BMWs iDrive is one solution. Newer renditions of iDrive are much simpler than the first ones back in 2003. My '08 is relatively easy to use, since most of what you need daily is accessible on the dash, not thru iDrive. You use iDrive for things you only change occasionally. With iDrive, there are far fewer knobs and buttons.
I've heard and read a bit about iDrive...usually in the derogatory but I assume that was the earlier models. Does BMW have a demo flash video or something around. I'm curious about it now.
Most auto mag journalists denegrate iDrive because they can't be bothered to take the time to understand it. Besides, they started off in 2003 disliking it, they can't be seen to change now!!
Not sure about flash vids, but likely, try searching it on Google or other sites. There has to be a ton of stuff about it by now.
I think most auto mag journalists denegrate the iDrive for being unduly complex, cumbersome and not the least bit intuitive. These guys and gals drive a much broader range of vehilces at widely different price points than most of the on-line jockeys on these forums ever will. They have a pretty good perspective on what works and what doesn't in the context of ergonomic controls. I can recall several accounts of how many different functions had to be undertaken through iDrive to perform a variety of very simple tasks, and just about laughed out loud.
Perhaps BMW has improved the system (there seems to have been lots of room for improvement) but it is no answer to say that, well, if you take the time to learn how to use it, it works just fine. The worst ergonomic train-wreck of a control system you can conceive will become easier with practice and familiarity. Those that are well designed, however, don't require hours with a manual and extended head-scratching sessions while sitting in your own driveway just to get the basics down.
Jaeger
