E46 vs. E90 interior design....????

[///M SPEED]

As Adam said, it is much more ergonomically correct, especially if you want to make quick adjustments to all four windows (or the two windows if it's a coupe).

This maybe the case for most Americans, but definitely not for long time 3-series owners. Many are accustom to the center console location. This not that big a deal though and it is definitely not a selling point, but IMO it changes a distinct feature that has always been synonymous with the 3-series sedan/couple.....

P.S. I don't find the switches being located on the door making it any quicker to adjust the windows any faster/better. Also the coupe has four window switches as well. The rear window open in outward motion....

 

[tazza0712]

P.S. I don't find the switches being located on the door making it any quicker to adjust the windows any faster/better. Also the coupe has four window switches as well. The rear window open in outward motion....

I think that it is easier to open all of the windows quickly if they are positioned on the driver's door as you only need to flick the switches with two fingers as opposed to reaching down and feeling your away around the gear shift while you're driving... In saying that however, I prefer it being on the centre console... it's unique, even if it isn't the most ergonomic feature of the car.

 

[jrt67ss350]

I think it's kind of interesting how they have moved the window switches to the doors from the center console. It costs more money to put the switches in the doors. Putting the switches in the doors as opposed to in the console requires an extra switch on the front passenger door that wasn't required before. Also, the wiring is much more extensive and complicated when you have the switches on the doors vs only on the console.

People expect the switches to be on the doors - it is always amusing to see people who have never ridden in my car before try to figure out how to roll down their window. People are usually somewhat taken aback when I point to the switch on the console.

I personally don't mind where the switches are at as long as they are in easy reach and lighted.

 

[///M SPEED]

I think that it is easier to open all of the windows quickly if they are positioned on the driver's door as you only need to flick the switches with two fingers as opposed to reaching down and feeling your away around the gear shift while you're driving

Not I. I can find them blindfolded and never have a problem finding any of my center console mounted window switches. I find it more of a problem when I switch and drive the SUV with them mounted on doors.

You have to read my whole post. My statement was in reference to "long time 3-series owners". I know many people have not driven a bimmer, much less a 3-series and would find it easier with them located on door panel. It's more a preference, which I myself prefer on the center console.....

 

[tazza0712]

It's more a preference, which I myself prefer on the center console.....

As do I.

 

[MrElussive]

My parents have been driving Mercedes since the 1980's and they always had the window switches on the center console. When Mercedes switched over the window switches to the left side of the door, my parents both commented how much more comfortable it is.
I drove the ML430 for a year and then the ML500 for a year or two, and the center console window switch location was okay at best. The problem with the center console location is that you have to work around the shift knob. Also, if you want to adjust several windows at a time, you have to move your arm/hand around. If you have the driver-door-mounted switches, it's just a few flips of the finger(s) to adjust several windows at a time.

Nobody can argue personal preference, especially if it is backed by many years of dealing with center-console-mounted switches.