The WORLD EXCLUSIVE Autospies have received information from internal sources at BMW regarding the much rumored cooperation between Apple and BMW. Previous reports pegged BMW as the first auto maker to have iPhone compatibility and now Autospies reports Apple will help BMW with their much maligned iDrive user interface in the form of two iPod-like circular scroll wheels mounted on the steering wheel. Following the lead of the current E65 7-Series which debuted the iDrive system at Frankfurt in 2001, this iPod influenced user interface is expected to launch with the next-generation 7-Series sometime in 2008.
Apple to Revamp BMW's iDrive with iPod-like Interface
BMW steering wheel with iPod scroll wheels
By Brian Potter
December 19, 2007 11:48 AM
Filed Under: Artist Renderings, BMW, German, Leaks
Comments
Herr.Bugno
December 19, 2007 12:07 PM
I must say that BMW is truely one of the most innovative companies that exist! I hope they bring this to the market so I can smile some more!
autoque
December 19, 2007 1:37 PM
BMW just couldn't come up with a decent control system on their own? Sounds more like a marketing strategy rather than a real desperate need for Apple's help.
kt
December 19, 2007 1:49 PM
dammm this would be mad as ipod scrolls on a steering wheel niceee why didn't they make both guages white -.- would of looked way better but still nice job =]
Roger
December 19, 2007 1:54 PM
The iPhone already works on the new A4 so how could BMW have been the first? Think you've got some facts wrong there.
This is an awesome deal for BMW though!
2-FAST
December 19, 2007 2:19 PM
If true, the apple clickwheel will likely be the least BMW will implement. The iDrive never suffered from its button-like wheel interface but from its messy menu structure and the lack of direct access buttons. And I doubt that apple can provide much help in this regard. Finally, why implement the clickwheel now that apple is moving to touchscreen on its own products (iPhone and iPod touch)
Sharpie
December 19, 2007 3:40 PM
I belive the picture is a just a rendering of what it could look like, but if you ask me I think Apple will be helping them with there menu stucture and the will keep there wheel control on the center console like the current 7-series. The two click wheels in the picture would be worthless...why would you need two play buttons? I also think it has a lot to do with marketing..Apple has a strong name these days.
foose1397
December 19, 2007 4:44 PM
Its marketing and help for BMW all at the same time. iDrive is absolutely rubbish so a reorganization by one of the most organized and user friendly companies is perfect plus it is another thing for apple now that ford has sync with microsoft....oh, this is just a picture people there won't be two dumb scroll wheels
jsb
December 19, 2007 4:53 PM
I think its a sad time when instrument design is influenced by computer software companies rather than F1/motorsport development. What happened to focused driver tools and skills experience? Marketing departments are selling living rooms on wheels nowadays.
rydamee
December 19, 2007 6:59 PM
this is another reason why audi should sue bmw. they don't make the ultimate driving machine. they make fair weather friends, vehicles you wouldn't dare drive hard in the wet. can you see the m3 or m5 being thrashed on a wet course? now how 'bout the rs4 and rs6? the press and public really are fed up with idrive, haven't heard many complaints 'bout mmi. bimmer should stop wasting time with law suites over the freakin' letter m and sue the idrive designer. kick chris bangle in the ass while they're at it.
andy
December 20, 2007 12:10 AM
you know what i really hate apple,they produce crappy products and sell it like its on top of the world,look at the iphone,its actually from LG Prada design,and people just got crazy about it like it was the first computer in 1970 or something,now they try to step into car industrial.
stillthewhizz
December 20, 2007 2:17 AM
Andy - I don't know if you've used the iPhone or the Prada Phone but the two simply do not compare. The iPhone is by far more intuitive? This has to be a joke though. I praise BMW for setting the stone with the iDrivel; it does need tweaking but I honestly can't see two scroll wheels happening. Anyone trying to operate an iPod whilst driving will tell you that.
out4ride
December 20, 2007 2:30 AM
Could one of the wheel control IPod and the other IDrive? Or is this a new universal remote control design by BMW with Apple? Hehehe
BMLOVER
December 20, 2007 3:09 AM
this obviously is a photoshopped photo of a BMW steering wheel. if BMW would work with apple having scrollers as the control would be insane, it would be an iPod on 4 wheels and an amazing engine. ULTIMATE LISTING MACHINE!
vecna
December 20, 2007 8:43 PM
This all bould down to reference, to which there are none at the moment. Tactite controls are coming and they seem to work beyond expectations.
When I got 6-series I was not that impressed with (updated) iDrive and SMG/DSG untill I got Audi R8, which is a cool car in some other aspects. I'd say BMW is way ahead of many competitors in electronics integration and once you combine iDrive with iPod controls it could work ...really. This coming from a UI designer for big(gest) mobile phone manufacturer. Mercedes and Lexus also have some good ideas, but they just make butt-ugly cars.
DieselDog
December 21, 2007 7:25 PM
One of the worst photo-chops I have seen to date. Discussions of automotive innovation are news. Distracting and horribly done photochops are very much beneath World Car Fans and Black Falcon Media Group.
Blaconque
December 23, 2007 12:31 PM
well....i have to say thats its not boring.....but making new things is more exciting:)
LOLOM5
December 28, 2007 7:41 PM
That's funny! WTF? Why not just put the Ipod in the center of the steering wheel!
This is what happens when engineers do acid on a late shift while doing innovative CAD design for new products!
siu16
January 11, 2008 3:12 PM
BMW is the most innovative car company out there. When they released the I-drive unit, every other maker rushed to copy the technology (AUDI stand up). BMW don't boast about its achievements either. They have a very mature attitude towards revolutionising the automotive world. All Audi can do is chase them every step of the way. Its common knowledge that Audi just copy BMW's ideas and just try to make it more efficient, then claim it as their own e.g MMI (I-drive). Audi just has one main car design & they just stretch/shrink it then call it a new model! Whats the problem with working together with Apple to create a new control interface? Nissan got Polyphony (Gran turismo) to design the new GT-R display interface. Toyota (worlds biggest car manufacturer) still works with Yamaha to build engines. BMW M cars get raced in the wet all the time, only true drivers know how to drive it. Audi made their cars 4WD because they know they can't beat BMW with RWD. Audi's are Boring cars - Simple as! Don't hate the player, Hate the game!
Add Comment
[cancel]
