X5 40e 2018 - Blind Spot Detection

[X5mama]

Hello, I'm new here. I already spoke with the BMW Genius guys over the phone, met with one in person who rode in my car with me and confirmed that the blind spot detection is working intermittently.
To tell you the truth I think they don't know what they're talking about and I don't think they truly know how the blind spot is supposed to work.
I always though that the light in the mirror casing is supposed to come on WHENEVER I had a car in my blind spot --- no matter if the car is approaching me from behind OR if I'm passing a car.
Even the manual states that the light will come on if a car is in my blind spot or approaching from behind. This means that if I'm passing a vehicle and it is in my blind spot (as I'm passing it) the light should come up...but it doesn't.
And I think that's actually how it is supposed to work. The light will not come up when I am passing vehicles.
I'm furious because I can't stand when people can't explain functions properly especially when they are "BMW geniuses".
Can you please correct if I'm wrong and also share your experiences?

Thank you in advance.

[CatalinP]

The system works between certain speeds.

[X5mama]

Yes I know that the detection starts at 30mph.

[SayGo]

Originally Posted by X5mama

Hello, I'm new here. I already spoke with the BMW Genius guys over the phone, met with one in person who rode in my car with me and confirmed that the blind spot detection is working intermittently.
To tell you the truth I think they don't know what they're talking about and I don't think they truly know how the blind spot is supposed to work.
I always though that the light in the mirror casing is supposed to come on WHENEVER I had a car in my blind spot --- no matter if the car is approaching me from behind OR if I'm passing a car.
Even the manual states that the light will come on if a car is in my blind spot or approaching from behind. This means that if I'm passing a vehicle and it is in my blind spot (as I'm passing it) the light should come up...but it doesn't.
And I think that's actually how it is supposed to work. The light will not come up when I am passing vehicles.
I'm furious because I can't stand when people can't explain functions properly especially when they are "BMW geniuses".
Can you please correct if I'm wrong and also share your experiences?

Thank you in advance.

Radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle monitor traffic in adjacent lanes, taking in an area from the driver’s blind spot rearward 60 meters/almost 200 ft. An illuminated triangular warning LED appears in the exterior mirror if there is a vehicle in this critical area; if the driver activates the turn signal, the LED blinks and, as with Lane Departure Warning, the steering wheel vibrates to warn the driver not to make a lane change.

It does not activate when passing a vehicle at speed because your car assumes you have seen it, only when a vehicle comes up from behind does the system alert you.

I hope this helped clear things up!

[geye1970]

Frankly, it's pretty useless. We are disappointed with it.

Regardless, we have our mirrors properly set up and thus it's not a big deal.

[CatalinP]

What would you like instead? How do you suggest it can be improved?

[geye1970]

Originally Posted by CatalinP

What would you like instead? How do you suggest it can be improved?

Work from 0+ MPH like nearly ever other vehicle.

[335dMSport+]

Originally Posted by geye1970

Work from 0+ MPH like nearly ever other vehicle.

Why? At that speed you can turn your body and have a proper look - you know, like you were taught during your driving lessons.

You win the bell end of the year award.

I've turned the majority of my vibration shit off, learn to look before making a manoeuvre instead of relying on technology FFS.

[geye1970]

Originally Posted by 335dMSport+

Why? At that speed you can turn your body and have a proper look - you know, like you were taught during your driving lessons.

You win the bell end of the year award.

I've turned the majority of my vibration shit off, learn to look before making a manoeuvre instead of relying on technology FFS.

Either it should work at all speeds or not at all.

Like I said, i have my mirrors properly adjusted and thus my blind spots are minimal.

[Mgm 05]

Would also recommend getting the Euro-spec convex mirror glass if you want better blind spot coverage

[perry8912]

I have mine coded. Right now it works from 20km/h. Not bad.
But I do hope they could move the LED warning light into the mirror....

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by perry8912

I have mine coded. Right now it works from 20km/h. Not bad.
But I do hope they could move the LED warning light into the mirror....

Ditto

[Rotzy]

Originally Posted by perry8912

I have mine coded. Right now it works from 20km/h. Not bad.
But I do hope they could move the LED warning light into the mirror....

I actually like it where it is. I didn't at first, but I do now. It's very unobtrusive and I barely notice it. If it was in the mirror like other manufacturers, it would annoy me.

I almost never feel the blind spot detection vibrate. If you are driving normally and checking your blind spot before changing lanes, it pretty much stays out of the way. But, it is nice to have one more line of defense against momentary lapses in judgement.