iDrive, Top View video!

[X5_ATLAST]

Is there any video showing new iDrive and Top View in action that someone can share ?

[NewGTGuy]

Not an X5 but similar I'm sure: YouTube - BMW Parking Assistant

[rh71]

room for improvement.

[Redridge]

Originally Posted by rh71

room for improvement.

+1.... maybe mount the cameras on the A pillar.

[phattbam]

that was an option for the x5?

[ABMW]

I'm going to take extensive video on Tuesday (out of town without the X5) and I'll post it here.

Any other requests beyond top view?

The top view is truly amazing, especially parking here in S.F. I can get the car into spots that I couldn't even get my civic into, all without any fear of curbing a wheel. I've had backup cameras for years on other cars, but they were all but useless.

This system is worth every penny.

[ABMW]

Originally Posted by phattbam

that was an option for the x5?

Yes, the coolest option. There's always room for improvement, but this is as good as anything there is right now.

I would have paid an extra $1k to have a camera on the front bumper. That's the biggest error they made.

Usually I quickly get a 5th sense for where the front bumper is on a particular vehicle, but with the X5, it's VERY difficult to judge precisely where it is.

I can usually judge within an inch or two, with nearly every other car I've owned, but with the damn radar blaring a solid beep, I'm constantly second-guessing my senses. The radar turns to a solid beep with a good 17 or 18 inches on my vehicle.

Does anyone know if there's a way to calibrate these sensors? I'd prefer a solid tone when I'm at 6-inches, instead of where it's set now.

Anyway, this is a very well designed system and I think they could have taken a number of approaches, but the point is: Can you put your X5 within inches of an obstacle without hitting it, using Top-View? The answer is a resounding YES!

With the rear camera alone, it's more or less a novelty as you still must look back, constantly, to make sure the bumpers are clear and you have no clue if you're about to curb a wheel when you're dealing with inches. I don't even like to have my tires touch a curb. It's the number one reason for having to have a car aligned, and now that problem has been 100% eliminated.

With this system, as long as I know there are no small kids in the area, pets, or pretty girls, I can back into a tight spot looking only at the video screen. In fact, in my opinion, it's safer (once I've extensively made sure that no one is behind me, or will be behind me - I never backup at more than 1 mph. just to be safe though).

I'm gushing, as you can tell and while this system is not perfect, it's the best parking aid I've ever used. As for the self-parking (automated) systems, they're great. But, I'm not trusting my $70k car with them for some time to come. Call me old fashioned.

[phattbam]

I didnt read on the bmwusa site that they have this option, was this for 4.8i and ///Ms only?? I have the tech package so will that be part of it? just curious. I already ordered mine but never saw this option

[ABMW]

Originally Posted by phattbam

I didnt read on the bmwusa site that they have this option, was this for 4.8i and ///Ms only?? I have the tech package so will that be part of it? just curious. I already ordered mine but never saw this option

It was standard on the tech-package, but apparently BMWNA ran into some supply issues with the cameras, so they may not be including it on your vehicle.

It's on my 35d, as standard with the tech-package.

It may or may not be on yours. Your dealer should know. It's a MAJOR feature, so you may want to confirm.

It's worth waiting for, in my opinion.

[phattbam]

I heard that whole camera supply issue was only concerning to Canadian clients. I would hope it's not an issue here as I've read otherwise. I should see mine within a month hopefully.

side note.. Good to see you're from the bay area. perhaps we can round up a few more members for a local meet and greet and photoshoot on a nice day..