iDrive & Comfort Area: Components: Controller: Notes
The Controller is an evolution of the rotary push button used on the previous On-Board Monitors.
It is the central operating control for all convenience functions and selected options for vehicle functions. The Controller is located in the most comfortable and ergonomic position for the user (driver or front passenger).
It is on the front portion of the armrest between the driver and front passenger seats.
Continued development of the practice-proven rotary push button principle has provided the Controller with an additional linear movement capability in the horizontal plane.
The Controller can be moved horizontally from its resting position (center position), to which it always returns when released.
The 8 main menus around the edge of the Control Display are arranged in a pattern resembling the points of a compass. There are 8 main directions in which the Controller is moved in the horizontal plane in order to select the main menus.
The 8 main directions of movement of the Controller are scanned by a switch unit. That switch unit consists of 8 individual switches. They are positioned at 45 degrees to each other.
If the Controller is moved to one of the main menus (option panels) and released at that point/moved back to its center position, the selected menu opens.