E89 mystery controls

[MAXTHEDOG]

Hi All,
A question from someone who’s clueless about BMW internal layouts. I’ve been looking at E89’s and have noticed some have a group of controls to the right of the handbrake lever, others just have a mini storage pit. Judging by the wording on the ones that have the controls I assume they are to navigate the infotainment system. The ones without this I guess you just do it from the steering wheel and other controls. Or is there something you can’t do without the controls.
Just trying to get my ‘needs/would likes’ list sorted, so if someone could clarify this for me it would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Michael.

 

[philiper]

If the car does not have Idrive, then you'll have the little storage bin! If the car does have iDrive (professional navigation), then you will have the buttons and rotating wheel for the controls! Is this what you are referring to?

Vs

 

[MAXTHEDOG]

Exactly. Makes sense now. Thanks for your reply.

 

[t-tony]

It is possible to retro fit the I-Drive if you want to.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY-pSPUz0IU


This man is a genius.

Tony.

 

[MAXTHEDOG]

Thanks Tony. Looks like a great project.
Cheers
M.