HUD and Real-Time Traffic

[GPSnV1]

Thanks. You have given me a good reason to wait at least one more year.

[GPSnV1]

Originally Posted by apw2607

RTTI hasn't changed. The system in the 2011/ current 2012 is the same as the system in the 08/09 idrive system relying on local fm stations broadcasting the RTTI signal. The CIC idrive did improve the presentation of the delays in the map but not much else.

In 2012 BMW are planning to roll out a brand new RTTI system that won't rely on the local fm signal. The RTTI traffic info will come into the car using the BMW assist telematics system. Info and presentation will be much improved.

It's unclear at this point if the USA will get this new system.

Is it possible to know if the projected version of RTTI would work with the 2012 nav once the new system is introduced?

[Alan Smithee]

Originally Posted by Richard in NC

The real time traffic works OK in my '11. It is better than my '08 550i but could still use some improvements.

1. The map shows a line of arrows on any road with issues plus you get a red warning triangle when your route has issues.
2. Clicking the triangle takes you to the list of traffic warnings. Only the colored ones are on your route. Clicking them takes you to details and a pic of the area. There is an estimate of the delay but its usually low. If it says 3-5 minutes, expect to sit for a while.
3. The warnings are only as good as the local traffic systems' warnings allow. Charlotte is pretty good. I see the same things that a good traffic report would say. Other areas aren't so great.
4. You can enable it to reroute you if it deems necessary. I don't know the parameters when it does, but... You wonder why does it show the wrong exit? Its for traffic avoidance. Plus the issue is no longer on your route and the red triangle isn't shown... Until you pass by its suggestion and its too late... The warnings don't show on the HUD but the alternative routing does.
5. The other small issue is Charlotte traffic ALWAYS has certain congested areas. I always see the warnings and just tend to ignore them anyways because alternate routes will usually take longer. And get stuck when things are worse than usual.

The 2011 does have real-time traffic, not just the accident reports and arrows. It does not display on all map views, but on some it does show real-time yellow or red bands along congested highways depending on speed. I have found them to be quite accurate.

[apw2607]

Originally Posted by GPSnV1

Is it possible to know if the projected version of RTTI would work with the 2012 nav once the new system is introduced?

Difficult to tell right now. It maybe just an additional paid service of Assist, so the hardware (Combox) would already be in the car, so the owner would just need software updates and enabling.

BMW tend not to do that though .... just thinking recently about the Apps debacle. They really want you to buy a new car if you want the latest tech/capability.

But there's plenty of smart people around that can do these sorts of upgrades and retrofits without BMW.

But bear in mind what I said earlier ... this is still to be an official announced capability, and so far no plans to bring to the USA.

I would never play the waiting game with technology in cars. Not anymore. Things are changing too quickly. Accept what they offer today, and if it works for you, get it. There are always options to upgrade and retrofit later :-)

[Richard in NC]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

The 2011 does have real-time traffic, not just the accident reports and arrows. It does not display on all map views, but on some it does show real-time yellow or red bands along congested highways depending on speed. I have found them to be quite accurate.

I don't see those on my 6/10 build 2011 X5. I do know the Charlotte market has the green/yellow/red indicators.

[rh71]

Originally Posted by apw2607

I would never play the waiting game with technology in cars. Not anymore. Things are changing too quickly. Accept what they offer today, and if it works for you, get it. There are always options to upgrade and retrofit later :-)

too true...

08's got the auto-tailgate, auto-hold
10's got the new idrive, google map destination
11's top view cameras
... lane departure
... active cruise


You know I was driven home via BMW shuttle yesterday by a tech (fuel gauge problem for me this time, which BTW is a known issue on E70s). He said himself seeing what he sees he would never own a BMW. Way too much can go wrong and does.

If anything, lease worry-free and get the latest 3/4 years later.

[GPSnV1]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

The 2011 does have real-time traffic, not just the accident reports and arrows. It does not display on all map views, but on some it does show real-time yellow or red bands along congested highways depending on speed. I have found them to be quite accurate.

My 2008 got it right this summer when there were huge traffic problems in Atlanta but your post makes me wonder if the current configuration favors only the largest cities in the USA.

My little TomTom app gives very good traffic info on even average size cities and the free app BeatTheTraffic can get it right on remote stretches of freeway like it did for me west of Asheville NC about a year ago.

So does anyone know if the BMW apps allows one to use some of the iPhone apps in any way? I am, admittedly, chasing technology that is important to me.

[Alan Smithee]

Originally Posted by Richard in NC

I don't see those on my 6/10 build 2011 X5. I do know the Charlotte market has the green/yellow/red indicators.

Originally Posted by GPSnV1

My 2008 got it right this summer when there were huge traffic problems in Atlanta but your post makes me wonder if the current configuration favors only the largest cities in the USA.

The real-time traffic overlay on the nav screen only seems to activate from the '1 mile view' and greater setting in either top or perspective views. Works all over So Cal for me. FWIW, mine was built 10/10 or 11/10.

Image taken on the fly, my apologies for the quality...

[GPSnV1]

Interesting. The plot thickens.

[GPSnV1]

Can someone with a 2012 X5 tell me if you get the colors reported above (#18) with your RTT?