does the night vision alarm u when it sees something
 

or do u have to look at the screen

Here is video of night vision system in action on a 7-Series. The technology is also available on the 5 Series Sedan, 5 Series Sports Wagon as well as the 6 Series Coupe and Convertible. The thermal imaging camera detects human beings, animals and objects in front of the car before they become visible to the human eye in the headlights. The image generated by the system is transmitted to the central Control Display within the car. It covers a range of up to 300 meters or almost 1,000 feet ahead of the car. (MBenz range is 500 feet)BMW Night Vision offers the customer particular benefits when driving over land, down narrow lanes, through gateways leading into courtyards, and into dark underground garages, significantly enhancing driving safety at night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3uaTyNWcBI

The system probably cannot recognize objects. Maybe in the future, when they have something to detect heat and shape. :dunno:

what about getting one of those nv goggles? :p

A joke I know, but it takes practice to drive (or fly) with NVG gear on. I can speak for the driving not the flying, but it took at while and it not something I would try on public roads. Even the new stuff gets in the way in the car. It can be done, but I think I will just leave the upgrade in the X5 up to BMW. Now maybe in my new Range Rover SC, once I get it, I can find an open field or something a have a go. I will take pictures, funny, funny stuff.

"Deletion of order" in European countries as well as you have in US

Flying with NVG's is a workout.

Little depth perception, no peripheral vision, constant focus change to read the dials, not to mention navigation or tactical or formation flying.

Then the worst case scenario.......an emergency.


Trust me, I know.

I don't like the setup as much as in other vehicles where it projects onto the windscreen