Active blind spot detection

Have had my 2013 328ix sedan for two weeks. The active blind spot detection is working on the left (driver's side), but only intermittently on the right. Anyone else experience such a problem? No stickers on back bumper and bumper doesn't qualify as dirty (both of which are cited in the manual as reasons why blind spot radar might not work).

Do yourself a favor...

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...id-blind-spots

Originally Posted by SergioK

Do yourself a favor...

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...id-blind-spots

Originally Posted by SergioK

Do yourself a favor...

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...id-blind-spots

What has that got to do with the " blind spot detection " option working properly?
cheers
vern

Originally Posted by aabimmer

Have had my 2013 328ix sedan for two weeks. The active blind spot detection is working on the left (driver's side), but only intermittently on the right. Anyone else experience such a problem? No stickers on back bumper and bumper doesn't qualify as dirty (both of which are cited in the manual as reasons why blind spot radar might not work).

No problems here. Maybe you should have it checked out. Good luck
cheers
vern

why is it so hard for people to look over their shoulders?

I found the system only works so-so. In Boston traffic it was going off constantly as well because everyone drives on each others ass.

Tim

Originally Posted by chris328

why is it so hard for people to look over their shoulders?

Because your taking your eyes off the road in front of you. Thats why they come up with these options like HUD etc.
cheers
vern

Originally Posted by vern

Because your taking your eyes off the road in front of you. Thats why they come up with these options like HUD etc.
cheers
vern

+1. Humans make mistakes, which is why lane departure warnings and speed limit displays are also helpful; and automatic braking is in the future whether we like it or not.

Originally Posted by chris328

why is it so hard for people to look over their shoulders?

The F30 has virtually NO blind spot.

If you learn to adjust your mirrors properly and actually use them properly you wouldn't need to look over your shoulder in traffic.

Originally Posted by SergioK

The F30 has virtually NO blind spot..

You are kidding us right?
cheers
vern

Originally Posted by vern

Because your taking your eyes off the road in front of you. Thats why they come up with these options like HUD etc.
cheers
vern

Exactly. Blind spot detection has been fantastic for the times when looking over your shoulder can be dangerous. I cannot tell you the number of times on a highway on ramp where I look over my shoulder to confirm a merge only to find that in that second the idiot California driver in front of me has slammed on the brakes for a full stop.

Being able to have the system tell you "don't bother to look. It's not clear." without taking your eyes off the road in front of you is a valuable feature.

I have had one issue with mine. One day while I was out doing errands, I jumped back in the car after a stop and even though the switch was on, the system wasn't working. I switched it off and on, and it came back. A little disconcerting, but it's worked fine since then. Was planning to mention to service guys at some point.

As for the need for such a system, I've been setting my mirrors correctly since I learned to drive, but I still turn my head anyway. Now I use the active detection, too. I like redundancies. I could, however, live without the vibrating wheel.

Originally Posted by vern

You are kidding us right?
cheers
vern

Absolutely not.

I have my mirrors adjusted in such a way that I can track a vehicle behind me, as it passes to either side and never lose visual contact of said passing vehicle.

Originally Posted by SergioK

Do yourself a favor...

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...id-blind-spots

Absolutely agree. I've been adjusting my mirrors this way for years. But...I still bought the blind-spot detection system. I like the extra input it provides.

With the correct mirror adjustment AND blind-spot detection, I'm giving myself two chances to see an approaching car.

Originally Posted by Yobyot

Absolutely agree. I've been adjusting my mirrors this way for years. But...I still bought the blind-spot detection system. I like the extra input it provides.

With the correct mirror adjustment AND blind-spot detection, I'm giving myself two chances to see an approaching car.

You're not alone! I actually feel more confident since I got the Bimmer, driving in this maddening traffic

i know what you mean about looking over your shoulder and having to take your eyes off the road for a second. but in order to check your blind spot, you dont actually have to look all the way over your shoulder, just glance and turn your head slightly to make sure you check the blind spot. of course if you rubberneck and turn your head all the way around its a different story. if you do it the right way and check in front of you before you do it, you shouldnt have a problem. with the mirrors set right, i never have. however i wouldn't suggest this to someone who feels uncomfortable doing it i guess. just a shame that people need so much help to do such simple things these days. this is an example of how technology is making us dumber.

the only problem i have is that in this cold weather, i usually am wearing a hood and it sucks to turn your head in a hood cause it messes your hair up and it gets all screwed up under the hood, causing you to have to take it off, fix your hair, and put your hood back on.

In Europe where people actually know how to drive and have extremely though training unlike the US, this is the only accepted procedure for a lane change:

1. Look into interior mirror.
2. Look into side mirror (left or right).
3. LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER.

If ANY of the above 3 steps are missing even a SINGLE time, you will not get your license and you have to come another time after taking some more training.

Danger is not always coming from the front but from all sides. Therefore you need to keep an eye open everywhere.

I've been driving extensively in Europe and the US and US drivers are by far the worst I've ever seen. A real road hazard. Now they need electronic systems to stay alive. Kudos to BMW for catering to their American customers!

i think there was another thread where some kid was all mad and adamant that his car didnt have a rear camera. that one was pretty good too.

Originally Posted by Yobyot

Absolutely agree. I've been adjusting my mirrors this way for years. But...I still bought the blind-spot detection system. I like the extra input it provides.

With the correct mirror adjustment AND blind-spot detection, I'm giving myself two chances to see an approaching car.

My mirrors are adjusted that way as well, and I like the blind-spot detection except that it is a little too conservative when you need to pass and pull in front of somebody. Wish it could be modified.

All these suggestions are well and good but as a motorcycle driver I can tell you we are still invisible in many cases despite doing all of the above. However, with my blind spot detection it still picks them up. There has been 3 or 4 times I have looked in the mirror looked left and still not seen anybody (EVEN though I specifically look for bikers) and the blind spot warned me and sure enough a bike was there.

To me that is reason enough to have it.

Originally Posted by chris328

i know what you mean about looking over your shoulder and having to take your eyes off the road for a second. but in order to check your blind spot, you dont actually have to look all the way over your shoulder, just glance and turn your head slightly to make sure you check the blind spot.

That's exactly what I do. It is funny when I do that and my passenger doesn't think I really checked since I didn't swivel my head...most of the time, they turn their head reflexively.

And with my typical caliber of passenger, it usually gives me quite a pleasant view.

Originally Posted by EddieB

My mirrors are adjusted that way as well, and I like the blind-spot detection except that it is a little too conservative when you need to pass and pull in front of somebody. Wish it could be modified.

Perhaps the M cars will have a more aggressive setting to where they are not blind spot detectors but "OK to cut off" indicators.

Originally Posted by 408Racer

Perhaps the M cars will have a more aggressive setting to where they are not blind spot detectors but "OK to cut off" indicators.

Am I the only one who thinks it's too conservative???

Originally Posted by EddieB

Am I the only one who thinks it's too conservative???

No. You can see both headlights in your rear view mirror and it will still vibrate when you change lanes. Pain in the ass.