BMW 5 - Manual (Page 41)

BMW
Media
Information
11/2009
Page 41
Lane Change Warning monitoring traffic approaching from behind.
Optional Lane Change Warning in the new BMW 5 Series warns the driver
of potentially critical situations when overtaking. Using two radar sensors at
the rear end of the car, the system monitors traffic conditions on the adjacent
lanes, covering an area extending from the blind angle on the next lane
all the way back about 60 metres or almost 200 feet. A triangular yellow
light symbol integrated in the housing of the driver’s exterior mirror shows
the driver that a vehicle is in the critical range, requiring him to check out
the situation carefully.
Should the driver set the direction indicator nevertheless, indicating that he
is about to change lanes, the LED signal in the light will warn him by flashing
on and off. He will also be warned by discreet but unmistakable vibration of
the steering wheel.
Lane Departure Warning: camera-based system warning the driver
from unintended lane departure even in the dark.
Likewise available as an option, Lane Departure Warning detects unintended
departure from the appropriate lane at a speed of at least 70 km/h or 43 mph.
This system is made up of a camera fitted near the interior mirror on the
windscreen, a control unit for comparing data, and a signal generator making
the steering wheel vibrate as in the case of a Lane Change Warning.
Lane Departure Warning operates as a function of road speed. At high
speeds the system interacts quickly as soon as the car draws close to
the side of the road. It does not send out a warning signal, however, if the
driver has indicated his intention to change lanes or direction by setting
the direction indicator.
The camera incorporated in the Lane Departure Warning system monitors
the road markings on at least one side of the car, a control unit calculating the
position of the vehicle in relation to such road markings. The camera is able
to look ahead about 50 metres or 165 feet, and is also able to respond
appropriately in bends or on narrow lanes. The system even works in the dark
once the headlights have been switched on, making it very helpful under very
many everyday driving conditions.
Speed Limit Info and Speed Limit Device.
The camera fitted in the interior mirror also allows the installation of another
driver assistance system for extra comfort on the road: Combined with the
Professional navigation system, Speed Limit Info helps the driver to keep
informed on the speed limit on the route he is currently taking. To provide
this function the camera permanently monitors both the signs along the road