BMW M3, M5 & M6 Models Receive iDrive for 2009

More supremacy through intuitive operation:
The new iDrive generation enhances driving pleasure.

From the autumn of 2008, BMW M models will also feature the new generation of the iDrive control system which will facilitate even easier activation and control of the most important entertainment, communication and navigation features as well as a number of other functions. The models BMW M5 and BMW M5 Touring, the BMW M6 Coupe and the BMW M6 Convertible are all equipped with the new iDrive control system as standard. It also comes with the BMW M3 in conjunction with an optionally available navigation system. It encompasses a newly devised controller which includes preference keys on the centre console and - in conjunction with the optional navigation system Professional - an 8.8-inch control display with a four times higher screen resolution (1280 x 480 pixel) for displaying high resolution graphics and a new menu structure.

Flat menu trees and familiar systematic with cascaded main menus derived from computer technology provide improved orientation. Visual control aids which include, for example, an image of the controller displayed on the monitor, provide additional clarity. Town or street names are spelled and telephone numbers entered by means of a circular "speller". The functional range of the tried and tested preference keys situated below the radio control unit have been further optimised. Using these, it is now also possible to store not only radio stations, telephone numbers and destinations, but also all further menu items accessible via iDrive, which can then be retrieved at the push of a button.

In the BMW M3, the new controller and the preference keys arranged in its vicinity are surrounded by a newly designed cover for the centre console. The central control element facilitates the operation of various functions by means of standardised rotary and toggle switches as well as push-buttons, whereby the additional keys can be operated without eye contact due to their individual haptic attributes, offering direct access to the most important menu options. The new iDrive controller is, therefore, now much simpler to use and can be operated intuitively without a long familiarisation period. Consequently, the driver gains additional confidence and can concentrate even more intensively on the job of driving.

The perfect travel companion: Navigation system Professional with full screen display, preview maps, 3D symbols and guided tours.

The new navigation system Professional for the models BMW M3, BMW M5 and BMW M6 offers full screen map display. Travel maps, details of the surrounding area and symbols for places of interest can be displayed as three-dimensional graphics. When defining a desired destination from a list of locations, a map preview of each proposed destination appears additionally on the display when the selection function is activated. Thanks to this geographical information, different destinations bearing the same name can easily be distinguished from each other. The travel planner with guided tours function integrates various destinations into an individual route and, if desired, the driver can also add his own choice of stopovers to the routeing.

The storing of navigation data on an on-board 80 GB hard drive guarantees shorter access times. Moreover, this data storage medium can be used as a music archive. For this purpose, music files from a CD, an external MP3 player or a USB stick can be transferred to the hard disc, after which the music files are permanently accessible.

New from BMW ConnectedDrive: Unrestricted in-car use of the Internet and enhanced remote functions.

The further advanced iDrive controller also forms the basis for in-car use of the Internet. From the autumn of 2008, BMW will be the first car manufacturer worldwide to offer unrestricted access to the internet as an option. The function of the controller is similar to a conventional computer mouse. Internet pages can be displayed on the screen in high resolution. An additional function renders possible an enlargement of visible screen areas for highlighting details.

Internet access is optionally available for the BMW M3, the BMW M5 and the BMW M6 on attractive flat rate terms. For safety reasons, the displaying of internet pages on the screen - analogous to the TV function available for BMW M models - is only possible when the vehicle is stationary.

In addition to the Internet access, new remote functions provide an even wider variety of telematics and online services included in the BMW ConnectedDrive range. From the autumn of 2008, enhanced remote functions will be available for BMW M models as an integral part of the BMW Assist service. In the event of the car key being left inside a locked boot or when the driver is not sure whether he or she locked the vehicle when in a hurry, all he or she has to do in future is call the BMW Call Center. After confirmed identification, a BMW Call Center employee can then lock or unlock the car by remote control.

Integrated use of a smartphone with USB connection for the Apple iPhone and other smartphones.

Commencing in the model year 2009, the accessory range will include a new snap-in adaptor for the full integration of the latest smartphones into the vehicle and an optional compatible USB board will be available for the BMW M3, the BMW M5 and the BMW M6. Using the upgrade option of linking the music player to the mobile phone, it will be possible to utilise both the communication and entertainment functions of the respective mobile phone and to control them via the iDrive control system. Telephone numbers and music titles stored in the smartphone are displayed on the vehicle's control monitor. The driver has permanent access to both the telephone and the MP3 functions of the external device. Furthermore, the power supply to the smartphone and reception via the car aerial are guaranteed. The new interface is suitable for the integration of the Apple iPhone, the Sony Ericsson K850i and the Nokia 6500c cell phones.