no CF) (More Pictures) Previous: 2018 340ix 6MT Msport(Dec 17-Sep 21); 2013 335ix 6MT Msport (Nov 13-17); 2011 328i 6MT ZSP (Aug 10-Nov 13); 07 323i 6MT ZSP (May 07-Aug 10); 97 318ti MT ZSP (Feb 97-May 07)
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06-25-2022, 05:51 AM	#20
MassComp Major 2124 Rep 1,241 Posts Drives: Porsche Macan GTS Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	I personally have no issue with the new large screen, very avant-garde. I'm also a techie, so the more the better! I admit though BMW could have done a better job fastening the new display to the dashboard instead of going with that "kick stand". And since this will be my first BMW, I won't miss those numbered memory buttons.... __________________ 3/19/22: Deposit placed on MY2023 Skyscraper Grey M3 Comp xDrive / 6/08/22: Dealer order placed - Status 047 / 6/25/22: Added Full Leather / 8/05/22: Received Allocation & Added Personal eSIM 5G / 09/18/22: Asked Dealership to Add M Drive Professional to My Build and They Canceled My Order
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06-25-2022, 06:05 AM	#21
Vishal50028 Banned 1419 Rep 1,043 Posts Drives: 2022 M4 Competion RWD Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Melbourne, Floriduh iTrader: (0)	Get the superior g82, we still have id7 for 2023
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06-25-2022, 06:06 AM	#22
figuec56 Daniel 346 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 2023 330eX Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW 330ex [0.00]	I got a chance to drive the i4 a few weeks ago. I think I drive 8 looked really good in person. The UI felt a little more modern and a little crisper. Also seemed like there was a little more customization available. Actually the only thing I missed was the quick access buttons and the climate control buttons. However the climate control screen was always available but it got a little messy with ventilated/heated seats. Overall impression. I drive 8 is Not something that would sway me one way or the other when buying a car.
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