#2006 bmw idrive review Bluetooth#

Just adding a new radio station preset takes up to five nonintuitive clicks and toggles. For the relatively basic technology systems found on this particular 2006 BMW 530i, we felt the iDrive control wheel and LCD were overkill and a hindrance.

#2006 bmw idrive review Bluetooth#

Aside from the standard Bluetooth hands-free system, this car was basic in terms of technology options yet still burdened with the iDrive system, which uses an LCD and a multifunction knob. Our test car was rather sparsely equipped in the optional-technology department, lacking a GPS navigation system ($1,800), Active Cruise Control ($2,200), a Logic7 DSP audio system ($1,800), and a heads-up display ($1,000). The way the company does this is by moving controls into the iDrive knob and screen interface, which seems heavy-handed to us in a car that doesn't have any really complicated systems to control. BMW really leads the pack in stripping down the busy array of buttons and knobs that plague many cars today. Inside, the 2006 BMW 530i is a civilized yet athletic people-hauler with an outstanding quality of materials and a clean, solid look that will age well. The high belt line that rises toward the rear is common in cars today, but the low side sills, large expanses that make up the car's flanks, and a prominent feature line high on those sides all conspire to make the 530i look portly from many angles.

First impressions are important, and we just can't get around the car's sheet-metal styling.