BMW i5 and 5-Series Forum

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      02-14-2024, 05:43 PM   #1
PsychDoc
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Are these cars just getting too complex?

It seems that with software patches, updates to the OS and the multitude of menus and sub-menus, we're all going to need Ph.D.'s in computer science and/or electrical engineering.
And while most folks who frequent a forum like this are probably up to the sometimes daunting task of using the majority of these vehicle's capabilities, I suspect that most buyers will rarely, if ever, use the most of the features available in these cars.

At what point are cars like this just getting too complex? I'm reminded of a friend of mine who worked as an IT specialist for the FDIC saying "any car without a computer is a good car." LOL
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      02-14-2024, 06:07 PM   #2
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I have said for years and years now...I would kill for a new W124 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (1986-1994 model). The easiest, least complicated and most reliable car almost ever made!!
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      02-14-2024, 06:45 PM   #3
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I get it, but will say, having owned my i5 for 2-3months now, it feels quite easy to live with. Trying to learn about the car by reading the manual/reading online is a nightmare, but far easier by driving.
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      02-14-2024, 08:19 PM   #4
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I believe it is the way forward in the automotive industry. The days of "computers you can drive" are here to stay. For better or worse.
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      02-14-2024, 08:26 PM   #5
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I am a pharmacist and a software engineer. I’ve always kept up with technology, but I have nothing on my 19 year old. When I first got the car, he would be in the settings and looking at options before I had the manual brought up. I think the kids born after the Xbox and never knowing what it was like without the internet, will expect this level of tech in a car.
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      02-14-2024, 08:59 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scrapula View Post
I am a pharmacist and a software engineer. I’ve always kept up with technology, but I have nothing on my 19 year old. When I first got the car, he would be in the settings and looking at options before I had the manual brought up. I think the kids born after the Xbox and never knowing what it was like without the internet, will expect this level of tech in a car.
Digital natives. It’s natural for them. Same with my 20-somethings.
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      02-14-2024, 09:01 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scrapula View Post
I am a pharmacist and a software engineer. I’ve always kept up with technology, but I have nothing on my 19 year old. When I first got the car, he would be in the settings and looking at options before I had the manual brought up. I think the kids born after the Xbox and never knowing what it was like without the internet, will expect this level of tech in a car.
My son is getting his PhD in Computer Science and Engineering and minoring in Electronics and Robotics. I need to beat him off with a stick to keep him from trying to hack my new i5 M60. Gave him one of my old Chevy Malibu's and he has already made his own operating system for the car!
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      02-14-2024, 09:07 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Trevor G View Post
My son is getting his PhD in Computer Science and Engineering and minoring in Electronics and Robotics. I need to beat him off with a stick to keep him from trying to hack my new i5 M60. Gave him one of my old Chevy Malibu's and he has already made his own operating system for the car!
Sometimes wish my kids were this industrious. You did the right thing with the Chevy. Give him room to grow…and he did. Well played.
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      02-14-2024, 09:14 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by tsbrown View Post
Sometimes wish my kids were this industrious. You did the right thing with the Chevy. Give him room to grow…and he did. Well played.
He hacked into the operating system of the chevy in minutes. I am afraid to let him borrow my BMW.
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      02-14-2024, 09:18 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Trevor G View Post
He hacked into the operating system of the chevy in minutes. I am afraid to let him borrow my BMW.
Good call. He probably won’t brick the i5M60 and BMW firmware updates would overwrite/fix it but better to enjoy the car as-is for now. OTOH, if he can figure a way around the locked software so we could code features like G30 and prior, that would be useful.
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      02-14-2024, 11:45 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PsychDoc View Post
It seems that with software patches, updates to the OS and the multitude of menus and sub-menus, we're all going to need Ph.D.'s in computer science and/or electrical engineering.
And while most folks who frequent a forum like this are probably up to the sometimes daunting task of using the majority of these vehicle's capabilities, I suspect that most buyers will rarely, if ever, use the most of the features available in these cars.

At what point are cars like this just getting too complex? I'm reminded of a friend of mine who worked as an IT specialist for the FDIC saying "any car without a computer is a good car." LOL
Valid points, but this is just the way the industry is going. For better or worse Tesla really moved things in a new direction with their rejection of physical buttons and their robust software.
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      02-15-2024, 01:27 AM   #12
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Not sure it was the right direction though

Interfacing with the car , ie ergonomics is important which is why I think touch screens are not the correct way in a car, at least whilst it is moving

I think Aston Martin with their DB12 and new vantage got it right as they deliberately put buttons back for most common tasks
They haven’t adopted the iPad slapped on the dashboard approach and the result is very pleasing. Worth a look
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      02-15-2024, 01:44 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RichardInCA View Post
I get it, but will say, having owned my i5 for 2-3months now, it feels quite easy to live with. Trying to learn about the car by reading the manual/reading online is a nightmare, but far easier by driving.
Agreed, I’ve picked it up fast. It helps to have owned a BMW before so you have a head start on the way these work. That said, my hobby in retirement is writing iOS apps.
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