An observation regarding S500 vs. BMW 745i

[RG5384]

I was looking over ashman's pictures tonight, and i took an especially carefull look of the center console of the S500. Then, i pulled up some pictures of the BMW's 745i. The result in my head, was that, even with the complexity of I-drive, it still would be seemingly simpler then mastering the 50 buttons on the MB console. Granted, i have no first hand experiance with either system, but i do think that BMW has taken unnecessary insults with regard to their I-drive system. Also, as far as saftey is concerned, with either system you are going to have to momentarily look off of the road to see what your doing. Is it not safer to be able to know exactly where the button is that you need to touch? Maybe after a few years you might be able to memorize every button on the S500, but in my experiance i can't even always hit the sunroof button in my 300SD without looking at it. I do however, think that in light of BMW's being a "driver's car" they should have left the gear selector in the center console, the way it's set up now reminds me of my old buick century(ugh). I do, by the way, consider the S500 much more of an elegant and luxurious automobile than the bimmer, and given the choice, would pick it. However, the S500 costs considerably more as well. I just thought i would share some thoughts of mine.
R

[4NDELIT]

Originally posted by RG5384
BMW has taken unnecessary insults with regard to their I-drive system.

personally, I thought BMW was getting ragged on because of the designing or lack thereof. My dad test drove the 745 with me in the car, and I was quite impressed. Of course, being part of the point and click generation, I got the hang of the iDrive right away, but my dad decided against it. Instead, he got a 2000 750iL, which I was glad he got. It has a 5.4L V12, and TONS of power, not to mention the luxury, as it is fully optioned out [even the bullet proof double paned glass, for that added quietness on the highway]. I haven't driven an S500, but I have driven the 750iL and I can't express how much I love that machine! I'm sure I've said enough to get flamed for 3 pages worth or get booted off the forum, but at least I'm honest

[dtanesq]

Even with the I-Drive, the 745i cabin sports 45 controls for various operations. (Tidbit from this month's Roundel.)

Having driven the new 7-Series, I think the car is mighty impressive. Imagine moving that hulk to 60mph in under 7 seconds (with an automatic) and having it feel no more bulky than my E34. And have it handle way better than my E34 or my W124. I haven't driven an S500 (and boy would I love to) so can't compare them, but the S-class has been around longer than the new 7, so I would anticipate fewer bugs. The S-class also doesn't have that Chrysler Imperial trunk.

Awhile ago, someone here started a thread about whether we drive silver stars for the prestige. In an article about the McLaren F1 in this month's Roundel, the owner of the car the writer got to drive mentions that he didn't buy the McLaren for its looks. I don't think I'd make a buy-not buy decision about the new 7-series because of its looks either. As a people hauler, it's quite impressive. As an indication of where driving controls may be going in the future, it's a little frightening, but the I-Drive becomes intuitive with time (I got it in 20 minutes of test-driving).

[I've been driving the W124 wagon lately as my E34 has been getting some work done under the hood. I hopped in the BMW today and after starting it, immediately reached down with my left hand to release the parking brake!]

[4NDELIT]

uh... by any chance, do you post on any E34 boards? 'cause you might know my brother TC535i, also known as crazy tim

if you don't, try bimmer.info ... they're pretty good [so says my bro]