For those thinking about waiting for MY 2009...

[GarryF]

The usa seems to operate differently from europe, here the car was launched in 2005 and then there is one major update called LCI which is happening in the UK around september then another 3 years or so before the new model launches, BMW operate on approx 7 year development cycle.

I doubt the USA will get this new idrive controller if it doesn't appear in euro cars later in the year, I highly doubt the M3 will receive any kind of update like this for another 2-3 years.

Was playing with the "connecteddrive" stuff on an X5 the other day, nothing earth shattering, it's standard on UK M3's.

1. You can send details from google maps to the car then dial the number or use nav to get there (handy the night before a trip)
2. You get an RSS reader which gives you local weather, you can add 10 of your own RSS feeds for stuff you want to read (only works while stationary)
3. You can run google searches in the car for local stuff, effectively just the same as doing it on the Nav disk but more up to date info.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by Saturn

From what I have read this is not an 'update' it requires a telematics unit in the car capable of receiving and processing directives by GSM SMS. Current BMW models in the US are equipped with CDMA telematics modules and thus cannot utilize this service.

That's correct.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by rldzhao

the 'google send' already works on current models with BMW assist, i believe.

Ummm... no.

[apw2607]

Originally Posted by Hans Delbruck

I am almost sure I will wait for a 2009 DKG Sedan now... not that the updates are earth-shattering, but I don't want a "dated" car in any way if I am paying MSRP or close to.

I am going to pursue Euro Delivery in the Fall. That should give me something to do while I wait -- like plan a trip!

Tech never stays still, so I'm sure something will be "enhanced" for MY 2010 ;-)

[Technic]

Originally Posted by PencilGeek

Google maps does not work with the new M3. I tried it yesterday, and even called BMW Assist (since that is required and I'm a subscriber). The M3 has the V4 nav unit. Google maps will only work with V5 and V7 nav units. V5 nav is in the BMW X6 now -- and that's why it supports Google maps.

Nobody was sure if there ever would be a V6 nav...but it wasn't listed on their compatibility sheet.

/PG

It works in the X6 because of the new GSM TCU/new Nav software combo, as noted above.

[Saturn]

I'd like to see if the interface in the X6 is noticeably better than that of the M3. (POI searching springs to mind)

[Big Windy]

Originally Posted by Robbie

Idrive must be updated for 2009, currently it's being eclipsed by almost every other interface

so why does that mean it "must" be updated.