2000 mile - 3 Month Update

I am still learning the dreaded iDrive system. The voice commands are easier than using the hand controller, but unfortunately there are limited voice commands that it recognizes. I have photocopied the voice commands and laminated them to keep in the vehicle, and practice them occasionally, and try to learn additional commands.

I am averaging about 19.7 miles around town, and am looking forward to a road trip next month. There are plenty of diesel stations in Florida, and the iDrive has a setting to locate diesel stations as well.

The vehicle handles very well.

The biggest objection I have is that the parking sensors are not full time. They go on in reverse or by pushing a dashboard button. When I drive into the garage I have to push the dashboard button and wait for them to activate before I drive in and park. The outside mirrors don't fold in automatically when the vehicle is locked, and that requires another button to be pushed. When starting the vehicle, there is a long delay (long at least compared with my former SUV, a Mercedes Benz ML500) before the screen comes on; then a wait to push the iDrive button to accept the conditions of use, and then (in reverse) for the backup camera a parking sensors to come on.

In retrospect, I am sorry I didn't wait for the 2010 model, which is rumored to have a better iDrive system, and perhaps some other enhancements.