

IDrive allows the driver (and, in some models, front-seat passengers) to control the climate ( air conditioner and heater), audio system ( radio and CD player), navigation system, and the communication system. These are used for high-speed applications such as controlling the television, DVD, or driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, infrared night vision or head-up display. IDrive introduced the first multiplexed MOST Bus/ Byteflight optical fiber data busses with very high bit rate in a production vehicle. The system unifies an array of functions under a single control architecture consisting of an LCD panel mounted in the dashboard and a control knob mounted on the center console.

It was launched in 2001, first appearing in the E65 7 Series. IDrive is an in-car communications and entertainment system, used to control most secondary vehicle systems in late-model BMW cars.

For other uses, see iDrive (disambiguation). For the online storage provider, see IDrive Inc. This article is about the BMW vehicle control system.
