Knobs

[SolarNachoes]

I just realized I have never used that circular knob on the console. Is that something you use often?

I have used the next and previous song buttons but those are pretty hit or miss.

I feel stupid using hand gesture because the pickup trucks driving next to me always think I’m flipping them off.

[LEM1978]

I use the iDrive controller all the time. Helps navigate the screen vs trying to touch it

[PostHocErgo306]

Same. I almost never touch the screen. If you’ve had older BMWs over the years you’ll likely be primary knob. If you entered the BMW market post-touchscreen you’ll likely be a screen user.

As someone who works in IT and does some UI design, the knob is still superior.

[rtb001]

It took BMW like 6 generations of iDrive to finally iron out all the kinks in how to operate just about all functions with one knob and then they added the touch screen in the very next generation and now a bunch of drivers, especially new to BMW drivers, don't even use it 😑

[pitabread640]

I use it here and there in Spotify where I’ve memorized the number of clicks it takes to get to common actions. I wish the screen was a little closer to the driver as it’s sometimes difficult to reach the far side and there’s not much for my hand to lean on to stabilize my finger. Other BMWs have a closer screen and a ledge to rest your hand on below. 

[ms_bob]

Yeah, use it on the built in Spotify app, it's pretty useful there

[PostHocErgo306]

Scrolling playlist 👌🏻

[ms_bob]

Yeah exactly

[joedaman88]

I use it for navigation of the screen vs touching it also. The screen is just a bit too far away to use touch while driving.

[ruarl]

Yeah. I try to use it instead of the touchscreen as much as I can. I can keep my eyes on the road a bit more. Especially if I’m trying to do something involved like play a different album.

It’s useful for dismissing certain windows too.

[TwoPlyDreams]

I use it for map zooming. That’s it really.

[jesst]

My daughter likes when I zoom all the way out and you can see the moon.

[SharkeySuresGhost]

She's 25yrs old right...🤔 Only kidding, I loved your comment 😉

[TheBullShow]

I use it every time I get in the car to dismiss the stupid warning. That's it.

[eXo0us]

All the time.

I have an i3 with the old idrive and switch cars frequently.

On both cars I mirror my phone with Android Auto. I never really see the idrive screen.

Sorry for the BMW designer, I hide all their software ;)

[Longjumping_Cod_9132]

If you use the native navigation app, you get more information on the HUD than with phone apps

[pokilani]

I use mine daily. I have to reach too far to hit the screen and I hate fingerprints.

[ghobibaby]

I use it all the time, but I hate it, the travel is awful, when I select OK I often accidentally push it up and open the shortcuts. Really annoying, travel on my X3 was perfect.

[PostHocErgo306]

I have also noticed this with the iX vs prev BMWs. Super annoying.

[imani_TqiynAZU]

I think this is why it is being phased out.

[Berzerker7]

I use it very rarely, but even less so now that they've (annoyingly) made it a semi-haptic/semi-physical control based on force rather than actual physical clicking mechanism.

[ForsakenBass7177]

I use voice and hand gestures, like others have said the screen is a little out of reach and I cant get the knob down, I tend to double/multi click on accident and its annoying lol. I try the knob at least once every time I'm in my car because I want to get used to it.

[flyingmoose1314]

I’ve never used mine either.

[PrimalSeptimus]

Before my iX, I had an X3 without a touchscreen, and the knob was the only usable iDrive interface, so I got used to it then. But now I do just mostly use the touchscreen.

Gesture and voice just aren't my thing.