44 Votes

The ONLY car on the market to have this hot combo of technology options? And it's a BMW

Agent001 submitted on 4/12/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 12:58:45 PM

68 user comments | Category: Spy News | Source: www.autospies.com

Over the past few years, the Japanese car manufacturers have been really outfoxing their German and American counterparts.

When it came to options like traffic-based navigation, radar cruise, etc., they established a reputation for getting cars out with those options, much sooner than the Germans or Americans.

Sometimes beating them to market by over two years!

Well thankfully for those fans of the Roundel, BMW has made an aggressive push to not only catch up but to be the leader in bringing these hot technological features to market.

Case in point, the newly re-freshed BMW 5-Series.

When it hits dealers in less than a month, it will be the ONLY car on the market available with the option combo of stop and go capable adaptive cruise (supposedly the best implementation of this on the market), traffic-based navigation, bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

In contrast, Lexus and Infiniti only have the first generation adaptive cruise systems in their cars...even on the new LS460!

And traffic based navigation system is only available on the LS and G35, not the GS, ES, IS, M, FX, QX, etc.

So kudo's to BMW for leading the charge here and we can't wait to test the newly re-freshed 5-Series!

The ONLY car on the market to have this hot combo of technology options? And it's a BMW

About the Author

FWD Torque Steer. Absolute proof the Devil exists.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

Nissan Altima has REAL-TIME TRAFFIC REPORT system.
— SupraNeverBack (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 1:07:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

But the other options are NOT available on the Sentra...no one besides the new 5 has them ALL available on one model.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 1:16:25 PM | | Votes: 2

Combo, possibly true, BMW first.^0^ Only another example I could think of is the upcoming LS600hL.

But I think S550 was the first one came with the dynamic cruise control with stop-and-go function. Real time traffic report system was first used by Acura?
— SupraNeverBack (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 2:01:30 PM | | Votes: -5

And boring as hell.
— r_driver04 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 2:49:10 PM | | Votes: -2

001 we told you last month the Q7 has all of this already

ok ok not the traffic nav but the stop and go has been out for almost a year with Audi sorry

GIVE UP THE KOOLAID :)

last 20 post from 001

1. bmw rocks
2. lexus rocks
3. bmw rocks
4. lexus rocks
5. something bad about Audi
6. I want to marry BMW
7. and so on
— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 12:06:46 AM | | Votes: 1

I'd love to try out the stop and go cruise control.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 1:18:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

ACC has been around for awhile, I wonder what improvements they have made.

Did ACC have stopping too?

Josh

p.s. Why do these articles sound like they are written to prompt argument by setting a certain tone.
— d1sinfo (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 1:48:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

"Active Cruise Control allows the driver to set a desired speed that is automatically maintained in free-flowing traffic. However, as the 3 Series Sedan approaches a slower-moving vehicle ahead, a radar sensor in the front bumper alerts the system. Active Cruise Control will then act to match the speed of the slower vehicle, and remain a set distance behind, pre-selected by the driver. As soon as the lane ahead is clear, Active Cruise Control automatically returns the car to the set speed.*"

From the BMW site as available I think on any 3, 5 and 7. Looks like the new system stops the car. A little to much interaction for my taste, but maybe its good. Who knows :)

Josh
— d1sinfo (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 1:49:42 PM | | Votes: 0

First generation versions only bring the car down to around 30mph then the driver needs to take over.

On the new 5-Series, S550 and Q7, the new system allows you to crawl through stop and go traffic.

Perfect for places like Southern California traffic jams!

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 2:00:32 PM | | Votes: 4

Rad thanks for the heads up. I had no idea they were bringing it down so low. Kinda wild.

Thanks for the post.

Josh
— d1sinfo (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 2:21:59 PM | | Votes: 0

You try to butt heads wherever you can, huh?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 6:26:55 PM | | Votes: 0

zaza, you try to butt heads wherever you can, huh? "Un-biased," my @ss!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 6:31:06 PM | | Votes: 0

Every thread is bound to end up in debate. Its inevitable.
— MookGmbH (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 1:51:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

They own that title for another three weeks or so...until the new 5 hits dealers

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 2:34:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

And you know this, how? Rumors? Wow, those are really factual, 001. You'd have to test an S550 and some high-end 2008 5 Series back-to-back to see which one has the "better" system... and that's very hard to judge.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 6:33:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

so would the car stop completly, and if it does will it start up and reach cruising speed again?
— jwink24 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 3:09:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I don't think it's worth the money. If I end up leasing an S550 for my wife, it's just a gimmick that she would never use- nor would I.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 6:34:06 PM | | Votes: -1

anyone else disappointed that the new 535i doesn't have the same exhaust system you get with the 335i?
— BENR087 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 3:20:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

why is a different exhaust any reason to fret?

— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 4:35:45 PM | | Votes: -2

Also add to the list HD radio. This and many other inovations shows why BMW is an indutry leader.
— BM3W (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 3:23:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Why is this guy -3?

Hes telling the truth and the rest of you are bias.
— tom333 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 10:38:58 PM | | Votes: 0

"First generation versions only bring the car down to around 30mph then the driver needs to take over.
On the new 5-Series, S550 and Q7, the new system allows you to crawl through stop and go traffic.
Perfect for places like Southern California traffic jams!" - Agent001

The above statement really made me stop and think for a bit ! Does BMW really want to advertise this ? I mean hasnt their advertising matra been, "the ultimate driving machine" ?
Its one thing to say that operating a clutch pedal is too much effort in traffic hence the automatics, but
is it too much to use teh accelerator and brake pedals ?
Which part of the above constitutes driving ? Is simply wiggling around the steering wheel and operating the stereo and Nav considered driving ?

My question to BMW is ... how does this make your car the ultimate driving machine ?

Note to all BMW/LEXUS/AUDI .../YUGO fans, This is not bashing your "insert brand of car here" car for having any of the above or NOt having it.
This is merely posing a question to all of us as i feel reality and the image sold to us by the car companies diverge significantly.
— izfuney (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 3:38:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

You have a hugely important point here. I too am very concerned that one of the few companies directly marketing towards 'drivers' is starting to get muddied up with trying to compete with feature rich lex/MB.

I guess if the system isn't forced upon us like the electro rack, idrive (although I don't really have a problem with the idrive, it didn't take long on the latest gen to plow through it without looking much at all at the screen) and SMG there probably won't be to much backlash. I will mention that the electro rack I found exciting and interesting. It's almost as though it added another dimension to driving, good I don't know I don't live with it daily, but I sure as hell didn't find it distracting, or annoying. The SMG I feel the same way about, as long as it is on the most purposeful of cars then there should not be much backlash to sales, or brand image.

I feel as a whole BMW offers an entire package for the driver. Not in every car, and not with every option, but you can pretty much spec most of there cars as drivers cars, or lexus competitors(except for the obviously more hmm how should I say this german interiors)

Ok rant off :)
Josh
— d1sinfo (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 3:58:29 PM | | Votes: 1

It also includes the A8/ A8L/ S8 and even all the A6.
Also, the Q7 is the first vehicle to have the Blind Spot alert, and only Audi has THE BEST ipod connectivity where all your ipod information appear on the screen and you can control the ipod from the MMi just like if it was your ipod.
— AlexTx (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 6:09:14 PM | | Votes: -1

that's not true, BMW has sold an iPod adapter for years that did exactly what you just described, and the new models now have an available iPod USB port that not only does that stuff but also charges the iPod.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 7:49:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I don't want most of these options and most of them should be stand-alone options instead of being wrapped up in a useless expensive package.
— EnnNorak (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 4:16:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

They aren't wrapped in a package...our point was this is the ONLY car that has all of them available on one model at the current time and they have a head start for the first time over the Japanese cars..

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 4:25:30 PM | | Votes: 3

I have real time traffic reporting on my X5....and it is standard on ALL X5s with navi....
— mstangpny07 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 5:10:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The new LS may not have advanced adaptive cruise control available but it arguably more than makes up for that with the option of self-parking. (For the sake of sparing an argument, I consider both equally useless, but cool nonetheless.)

I don't know who will disagree that it's a good thing that more and more cars are becoming available with sch advanced features as push-button starters and back-up cameras.
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 5:35:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Who's talking about the LS? Just a mention of the LS460's "last-generation" system in the article gets you going, Will. This article is about the BMW 5 SERIES.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 6:36:56 PM | | Votes: -1

Well I expected those types of responses for die-hard German crusaders such as yourselves...

I'll reiterate: The S-Class and LS each have their own technology equally as "cool" and unique" and "special" and anymore adjectives you guys like to use on just German products.

Concerning the 5-Series, wasn't there an article a few weeks ago stating all the new technology the next-gen E-Class will have? Sounds like BMW just made a daring chess move to me...
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 10:37:25 PM | | Votes: 2

Well, Will, please explain what was "biased" or "die-hard German" about my post? I was just a bit amused that you got worked up about one mention of the LS460 in the article.

Yes, I do agree with you. Each have little gimmicks that their dealers can use as selling points. When it comes down to it, it's the things you'd use in everyday life that matter... and even then, it would be hard to choose. As I've made completely clear, I prefer the S-Class for its looks and superior handling, but it's not hard to see why someone would buy an LS460L instead.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 12:27:07 AM | | Votes: 1

This is the stupidest post ever!
So what? 2 months from now someone will come up with something that will have all that and more. Then someone else will top that.
THAT"S HOW THIS INDUSTRY IS!
The newest cars have newer stuff on them! it's that simple!
— SVXXX (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 6:11:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Apparently, 001 has heard "rumors" that it's better. As if.

Is the system on the S/CL really worth it? I wouldn't buy it if we end up with the S550 4Matic. I can see why you'd get it on the CL... that car is superbly indulgent. But the S wouldn't be my car- it would be my wife's. And the adaptive cruise is something she'd never use.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 6:38:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

You're a nut if you trust Mercedes electronics at 125 mph on the basis of three tests. Would you be willing to give us your last name and town so that we can all watch for reports in the obits?
— MercBasher (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 10:15:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Okay, then that's a no, it's not worth it. We will probably take it on an extended trip or two, but we won't need anything but normal cruise control, as interstates are so barren. It is also (as MercBasher kindly pointed out) another glitchy headache waiting to happen.

The S and CL are effortless... they're faster than my car, but you can't feel it with the super-slick handling and pillow-soft ride at your disposal.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 12:24:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Yup. BMW is the undisputed King Of Chachkas. Systems complexity is one of the reasons why BMW's defects number where they are.
— Steve (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 7:15:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

the new g37 coupe will have these features and a touch screen 7" monitor
— drillajay2225 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 7:51:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

G37 will not...talked to their guys in N.Y. and the 37 will still have first generation radar cruise technology...they are still in evaluation mode for gen two laser cruise...

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 7:56:24 PM | | Votes: -1

Hope those things work.
— ctsang (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 10:13:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

agent 001 is the most prejudice car fan on earth.

If Lexus sold a little tykes car I'm sure he'd say it drives better than an M bmw
— tom333 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 10:16:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

And that's why I've personally owned more BMW M5's n the last 5 years than anyone on AutoSpies.com?

Because I hate them?

You can take you mouth off the crack pipe now...

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 12:30:28 AM | | Votes: -1

im sure you have
— tom333 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 12:41:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I have driven an Infiniti G35(2003), 2006 Lexus GS, and currently the Infiniti M45. They are all good cars in their own right. But despite the Japanese 'leading' the way with new technologies, there are already 2 cool options BMW offers that the Japanese have not decided to yet, and that is a Head Up Display and a night vision system. I am sure the Japanese could offer HUD's(they supply Corvette's) and night vision, but doing so could raise the MSRP prices up closer to BMW territory.
Another thing worth mentioning is that BMW's I-Drive allows one to do any function while the car is moving. Many of the functions in Lexus and Infiniti vehicles cannot be done while the vehicle is in motion. It is annoying at times.
However, there is one important feature that BMW has been slow to implement, and that's the rearview camera monitor. As of yet, the only BMW to offer that is the new X5. But Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura offer it in all their vehicles. I know the BMW has parking sensors, but anyone knows after using the rear view monitor(especially with Infiniti's rear wheel trajectory feature) that there's no comparison to beeping sensors. Nevertheless, my Infiniti M45 is powerful but a gas guzzler. So I plan on trading it in for the all new lighter (and just as fast) 535i. It's been in the Charleston South Carolina port(since end of March!) as we speak, still awaiting EPA certification. And yes, I ordered HUD, night vision, and the active cruise control stop and go. The only thing I wished it had is the rear view monitor.
I plan to give my reviews of the new BMW 535i's powerful inline twin turbo six engine, along with feedback on just how good the active cruise control stop/go really is. I usually trust 001's judgement on things, so I am very excited to say the least.
— Dave (View Profile)

Posted on 4/12/2007 10:25:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

You don't want BMW's night vision system. It's just like Cadillac's-- completely useless. The only remotely useful night vision is the more advanced version in the S-Class... but even that's a stretch. It has no depth perception, but it works.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 12:28:45 AM | | Votes: 1

But otherwise, nice choice. 535i should be a quick car-- the engine is fabulous. I'd like to see the refreshed interior in person; looks nicer. What colors did you get?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 12:30:31 AM | | Votes: 0

Ipods suck, so who cares about that. As for the rest of it, already been done by Lexus, and Benz. Nothing special.
— KoruKinshi (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 3:04:29 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

My car is a 2000 and it already has Auto Cruise control. It's called the 'After Car Accident Fleeing the Scene of the Crime System.' It's highly advanced
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 7:10:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I have night vision, after about 45 minutes ;)

Josh

p.s. I like this cruise thing, not so hot on self park.
— d1sinfo (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 9:54:19 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

From my experience on the front line of a BMW store, the only way(s) you will see all of these options on the 5 series is if 1.you special order your vehicle or 2. it will be in south Florida, where they order almost all their vehicles hard loaded. Most dealers are trying to hit a price point, i.e. Packaging usually consists of a premium pkg, auto, sat. radio. or premium, sport, auto. A 550i with all the options is right on the heels of a 7! Not bashing anyone, just the facts.
— cdhzhp (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 10:32:02 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I hope it's not another laser based system that sets off my Valentine like the Infiniti's do.
— indoctrin8ed (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 6:00:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Most of this technology is actually invented and patented in the US, and exported.

If you've even been to Japan, you know that they are 2 years ahead of us in all of their electronic gadgets and toys, TVs, cell phones, cameras, etc. They eat this stuff up.

The US market is high tech, but we don't care about electronic toys as much as the Japanese do, unless it's REALLY something useful and works well.

1st, 2nd, even 3rd gen Nav, Cruise, Cameras, are all gimmicks to the US buyer until they evolve.

So this move of BMW is really just a catch up move because Nav and advanced cruise is FINALLY mature enough to be a mainstream feature that can sell well.
— indoctrin8ed (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 6:06:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

That's strange, Mercedes Benz has the third gen adaptive cruise on the S550 as well as Audi does on the Q7. But ok, BMW is the first if you guys say so. As well Audi offers Blue Tooth on every model and factory installed IPod integration on the Q7, A6 and A8 as well as it being available dealer installed for the other models. I also know the Mercedes offeres Blue Tooth in the S Class as well as IPod adaptors in many models. And BMW has offered Blue Tooth for a while now as well. And to echo a few others Acura was first or Honda which they are one in the same, Real Time Traffic Navi systems. But oh well.
— ThaR8Don (View Profile)

Posted on 4/20/2007 12:27:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Add your Comments

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters): [img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent001.myautospies.com/images/sample.jpg[/img]

Email Me When Someone Replies To My Message

The ONLY car on the market to have this hot combo of technology options? And it's a BMW

About the Author

User Comments

Add your Comments

Submit an article

Photo Galleries

Cars

Autoshows

Latest Articles