Reverse Camera quality has improved (evidence)

[rh71]

Yeah when I brought up the issue to BMWNA a rep called me back and stated that I had the opportunity to try it out before I chose to buy it. That's all they had to say about the poor quality. It's in a post here somewhere.

[jamesboags]

Originally Posted by genemish

sat in my friend's new Diesel with the new iDrive and have to say that the camera looks much better at night vs the old camera. Tried both with reverse lights on and off.. both times was pleasantly surprised. Here's a shot i took with the iphone (not best quality pics).. keep in mind it was 10pm and raining.

The image is now smaller as well due to the Nav option on the left isn't it .... smaller screen image would result in better resolution.... but it looks like low light sensitivity and noise has reduced... maybe it's now a Canon Sensor !!!!

[Dave]

Thought I'll add my opinion too. Yes - the drive-ability of the car is important, but it's the value-add of the electronics that makes it a great car. And the electronics in the X5 is not that great.

It's certainly more of a "cheapish" extra then a feature. There is no reason why the the "user" electronics can be driven by CPU similar to a smartphone. We could have functions like :
- instant on
- high-res touch screen (wake up BMW .... look at the trend with phones). Keep to idrive controller for people to use as an option, but is like trying to drive MS windows with only a keyboard.
- Good voice recognisation (and ability for user to train recongition)
- Programmable Nav system. That way, when better features are available, it can be upgraded by software, e.g. ability to speak the street names. And yes - the NAV DVD is so old. Time to upgrade to a simple 4GB USB pen dirve (it's significantly faster on startup)
- Back-up, front and side cameras
- Time lapse camera recording when parked, and continous recording when driving. Such a simple "black box", and customers can replay to see who ran the shopping trolley into the car and scratched the paint. Storage - a separate USB drive. So when the EEPROM fails, it will only cost customers $10 dollars to replace. My 9 year old video door bell even has this technology, and can virtually to done in software only.
- Please please please fix the battery drain issue. What electricial devices are using so much power when the car is switched off? Fuel heater???
- A front distance sensor could be used to apply the brake if an object is too close, .e.g. if the car in front brakes and you don't. So simple to implement a distance sensor (user configurable of course).

- Better remote key. The induction charging is great .... no exposed contacts allowing for a water-proof key. SO WHY ISN'T IT?? arhhhhhhh. Also, build in luxen LED powered from a high efficiency capacitor. Even if it only gives 60sec of intense light, it's want customers want. It's practical, it's handy, and it so simple to implement. Still water proof of course. There is no requirement for external connections. The door switch can be presure sensitive.

Can someone in BMW consider this for the next X5 version? It would be such a great selling point. The cheap cars are starting to have better features than a BMW now.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by Dave

Thought I'll add my opinion too. Yes - the drive-ability of the car is important, but it's the value-add of the electronics that makes it a great car. And the electronics in the X5 is not that great.

It's certainly more of a "cheapish" extra then a feature. There is no reason why the the "user" electronics can be driven by CPU similar to a smartphone. We could have functions like :
- instant on
- high-res touch screen (wake up BMW .... look at the trend with phones). Keep to idrive controller for people to use as an option, but is like trying to drive MS windows with only a keyboard.
- Good voice recognisation (and ability for user to train recongition)
- Programmable Nav system. That way, when better features are available, it can be upgraded by software, e.g. ability to speak the street names. And yes - the NAV DVD is so old. Time to upgrade to a simple 4GB USB pen dirve (it's significantly faster on startup)
- Back-up, front and side cameras
- Time lapse camera recording when parked, and continous recording when driving. Such a simple "black box", and customers can replay to see who ran the shopping trolley into the car and scratched the paint. Storage - a separate USB drive. So when the EEPROM fails, it will only cost customers $10 dollars to replace. My 9 year old video door bell even has this technology, and can virtually to done in software only.
- Please please please fix the battery drain issue. What electricial devices are using so much power when the car is switched off? Fuel heater???
- A front distance sensor could be used to apply the brake if an object is too close, .e.g. if the car in front brakes and you don't. So simple to implement a distance sensor (user configurable of course).

- Better remote key. The induction charging is great .... no exposed contacts allowing for a water-proof key. SO WHY ISN'T IT?? arhhhhhhh. Also, build in luxen LED powered from a high efficiency capacitor. Even if it only gives 60sec of intense light, it's want customers want. It's practical, it's handy, and it so simple to implement. Still water proof of course. There is no requirement for external connections. The door switch can be presure sensitive.

Can someone in BMW consider this for the next X5 version? It would be such a great selling point. The cheap cars are starting to have better features than a BMW now.

Good points, but I'd rather they first work on creating an electrical system which permits the vehicle to make multiple short trips without killing the battery and stranding people.

[apw2607]

"Wake up BMW"? BMW is not "asleep" in that matter, it actually "woke up" earlier than, say, Toyota/Lexus who only recently realized that "remote controller" concept is currently more appropriate (in terms of safety) for a car compared to touch screen

Totally agree. The last thing I want is a touch screen. The controller is far superior for this application.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by apw2607

"Wake up BMW"? BMW is not "asleep" in that matter,

That may be true in that paticular matter, but a navigation system that can only route to a single destination, with no intermediate way points, in a 2009 model? You have to admit that is quite a few years behind the curve (apparently fixed in the 2010 version).

[bigx5er]

I saw the new iDrive today in person and it is fantastic. A huge upgrade.

The backup camera was very cool also.

Sadly I was all ready to plunk down my money on a 2010 X5 35D. They offered me a great price. Then they told me what they would do on my 2008 X5 trade -- not good.

I really like the 2010.

[genemish]

Originally Posted by bigx5er

I saw the new iDrive today in person and it is fantastic. A huge upgrade.

The backup camera was very cool also.

Sadly I was all ready to plunk down my money on a 2010 X5 35D. They offered me a great price. Then they told me what they would do on my 2008 X5 trade -- not good.

I really like the 2010.

Just curious, tell me the specs for your 2008 and the price they offered..

[bigx5er]

Originally Posted by genemish

Just curious, tell me the specs for your 2008 and the price they offered..

2008 X5 3.0 30,000 miles
Cold Weather
Premium Package
Technology Package
Heated Rear Seats
iPod/USB
Satellite Radio

MSRP $53,675 plus Sirius added later

Offer as trade, $35,800
Offer on new 2010 $1300 over invoice