Well, that didn't take long

[ldgregory]

So we bought the X5 on Monday, she backed into a post on Thursday morning. Hardly worth taking a picture of, but it's got a very tiny dent in the bumper.

I asked her how that was possible. She's got prox sensors, a backup camera, rear view mirror, side view mirrors, and windows all over the place.

Apparently it was in dark underground parking, she was in a hurry and didn't wait for the computer to come up.

<sigh>

[rh71]

I sigh about the computer taking too long to come up too - I'm not in a rush but I'm not going to sit there staring at the screen for 5-10 seconds just so I can backup normally either. And dark is another problem. I fully believe that if the thing was as clear & practical as other manufacturer's, I'd be using it full time. I NEVER look at the thing when I back up, mostly because it's still showing B M W or the startup-warning message.


BMW reps, are you reading this for the 204th time?


Anyway, I've read from here that it boots up sooner if you unlock your car earlier - but the idrive is off until you start the engine, no? I comfort access it so that'd be a total waste if I'm gonna hit the unlock button everytime.

[DSE]

Originally Posted by ldgregory

I asked her how that was possible. She's got prox sensors, a backup camera, rear view mirror, side view mirrors, and windows all over the place.

That s*#ks. Have you ever noticed all the dings and dents on rear bumpers of cars with proximity sensors? Seriously, next time you are in a parking lot, check out al the SUVs and minivans with dinged bumpers and proximity sensors. I don't have them but I wonder if they are effective in real life if owners still end up hitting things.

From what I can tell from this board, there seems to be uniform derision of the X5 back-up camera -- poor quality and too long to boot up. Come on BMW, this should be an easy fix.

[ldgregory]

Yeah, the boot time is a drag. I told her to hit the start button just as she's sitting down, and by the time she puts her purse away, puts her seatbelt on, and checks her lipstick in the mirror, it should be booted by then. <grin>

[AzNMpower32]

Don't the sensors work immediately after shifting into R though? I cannot believe we have come to rely on cameras, or sensors for that matter, to do something simple as backing up.

Maybe we'll start relying solely on Night Vision in the iDrive screen at night.

[ldgregory]

I agree with you AzNMpower32. Too much coddling for my taste. That's why I'm sticking with my Power Wagon. <grin>

[rh71]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Don't the sensors work immediately after shifting into R though? I cannot believe we have come to rely on cameras, or sensors for that matter, to do something simple as backing up.

Maybe we'll start relying solely on Night Vision in the iDrive screen at night.

You're right we shouldn't be relying on it - maybe only situations when inching back. I still want the efficiency of the other manufacturer's though.

[jimsaq]

my idrive comes on really quick most of the time, but maybe one time in about ten it'll sit there taking ages. I've got comfort access and always get in the same way - walk up, tug on the handle, get in put foot on brake and press the start button. weird

I still only use the camera as a supplement though, if it's not up and running by the time I want to reverse I just look over my shoulder more

[DSE]

Originally Posted by jimsaq

I still only use the camera as a supplement though, if it's not up and running by the time I want to reverse I just look over my shoulder more

There is still no excuse for the delay in the start of the back up camera. I just rode in my friend's Lexus, and his backup camera turned on a second after he started the car and the instant he hit reverse. The obligatory lawyer's warning was flashing in text at the bottom, but the image behind him was still clear and visible.

[jimsaq]

yeh I agree, I didn't mean to imply there wasn't an issue