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BMW iDrive

A push-turn controller on the centre console driving a screen high on the dashboard, from the 2001 7 Series (E65).
Maker
BMW
Years
2001–2025
Versions
10
Cars
8
Input
Rotary controller, touchpad, touchscreen, gesture, voice, buttons, steering-wheel controls
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The controller replaced rows of dashboard buttons, while core driving functions stayed on conventional switches. Later head units (CCC, CIC, NBT, NBT EVO) added hard-disk navigation, internet services, a touch-sensitive controller and touchscreens. From 2018 the system was marketed by operating-system number (7, 8, 8.5, 9), bringing digital clusters and the Curved Display. Panoramic iDrive arrived in 2025 with the Neue Klasse iX3 and dropped the rotary controller.

Centre display of the BMW 7 Series (G70) (opens in a new tab)
BMW 7 Series (G70) · BMW Panoramic iDrive (BMW Operating System X)© BMW AG · Editorial use (opens in a new tab) · BMW Group Newsroom: source page for this photo (opens in a new tab)

Versions

10 versions · 2001–2025How this is counted

  1. iDrive (first generation)2001Fitted to 7 Series (E65)
  2. iDrive CCC (Car Communication Computer)2003Fitted to 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93)
  3. iDrive CIC (Car Information Computer)2008Fitted to 7 Series (F01)
  4. iDrive NBT (Headunit High)2012Fitted to 3 Series (F30)
  5. iDrive NBT EVO (Headunit High 2)2015Fitted to 7 Series (G11/G12)
  6. iDrive 7 (BMW Operating System 7)2018Fitted to 3 Series (G20)
  7. iDrive 8 (BMW Operating System 8)2021Fitted to 7 Series (G70)
  8. iDrive 8.5 (BMW Operating System 8.5)2023Fitted to 3 Series (G20)
  9. BMW Panoramic iDrive (BMW Operating System X)2025Fitted to iX3 (NA5)

1 version not yet photographed: iDrive 9 (BMW Operating System 9). Add a photo

Versions, oldest first
VersionYearsDisplayInputOperating systemFirst carSources
iDrive (first generation)20018.8-inch, 640 × 240Rotary controller, voice, buttonsWindows CE for Automotive (Control Display and navigation); VxWorks (core system)7 Series (E65)1, 2, 4, 5, 6
iDrive CCC (Car Communication Computer)20038.8-inch, 400 × 240Rotary controller, voice, buttonsVxWorks3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93) (earliest in the archive)2, 7, 8
iDrive CIC (Car Information Computer)20088.8-inchRotary controller, voice, buttonsQNX7 Series (F01)1, 2, 3, 7, 9
iDrive NBT (Headunit High)20128.8-inchRotary controller, touchpad, voice, buttonsQNX7 Series (F01)2, 7, 23
iDrive NBT EVO (Headunit High 2)20158.8–10.25-inchRotary controller, touchpad, touchscreen, gesture, voice, buttonsQNX 6.5.03 Series (F30) (earliest in the archive)2, 10, 11, 25
iDrive 7 (BMW Operating System 7)201810.25-inchRotary controller, touchscreen, gesture, voiceNot recorded7 Series (G11/G12) (earliest in the archive)1, 2, 12
iDrive 8 (BMW Operating System 8)202114.9-inchRotary controller, touchscreen, voiceLinux3 Series (G20) (earliest in the archive)2, 13, 14, 24
iDrive 8.5 (BMW Operating System 8.5)202314.9-inchRotary controller, touchscreen, voiceLinux3 Series (G20) (earliest in the archive)15, 16, 24
iDrive 9 (BMW Operating System 9)2023Not recordedNot recordedAndroid Open Source Project (AOSP)Not recorded2, 16, 17, 18
BMW Panoramic iDrive (BMW Operating System X)202517.9-inchTouchscreen, voice, steering-wheel controlsBMW Operating System X (AOSP-based)iX3 (NA5)18, 19, 20, 21, 22

The table scrolls sideways.

Cars fitted

Showing 8 cars

Versions by car, oldest car first
CarYearsVersions
7 Series (E65)2001–2008
3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93)2004–2013
7 Series (F01)2008–2015
3 Series (F30)2011–2019
  • CIC
  • NBT
  • NBT EVO
  • BMW Professional radio with 6.5-inch display (version not recorded)
7 Series (G11/G12)2015–2022
3 Series (G20)2018–present
7 Series (G70)2022–present
iX3 (NA5)2025–present

The table scrolls sideways.

Photos

Showing 6 photos

All BMW centre display photos

Version notes

10 versions

  1. iDrive (first generation)

    2001Supplier: Siemens VDO (Control Display / navigation)Sources 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

    • Launched in the E65 7 Series in 2001, replacing many dashboard buttons with one controller and a colour Control Display.
    • The controller turns, pushes and slides in eight directions to reach main menus laid out like compass points, with motor-generated haptic detents.
    • 8.8-inch Control Display with 640 x 240 pixels.
    • Around 700 control functions in the E65, organised by iDrive.
    • Voice control for selected functions, a first for a BMW.

  2. iDrive CCC (Car Communication Computer)

    2003Sources 2, 7, 8

    • First fitted in 2003, to the E63 6 Series and the E60 5 Series.
    • The first BMW head unit to combine radio tuner, navigation, speech processing, user interface and DVD/CD drive in one box.
    • In the E90 3 Series it drove an 8.8-inch TFT Central Information Display (400 x 240 RGB pixels).
    • A March 2007 update added programmable buttons and removed the controller's haptic feedback.

  3. iDrive CIC (Car Information Computer)

    2008Supplier: BeckerSources 1, 2, 3, 7, 9

    • Second-generation head unit, launched in autumn 2008 in the F01 7 Series and the 3 Series facelift.
    • Internal 80 GB hard disk holding map data and a music collection with Gracenote track database.
    • Internet access and Google search integrated into iDrive.
    • The controller gained direct-access buttons, and the same software family was used in the 3 Series.

  4. iDrive NBT (Headunit High)

    2012Sources 2, 7, 23

    • Also called Headunit High (HU-H); launched with the F01/F02 7 Series facelift in July 2012.
    • 1.3 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, 8 GB flash memory and a 200 GB hard disk.
    • Redesigned interface with 3D-effect graphics and standardised menu symbols.
    • The controller gained a touch-sensitive top surface for handwriting input.

  5. iDrive NBT EVO (Headunit High 2)

    2015Supplier: HarmanSources 2, 10, 11, 25

    • Also called Headunit High 2 (HU-H2); fitted to the 3 Series facelift from July 2015 and to the G11/G12 7 Series.
    • In the G11/G12 the main menu changed from vertical lists to graphic tiles.
    • Touchscreen operation of the central display, standard in the G11/G12.
    • Optional gesture control, introduced with the G11/G12.

  6. iDrive 7 (BMW Operating System 7)

    2018Sources 1, 2, 12

    • Debuted in 2018 in the X5, 8 Series, Z4 and 3 Series, shown at the Paris Motor Show.
    • Three hardware levels: BMW Live Cockpit, Live Cockpit Plus and Live Cockpit Professional.
    • Live Cockpit Professional pairs a 12.3-inch digital cluster with a 10.25-inch control display.
    • Touch-first control display, 'Hey BMW' Intelligent Personal Assistant and remote software upgrades.

  7. iDrive 8 (BMW Operating System 8)

    2021Sources 2, 13, 14, 24

    • Presented in March 2021 and launched in the iX, followed by the i4.
    • BMW Curved Display: a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display under one curved glass.
    • Climate functions moved to the touchscreen and voice control, with far fewer physical buttons.
    • The iDrive controller on the centre console was kept.

  8. iDrive 8.5 (BMW Operating System 8.5)

    2023Sources 15, 16, 24

    • Arrived in 2023 with the X5 and X6 facelifts and the G60 5 Series, with a new home screen and menu structure.
    • Keeps the physical rotary controller and shortcut buttons.
    • Runs on the 14.9-inch Curved Display.

  9. iDrive 9 (BMW Operating System 9)

    2023Sources 2, 16, 17, 18

    • Arrived in November 2023 in smaller models such as the X1, X2 and 2 Series Active Tourer.
    • Touchscreen-only in most models, with no rotary controller or shortcut buttons.
    • In the X1 (U11) the Curved Display pairs a 10.25-inch information display with a 10.7-inch control display.
    • The X3 (G45) pairs Operating System 9 with a physical controller.

  10. BMW Panoramic iDrive (BMW Operating System X)

    2025Supplier: BMW (in-house software)Sources 18, 19, 20, 21, 22

    • Shown at CES in January 2025 and launched with the Neue Klasse iX3 in late 2025.
    • BMW Panoramic Vision projects onto a dark band along the bottom of the windscreen, from A-pillar to A-pillar, in place of a conventional cluster.
    • 17.9-inch free-cut central touchscreen angled toward the driver, plus an optional 3D head-up display.
    • Steering wheel with illuminated haptic buttons; the iX3 has no rotary iDrive controller.
    • Reached the 7 Series with its facelift unveiled in April 2026.

Sources

25 sources

  1. 1.BMW iDrive history (20 years of iDrive)BMW Groupbmwgroup.com
  2. 2.BMW iDriveWikipediaen.wikipedia.org
  3. 3.BMW iDriveWikipedia (German)de.wikipedia.org
  4. 4.iDrive: Comfort Area (E65 technical training)BMW of North America (via Internet Archive)archive.org
  5. 5.iDrive: Driving Area (E65 technical training)BMW of North America (via Internet Archive)archive.org
  6. 6.Microsoft Technology Hits the Road in BMW 7 SeriesMicrosoftnews.microsoft.com
  7. 7.Headunit High (BMW technical training)BMW AG (via Internet Archive)archive.org
  8. 8.E90 Driver Information Systems (BMW technical training)BMW of North America (via Internet Archive)archive.org
  9. 9.F01 Displays, Indicators and Controls (BMW technical training)BMW of North America (via Internet Archive)archive.org
  10. 10.3 Series LCI (BMW technical training)BMW AG (via Internet Archive)archive.org
  11. 11.G12 Displays and Controls (BMW technical training)BMW AG (via Internet Archive)archive.org
  12. 12.BMW's New Digital Cockpit DetailedBimmerFilebimmerfile.com
  13. 13.BMW iDrive 8bimmer-techbimmer-tech.net
  14. 14.The new BMW 3 Series Sedan and the new BMW 3 Series TouringBMW Groupnewsroom.bmwgroup.com
  15. 15.BMW 5 Series (G60)Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
  16. 16.BMW iDrive 9 infotainment reviewInsideEVsinsideevs.com
  17. 17.BMW X1 (U11)Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
  18. 18.New BMW Panoramic iDrive revolutionises vehicle operation (CES 2025)BMW Groupnewsroom.bmwgroup.com
  19. 19.World premiere BMW iX3BMW Groupnewsroom.bmwgroup.com
  20. 20.The BMW iX3 EV Takes A Different Approach To ScreensInsideEVsinsideevs.com
  21. 21.BMW says iDrive X users do not miss the physical knobBMWBlogbmwblog.com
  22. 22.BMW 7 Series 2027 faceliftCarscoopscarscoops.com
  23. 23.Experimental Security Assessment of BMW Cars: A Summary ReportTencent Keen Security Labkeenlab.tencent.com
  24. 24.BMW iDrive 8.5 Update Brings New Home Screen, Better Menu StructureMotor1motor1.com
  25. 25.Teardown: The BMW / Harman NBT EVO HU Infotainment Unit (B211)HAKSTUFFhakstuff.net

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Systems

Eras

Lineages

Photo credits

Photo credits (17)
  1. BMW 7 Series (G70), centre display“The display and operating system along with the digital user experience in the new BMW 7 Series.” (opens in a new tab) · © BMW AG · Editorial use (opens in a new tab) · BMW Group Newsroom
  2. BMW 7 Series (E65), centre display, 1 of 2“25 years of BMW 12-cylinder engines - BMW 760Li (E66). (10/2012)” (opens in a new tab) · © BMW AG · Editorial use (opens in a new tab) · BMW Group Newsroom
  3. BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93), centre display“2008 BMW M3 Convertible - Flickr - The Car Spy (18)” (opens in a new tab) · Photo: The Car Spy · CC BY 2.0 (opens in a new tab) · Wikimedia Commons
  4. BMW 7 Series (F01), centre display“The new BMW 7 Series: Central Information Display (05/2012)” (opens in a new tab) · © BMW AG · Editorial use (opens in a new tab) · BMW Group Newsroom
  5. BMW 3 Series (F30), cockpit, 1 of 2“BMW 320d Luxury (F30) interior” (opens in a new tab) · Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima · CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab) · Wikimedia Commons
  6. BMW 7 Series (G11/G12), cockpit“The new BMW 7 Series - Interior (06/2015).” (opens in a new tab) · © BMW AG · Editorial use (opens in a new tab) · BMW Group Newsroom
  7. BMW 3 Series (G20), cockpit“The all-new BMW 3 Series Sedan - BMW M340i xDrive (11/2018).” (opens in a new tab) · © BMW AG · Editorial use (opens in a new tab) · BMW Group Newsroom
  8. BMW 3 Series (G20), controls“BMW G20 LCI Sensatec Perforated Cognac (9)” (opens in a new tab) · Photo: Damian B Oh · CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab) · Wikimedia Commons
  9. BMW iX3 (NA5), cockpit“The new BMW iX3 50 xDrive (09/2025).” (opens in a new tab) · © BMW AG · Editorial use (opens in a new tab) · BMW Group Newsroom
  10. BMW 7 Series (E65), cockpit“BMW 7 Series Individual - fourth generation BMW 7 Series, E65/E66 (06/2015).” (opens in a new tab) · © BMW AG · Editorial use (opens in a new tab) · BMW Group Newsroom
  11. BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93), cockpit“BMW E90. (07/2015)” (opens in a new tab) · © BMW AG · Editorial use (opens in a new tab) · BMW Group Newsroom
  12. BMW 7 Series (F01), cockpit“The new BMW 7 Series: Interior (05/2012)” (opens in a new tab) · © BMW AG · Editorial use (opens in a new tab) · BMW Group Newsroom
  13. BMW 3 Series (F30), cockpit, 2 of 2“New BMW 3 Series: Cockpit standard version (10/2011)” (opens in a new tab) · © BMW AG · Editorial use (opens in a new tab) · BMW Group Newsroom
  14. BMW 7 Series (G70), cockpit“The display and operating system along with the digital user experience in the new BMW 7 Series.” (opens in a new tab) · © BMW AG · Editorial use (opens in a new tab) · BMW Group Newsroom
  15. BMW 7 Series (E65), centre display, 2 of 2“BMW E65 iDrive CBS” (opens in a new tab) · Photo: Hugo venter · CC BY-SA 3.0 (opens in a new tab) · Wikimedia Commons
  16. BMW 3 Series (F30), centre display“Addition Gauges - 2015 BMW M3 (15820479417)” (opens in a new tab) · Photo: Michael Sheehan · CC BY 2.0 (opens in a new tab) · Wikimedia Commons
  17. BMW iX3 (NA5), centre displayCropped from “BMW iX3 NA5 Auto Zuerich 2025 DSC 3640” (opens in a new tab) · Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab) · Wikimedia Commons

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