[oarnura]

Originally Posted by hollandog

at driving you nuts.

Pretty sure you can come up with a video that draws the opposite conclusion too.

[Shadycrew31]

Originally Posted by drive335

Apple is better anyway

I've never been a fan of apple, but that's not the point.

The point is that if you are offering a service you should cater to all clients not a niche market.

[fillipi82]

Checkout the 5 reasons I love my BMW F30:

[oarnura]

Originally Posted by Shadycrew31

There are key items idrive is missing. That's all there is to it. Based on what you've present they are still missing. That's not a subjective opinion thats a factual statement.

Except support for Android Auto.. there isn't anything missing.

My phones data plan, are you serious right now? LOL. My dataplan is going to be present regardless of my choice of car.

If you are using the Maps app from your phone you are consuming data. If you use the car's built in Nav you aren't. Many people don't have unlimited data plans. So yes if you want to compare costs. You have to factor in the Data used by Android Auto.

The services you listed are part of the remote services pack which is already included and not part of the annual $50 connected drive service.

That $50 covers BMW Assist and Concierge. Does Google offer that with Android Auto. Can I talk to a human Concierge or will Google send me help if I get into and accident?

Maybe I need to bold the text for you?

And in my opinion idrive in general feels half finished when compared to most other manufacturers.

My opinion based on using the older idrive and the older/newer mmi. idrive feels like they just stopped caring halfway into the UX process. MMI, MMI+, and MMI++ all have a very well designed and visually pleasing interface.

In your biased opinion.

Also the A4/S4 does not have a touchpad as reviewed in the Q7.

That's because Audi copied BMW and put the touch pad on the Control Dial.

These reviews are based on other peoples opinions, everyone has an opinion.

Yes they are opinions but reading them shows the authors use an open mind.

Bottom line is iDrive is better implemented than MMI ... end of story. If you think BMW is behind other manufacturers.. then Audi is even further behind with an over complicated interface. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Does it still stay on the same page in the previous menu every time you reopen a tab?

Is this even English.. what does this mean?

Does it still cost $200 annually, nav is free for the first 3 years so maybe its down to $150?

Just nav services don't cost $200 annually. The connected drive service offers far more than Android Auto ever will.

Is there a full color LCD in the gauge cluster, displaying all relevant information and the ability to show you a map for navigation?

Yes the extended dash provides this. The 4 series LCI comes with a more elaborate digital dash.

While having Nav Maps is interesting in the Audi, it is entirely a gimmick because you have to take your eyes off the road to peer into the the Dash and look at a lot of information.

BMW does it by having directions on the HUD and the iDrive screen which allow for glancing at the road much quicker. Instrument clusters are meant for quick information glances.

I don't think these have been addressed, but hey at least they have better looking icons now...

Yes they have .. if you bothered to fact check you would know these answers.

[hollandog]

Originally Posted by oarnura

Pretty sure you can come up with a video that draws the opposite conclusion too.

Would love to see a video of that.

[oarnura]

Originally Posted by hollandog

Would love to see a video of that.

My car doesn't support either Android Auto or Apple Car Play... You'll have to wait a while.

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by hollandog

Would love to see a video of that.

I have tried them both and they are both garbage in my humble opinion. Such a Gimmick... I rather have the NAV in the car. I have CIC and with the connected app, even my outdated maps from four years ago I can find any place. The new Nav is nearly perfect. I do like google maps in the Audi, but its not a deal breaker. I rather have the cartoonish map that too much data on the screen.

[hollandog]

Originally Posted by AGONXF30

I have tried them both and they are both garbage in my humble opinion. Such a Gimmick... I rather have the NAV in the car. I have CIC and with the connected app, even my outdated maps from four years ago I can find any place. The new Nav is nearly perfect. I do like google maps in the Audi, but its not a deal breaker. I rather have the cartoonish map that too much data on the screen.

I don't have much experience with either but Google Maps on my phone is my go to GPS. I find it so much superior than any built-in nav system as long as you have signal. and it doesn't cost $2000.

[otay]

Originally Posted by hollandog

at driving you nuts.

Lol. It's Google's world, we just live in it.

[justinnum1]

Originally Posted by Shadycrew31

I was originally comparing the A4 and a 335i. The 335i wins on performance.

When comparing a 328i and an A4 the A4 wins 100% of the time in my opinion. That was my original point and answer to the OP.

fixed that for you.

[AudiA4]

Originally Posted by AGONXF30

I have tried them both and they are both garbage in my humble opinion. Such a Gimmick... I rather have the NAV in the car. I have CIC and with the connected app, even my outdated maps from four years ago I can find any place. The new Nav is nearly perfect. I do like google maps in the Audi, but its not a deal breaker. I rather have the cartoonish map that too much data on the screen.

I've tried it too...if you call that a gimmick, I guess my phone is a gimmick.

[Shadycrew31]

Originally Posted by oarnura

Except support for Android Auto.. there isn't anything missing.

So its still missing?

Originally Posted by oarnura

If you are using the Maps app from your phone you are consuming data. If you use the car's built in Nav you aren't. Many people don't have unlimited data plans. So yes if you want to compare costs. You have to factor in the Data used by Android Auto.

LOL...

Originally Posted by oarnura

That $50 covers BMW Assist and Concierge. Does Google offer that with Android Auto. Can I talk to a human Concierge or will Google send me help if I get into and accident?

Concierge is not included... Guess I need to break it down again, I didn't include concierge in my original breakdown because its a useless service. Either way with android auto you can easily say, "Ok Google" and ask it any question you want.

Heres your new breakdown.

BMW concierge is $100/yr
BMW connected drive (with a very limited amount of apps)= $50/yr
Advanced real time traffic data = $50/yr
BMW North america map update = $100/yr

BMW package = $300/yr

Versus what a $10/month bump in your data plan. If you like throwing money all over the place I'll send you my paypal address.

Originally Posted by oarnura

Yes they are opinions but reading them shows the authors use an open mind.

Bottom line is iDrive is better implemented than MMI ... end of story. If you think BMW is behind other manufacturers.. then Audi is even further behind with an over complicated interface. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Have you even been in a B9 audi yet? Its not a complicated interface at all, that one review of the Q7 was specific to the Q7.

Also any review will be biased its human nature and is the entire reason we have been arguing.

Originally Posted by oarnura

Just nav services don't cost $200 annually. The connected drive service offers far more than Android Auto ever will.

Please tell me a service BMW connected drive has that android auto does not.

BMW concierge = $100/yr
Google assistant (much easier to use) with the most recent update you don't even need to press a button = Free

BMW connected drive (with a very limited amount of apps)= $50/yr
Android auto apps, plenty being added alreayd has way more than BMW = Free

Advanced real time traffic data = $50/yr
Traffic data supplied by waze and crowdsourcing = Free.

BMW North america map update = $100/yr
Unlimited supply of map updates= Free.

Please keep in mind, Google will always win this battle they are continuously developing new features and interfacing with new apps. BMW will never keep up.

Originally Posted by oarnura

Yes the extended dash provides this. The 4 series LCI comes with a more elaborate digital dash.

While having Nav Maps is interesting in the Audi, it is entirely a gimmick because you have to take your eyes off the road to peer into the the Dash and look at a lot of information.

BMW does it by having directions on the HUD and the iDrive screen which allow for glancing at the road much quicker. Instrument clusters are meant for quick information glances.

Lots of data = A blue line on a road. Got it...

No idea why looking at the dash versus the speedometer area is quicker. You aren't analyzing ancient text you are looking at a highlighted route...

There's a reason they started putting crap in the dash and its not a gimmick, though you seem to like that word.

Originally Posted by oarnura

Yes they have .. if you bothered to fact check you would know these answers.

So it has android auto now, they just released it overnight?
Thers a full (size and color) LCD screen which displays everything the center dash does but in a much safer area to look at?
Still costs a ridiculous amount of money.
The menu still holds its tab/location when you close out and relaunch the menu, I find it terribly annoying.

^ No they haven't.

[SteveinArizona]

Yes the extended dash provides this. The 4 series LCI comes with a more elaborate digital dash.

While having Nav Maps is interesting in the Audi, it is entirely a gimmick because you have to take your eyes off the road to peer into the the Dash and look at a lot of information.

BMW does it by having directions on the HUD and the iDrive screen which allow for glancing at the road much quicker. Instrument clusters are meant for quick information glances.

I have navigation and the HUD. Once I set the navigation I never look at the LCD screen. The HUD gives much better direction than one can get on the LCD screen and I don't have to look away from the windshield.

I am an apple user (Iphone 7plus, ipad) but if I can't get the info on the HUD, I wouldn't want Apple Carplay. I am spoiled by the HUD.

[hollandog]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

Yes the extended dash provides this. The 4 series LCI comes with a more elaborate digital dash.

While having Nav Maps is interesting in the Audi, it is entirely a gimmick because you have to take your eyes off the road to peer into the the Dash and look at a lot of information.

BMW does it by having directions on the HUD and the iDrive screen which allow for glancing at the road much quicker. Instrument clusters are meant for quick information glances.

I have navigation and the HUD. Once I set the navigation I never look at the LCD screen. The HUD gives much better direction than one can get on the LCD screen and I don't have to look away from the windshield.

I am an apple user (Iphone 7plus, ipad) but if I can't get the info on the HUD, I wouldn't want Apple Carplay. I am spoiled by the HUD.

So are the people spoiled by the free superior Google Maps.
I wouldn't want CarPlay either because then you're stuck with Apple Maps.

[oarnura]

BMW connected drive (with a very limited amount of apps)= $50/yr
Android auto apps, plenty being added alreayd has way more than BMW = Free

Advanced real time traffic data = $50/yr
Traffic data supplied by waze and crowdsourcing = Free.

BMW North america map update = $100/yr
Unlimited supply of map updates= Free.

Pretty sure all those numbers are purely made up. All of that is included for 3 years.

BMW concierge = $100/yr
Google assistant (much easier to use) with the most recent update you don't even need to press a button = Free

Not even close to the same thing.

Where is the BMW Assist? Show me the Android Auto equivalent.

No idea why looking at the dash versus the speedometer area is quicker. You aren't analyzing ancient text you are looking at a highlighted route...

Android Auto with Google maps doesn't show up in the Virtual Cockpit.. Doh! So all of your costs comparisons with BMW Nav and Android Auto go out of the window right there.

So much technology Audi put in and the Virtual cockpit won't show google maps from Android Auto. What's the point? It is to make gullible fools argue about Audi tech superiority on BMW forums.

There's a reason they started putting crap in the dash and its not a gimmick, though you seem to like that word.

I love the word gimmick it aptly describes what it needs too. Android Auto and Virtual cockpit.. two gimmicks in Audi's world that don't even work together.

Originally Posted by Shadycrew31

LOL...

Pretty much all of your post. Having Android Auto or not never swayed anyone from buying a $50K car.

Most of us are here because we bought BMWs by using the bit between our ears and making a choice. Clearly you didn't and bought the wrong car.

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by hollandog

I don't have much experience with either but Google Maps on my phone is my go to GPS. I find it so much superior than any built-in nav system as long as you have signal. and it doesn't cost $2000.

I do not find it superior. In some aspects I like google maps, in others I like the in dash systems. I have had an array of navigation systems. I like Pioneer the best, but the new BMW systems are pretty damn nice, possibly nicer that Pioneer. I still use CIC more so than google maps in my car (Phone). I have found that the BMW Connected App to have one wrong address. And while google is pretty powerful, the car's built in navigation despite the lack of updates its pretty nice.

Also for those complaining

A phone cost like 700 to 1000+ depending on what you get. If you update it every two years that gets pricey.

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by AudiA4

I've tried it too...if you call that a gimmick, I guess my phone is a gimmick.

If you really think about it phone have a lot of gimmicks these days. I view mine as a tool, but in car connectivity these days is great without CarPlay or Android Auto.

Like I said there is nothing my Apple CarPlay can do that my old CIC cannot. The new systems are far beyond comprehension on what they can do compared to CIC.

[goj]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

I wish BMW would do what Audi does and offer a DCT in the 340i as Audi does in the competing model.

BMW is nothing but praised for the ZF 8 speed so why would a DCT be needed. Do you want it solely to say you have it?

[hollandog]

Originally Posted by AGONXF30

I do not find it superior. In some aspects I like google maps, in others I like the in dash systems. I have had an array of navigation systems. I like Pioneer the best, but the new BMW systems are pretty damn nice, possibly nicer that Pioneer. I still use CIC more so than google maps in my car (Phone). I have found that the BMW Connected App to have one wrong address. And while google is pretty powerful, the car's built in navigation despite the lack of updates its pretty nice.

Also for those complaining

A phone cost like 700 to 1000+ depending on what you get. If you update it every two years that gets pricey.

So if you get the built-in Nav you don't need to buy a phone.

[hollandog]

Originally Posted by AGONXF30

If you really think about it phone have a lot of gimmicks these days. I view mine as a tool, but in car connectivity these days is great without CarPlay or Android Auto.

Like I said there is nothing my Apple CarPlay can do that my old CIC cannot. The new systems are far beyond comprehension on what they can do compared to CIC.

Right it does everything CarPlay does at $2000 premium.

[fchen0125]

To me BMW is timeless , Look at E30, E46 they are still very attractive compare to the same year of old Audi's. One thing I love about the BMWs is its simple but classic interior and their signature exteriors (kidney Grills ,Angel Lights etc ...) . Cars nowadays put too much fancy stuff inside and many of them isn't necessary or its cool in the beginning but usage to everyday user probably 5-10%. I still enjoys very much the Analog gauges over digital ones, It's just more connected to the car rather than feeling like driving in a video game .. Just my opinion

[jmg]

Originally Posted by goj

BMW is nothing but praised for the ZF 8 speed so why would a DCT be needed. Do you want it solely to say you have it?

I didn't think the DCT would be that much a faster shifter... but it is. That being said, the ZF 8 is still one of the best autos I had ever driven. If the 340i came with a DCT, I think that's a significantupgrade. If it doesn't, it's still one of the best autos in its class.