There have been a number of iterations of the iDrive and some may not be much good but mine works quite well because
1) There are 8 programmable buttons for radio stations/destinations and maybe some other things. They are numbered.
2) Steering wheel buttons for audio input selection and track/station up down and volume.
3) iDrive gestures of pushing and holding East for navigation and South for entertainment (I don't have a phone kit as I don't want to call while driving, that would be the North direction).
So I only need spin the iDrive for setting destinations or scrolling though the contents of the connected iPod. I find the iDrive with the mentioned shortcuts a much better concept for a car than a touchscreen (at until you can feel the screen content without looking).
I find a recent Mini much worse for missing the programmable buttons and possibly the hold to different compass bearings.
Actually it is an early 2008 1-series so similar timing but I think the key is to try the particular version as there is some variety (and I'm not sure it is all progress over time).
1) There are 8 programmable buttons for radio stations/destinations and maybe some other things. They are numbered.
2) Steering wheel buttons for audio input selection and track/station up down and volume.
3) iDrive gestures of pushing and holding East for navigation and South for entertainment (I don't have a phone kit as I don't want to call while driving, that would be the North direction).
So I only need spin the iDrive for setting destinations or scrolling though the contents of the connected iPod. I find the iDrive with the mentioned shortcuts a much better concept for a car than a touchscreen (at until you can feel the screen content without looking).
I find a recent Mini much worse for missing the programmable buttons and possibly the hold to different compass bearings.