Hill Descent Control is basically for off roading...think I am right in saying it uses a combination of the ABS sensors and engine braking. It was invented by Land Rover, BMW got their hands on it when they owned Land Rover.

It's not. HDC is standard on all models, whereas CC with braking function is optional on 3.0 models here…

i don't understand the purpose of cc with braking function if it is not part of 'active' cruise control with radar system to maintain distance. who cares if the car can brake while you push down on the stalk? sure, it's a little nice, but not really a big deal.... i can just as easily hit the brake and then resume cruise control. why doesn't bmw implement this system the right way, like MB and other vehicles have done??????? even MB can come to a COMPLETE STOP in stop and go traffic.... that's the way it should work.

CC with brake is a great improvement, regardless of ACC. I find the cruise control much more usable now. Yes of course you can just "hit the brake", but you can also just "keep your foot on the accelerator" or "just put your hand on the gear leaver and push the clutch to change gear instead of having an auto".

I think it's great, no need to bitch at BMW ... go buy an MB if you think they are so great!!

I think that using the stalk to slow the vehicle is a byproduct, the real advantage is that the vehicle will maintain the set speed down a long hill even if it has to apply the brakes to do so. Dynamic cruise control with distance monitoring is a whole other animal....

Would you really trust Active Cruise control... I think it's more for emergencies rather than day to day driving... say you see that the cars ahead have slowed... do you just say to yourself no problem the computer will take care of it... and go back to sleep !! LOL..:rolleyes: