BMW F30 vs. E90 iDrive Controller Comparison

BMW E90 LCI is equipped with the iDrive Professional Navigation (CIC)

 

The E90 LCI iDrive features quick navigation buttons and updated controller wheel. Resolution, hard drive space, and processing speed has been increased compared to the previous iDrive generation. The most notable change is the menus and display which is much more efficient and requires less button clicking and navigating.

BMW F30 comes with the iDrive Professional Navigation (CIC-HIGH)

 

The F30 iDrive has the same navigation buttons as the E90, but has a larger controller wheel. The controller wheel has a smoother feel and does not click when twisting.

Processing speed and hard drive storage have improved to allow more detailed navigation maps.

I prefer the F30 iDrive because it does not have the plastic chrome trim that bubbles up on the E90. If you look at the first picture, the trim is bubbling on my E90 iDrive controller and it drives me crazy. I have sliced my fingers several times and have to be careful when using iDrive, otherwise I will bleed on the controller and my steering wheel. The bubbling in the trim is caused by oils from your fingers and BMW will not cover it under warranty because it is 'wear and tear'.

The F30 controller feels very fluid and is much smoother than the E90's, probably due to its larger size. I really enjoy using the F30 iDrive and I can't think of any negatives. 

BMW F30 320i Bare iDrive

 

The BMW 320i comes with the bare iDrive controller standard. There are two fewer shortcut buttons and movement is limited to left and right. The wheel is much smaller so there is no touch pad like the iDrive equipped with navigation. 

I believe BMW made the right decision in providing a basic iDrive as standard in their 3-series sedans.