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How to use adaptive cruise control on BMW X3, X5

The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including cruise control, can be activated via buttons located on the steering wheel.

The layout of these buttons on steering wheel depends on how your BMW is equipped.

Standard Models

For models with standard equipment, when the limit function “LIM” is set, the car will not accelerate past the set speed, unless there’s extensive throttle input initiated by the driver.

To turn the dynamic cruise control on or off, press the button next to with speedometer icon it. To set your current speed press the SET button. The rocker switch allows you to increase or decrease the set speed by 1 and 5 mile per hour increments.

If equipped with Speed Limit Assist , when activated the system will recognize when the speed limit has changed and will propose the new set speed. To accept, press the SET button.

You can temporarily deactivate the cruise control by pressing the CANCEL button or by applying the brakes. To return to cruising at your set speed, press the RESUME or RES button. To turn off the system, press the dynamic cruise control button again.

Active Cruise Control with Stop-and-go

Models equipped with active cruise control with stop-and-go will have different buttons for these additional features. Here, cruise control button activates the system, once set active cruise control allows the driver to set a desired following distance from the vehicle traveling in front, and adjust the vehicle speed to maintain the preset following distance, and will even bring the vehicle to a stop.

Use the gap buttons (+ -) to increase or decrease the follow distance. To turn off the system, press the cruise control button again (button with speedometer icon).

Active Driving Assistance Pro

In models with active driving assistant Pro, the Assist button is used to turn the steering and traffic jam assistant feature on and off.

In addition to all the previously mentioned features, it has a MODE button for selecting between driver assistance profiles. By pressing the mode button the vehicle will cycle between either distance control or assisted driving, which includes steering control.

There is also an LED above both the left and right control pads on the steering wheel, the two LEDs provide additional visual indicators. When green the assistance system is active. If it turns yellow, interruption of the assistance system is pending. And when it shows red, the assistance system has been deactivated and you should take over driving.

Extended Traffic Jam Assistant

In models with the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, the traffic jam assistant is further enhanced when certain conditions are met. When prompted to activate, press the MODE button. The system uses a camera to ensure the driver is looking at the road and paying attention to their surroundings allowing for an even more comfortable drive by removing the requirement to hold the steering wheel. To turn off the driving assistant, just press the assist button.

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Overview of the main driver assistance systems

16 September 2019

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• Driving Experience

What is a driver assistance system?

Driver assistance systems relieve the driver of the task of driving, offer more comfort and increase safety. In an emergency, a driver assistance system can even take control of the car. Liability for the task of driving always remains with the driver.

Status Quo driver assistance systems

Currently, driver assistance systems act as practical support: Sensors capture information on – for example, speed limits – the distance to other vehicles and lane markings. Also, GPS and navigation system data feeds into the processing. Thanks to this data, audio signals or visual displays can warn against potentially hazardous situations.

However, there are already more advanced systems that not only warn you but also actively help you manage the vehicle if necessary or preferred. Some driver assistance systems brake, accelerate or perform active steering movements to avoid an accident or take the strain off the driver, for instance in critical or monotonous driving situations. Other systems assist you with maneuvering or parking.

Overview of driver assistance systems

Hill start assist Road sign recognition Emergency brake assist Steering and lane guidance assist Cruise control Distance control Speed limit assist Lane-change warning & lane-change assist Parking assist    

How does hill start assist work?

You’ll certainly know this situation well: You’re driving up a hill and shortly before the peak, you need to stop. When starting with a manual gearbox, you press the clutch and take your foot off the brake to accelerate. What happens at this exact moment? You roll back. Hill start assist – or simply start assist – should prevent exactly this. When the driver disengages the brake, the rear axle secures the vehicle for a short time. When starting the driver assistant releases this once more.

Benefits: This driver assistance system is certainly not indispensable for the safe operation of a vehicle as with sufficient experience you can avoid tricky situations yourself. The assistance system can nevertheless make starting on extreme gradients, or with an additional trailing load, more pleasant.

What added value does road sign recognition offer?

When you’re in slow-moving traffic it’s often difficult to devote your full attention to everything that is happening. The road layout, oncoming traffic, speed restrictions, what’s happening beside you as well as behind you: A driver has to bear all this in mind. Road sign recognition can relieve you from this with help of a camera system which scans road signs and represents the processed data on the display. Accordingly, the road signs are displayed directly on your screen. Often this system is contained within other driver assistance systems such as the right of way warner, the wrong way assistant or speed limit info.

Benefits: For accurate results, the driver assistance system is able to take into account and process various data sources such as recognised road signs, navigation devices and current vehicle data. Road sign recognition offers you increased safety and comfort during your journey by providing you with information i.e. right of way rules. You can concentrate on the traffic better without having to constantly gaze at the forest of signposts.

How does emergency brake assist work?

Emergency brake assist warns about the risk of collision and, where appropriate, brings the vehicle to a complete stop before it results in a crash with an obstruction, a person or another vehicle. Sensors measure the current speed and distance of the car ahead or the static obstruction (e.g. a person). Depending on the system, cyclists can also be identified. Acoustic warning signals are complemented by visual displays. Prior to emergency braking the driver assistance system calculates the optimal braking power and the resulting necessary braking pressure. This computed pressure is, depending on the system, independently transmitted by the assistant into an automatic brake, or only then applied when you press the brake pedal. A further development of brake assist is avoidance manoeuvre assistance: In order to avoid a collision, this system actively supports the driver with an evasive manoeuvre.

Benefits: Emergency brake assist offers many advantages: Drivers are often careless, distracted, find themselves in chaotic circumstances or underestimate the distance to the vehicle ahead. This brake assist can, at the very least, reduce the severity grade of certain types of vehicle collisions.    

How does steering and lane guidance assist provide support?

Congestion, slow-moving traffic, and long, monotonous journeys are sadly not uncommon, especially on the highway. When this happens, you have to keep a steady hand and patiently follow the road, sometimes for long periods of time. In these situations, a steering and lane guidance assistant can help you keep your vehicle in the lane – at high speeds as well – and make the task of steering easier. Cameras detect the lane markings, thus guiding the driver assistance system to the boundaries of the lane you are driving in. A look beyond the borders of Europe shows just how much more advanced this technology has already become. In some countries, the BMW Driving Assistant allows drivers to cruise “hands-off” at speeds of up to 130 km/h.

Benefits: Lane guidance assistants can relieve the driver from steering, offer a feeling of safety and, above all, make long motorway journeys more comfortable.

In what way does cruise control make driving easier?

Cruise control is also known as “Speed Control” and allows you to select your desired cruising speed. This often takes place in combination with distance control. Following activation the driver assistance system constantly maintains your chosen speed and therefore offers enhanced comfort during long-distances. Cruise control can electronically adjust the speed to the surroundings and appropriately adjust the engine power.

Benefits: With this assistance system particularly long journeys are more relaxing, and you can concentrate on the traffic. In conjunction with distance control the driving comfort is further enhanced: This calculates the speed of the vehicle ahead and automatically alters your own speed.    

What is distance control?

Distance control is also called Adaptive Cruise Control. With a pre-set desired speed this driver assistance system orientates to the vehicle ahead and automatically brakes or accelerates depending on the distance from the leading vehicle. This system has already been integrated into many modern vehicles. The applied sensors measure the current speed and the distance from the car ahead. If you find yourself in stop start traffic, the distance control takes over braking and start-up.

Benefits: Above all, you can use distance control during long journeys in combination with the cruise control function in order to arrive at your destination much more relaxed and to rest your legs as you don’t need to continually press the pedals. You must of course still keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Besides comfort, distance control should also provide for greater safety during the journey.    

What does the speed limit assist do?

This driver assistance system combines the distance control with speed limit recognition and can also called Speed Limit Assist. Speed limit assist superimposes information about the speed limit onto the display area. With the help of this assistant you can adapt the maximum speed of the vehicle to a particular limit. The system scans road signs with a camera. Software then processes all the data and combines this with the data from the navigation system. You can view this driver assistance system as additional “speed camera insurance” because, in supplementing cruise control and the distance controller, it recognises the respective speed limit and – in the latest design – also automatically adjusts.

Benefits: According to research papers, around a quarter of accidents are due to speeding and the failure to maintain safe distances. Here, speed limit assist can increase your safety. Nevertheless, these systems do not absolve the vehicle operator of responsibility – they can however help to significantly reduce these numbers.    

How does a lane-change warning work? Why use lane-change assist?

The lane-change warning can help you to safely execute a lane-change and support the view in the rear mirror and over the shoulder. Sensors monitor the area beside and behind your car, and they cover the notorious blind spot. If another car approaches your vehicle in the blind spot or is dangerously close and overlooked by the driver, the driver assistant recognises this and warns against changing lanes. This warning is made, for example, using flashing symbols in the side mirror and even with steering wheel vibrations or steering impulses. A further development is lane-change assist. This means you can change lanes automatically once you’ve set the indicator for a few seconds. In doing so, the system assesses whether there is another vehicle in the blind spot or dangerously close and only changes lane as long as the sensors do not detect a hazard.

Benefits: A lane-change warning offers additional protection for road users, but it’s not a replacement for the rear and side mirrors or glancing over your shoulder. This driver assistance system can indeed help to avoid accidents – the driver must nevertheless pay full attention.

What advantages does parking assist offer?

Parking assistants support you when manoeuvring or parking and help protect you from parking damage. The range thereby extends from systems with a warning function to systems which display the surroundings or automatically carry out the parking process. Assistants make use of ultrasound and camera sensor data. Parkpilot indicates the distance to surrounding objects and in this way supports the drive mainly through the use of beeping. A rear camera is more detailed: Additionally, it displays the area behind the car and adds in suggested lines which provides guidance when parking. In further developments, driver assistance systems completely take over the parking process and independently carry out all the required steering manoeuvres as well as braking and acceleration. With such automated systems the assistant manoeuvres your car into and out of tight parking spaces at the touch of a button. Up to a certain speed the BMW Rear Drive Assist is capable of reconstructing the last 50m of the route driven in reverse. This can be useful, for example, in parking situations, but also when you want to reverse into a narrow lane. 

Benefits: With this assistance system tight car parks and narrow parking spaces on the roadside should no longer present a challenge. The comfort and advantages of a self-parking vehicle are clear.    

From driver assistance systems to autonomous driving

The assistance systems presented offer only a small preview of the aim which many manufacturers are striving towards in the future: autonomous driving.

Matthias Hartwig, Scientific Advisor at the Institute for Climate Protection, Energy and Mobility (IKEM), and his team are occupied with the scientific, economic and legal questions surrounding this topic. In our free E-Book, he explains the challenges and prospects of autonomous driving.

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Does BMW Have Adaptive Cruise Control? ACC Availability

If you’ve been considering a new luxury vehicle, you may be wondering – does BMW offer adaptive cruise control (ACC)? This increasingly popular driver assistance feature can provide added comfort and potentially improved safety on daily commutes and long highway drives. Read on to learn all about BMW’s ACC availability and capabilities across their model lineup.

What Is Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive cruise control represents an evolution beyond traditional cruise control systems that simply maintain a constant driving speed set by the driver. With basic cruise, you need to brake and reset when traffic slows down ahead.

ACC uses radar, cameras and other sensors to monitor surrounding traffic flow. When vehicles ahead slow down or stop, your ACC equipped car can automatically slow as needed to maintain a preset following interval, then resume the desired speed when traffic clears. This provides a more natural driving experience, with less constant resetting.

Some ACC systems even allow your car to come to a complete stop if traffic halts, then accelerate smoothly when vehicles start moving again. This “Stop & Go” functionality offers the most convenience in heavy traffic or congested highway driving.

Which BMW Models Offer Adaptive Cruise Control?

Most current BMW passenger vehicles now come equipped with adaptive cruise control either as standard equipment, or available on higher trim levels or via optional packages:

Standard ACC

• BMW 2 Series Coupe and Convertible
• BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
• BMW 4 Series Coupe, Convertible, Gran Coupe
• BMW Z4 Roadster

Optional ACC

• BMW 3 Series Sedan – ACC available on higher trims
• BMW 5 Series Sedan – ACC in Driver Assistance Package
• BMW 8 Series Coupe and Convertible – ACC in Driver Assistance Package

Standard on Some Trims

• BMW X3 SUV – Standard on xDrive30i and M40i
• BMW X4 SUV – Standard on xDrive30i and M40i
• BMW X5 SUV – Standard on 40i, 50i, M50i, 40e
• BMW X6 SUV – Standard on xDrive40i, M50i, 40e
• BMW X7 SUV – Standard on xDrive40i, M50i, 40i

So in summary, ACC is now available across most model lines in the BMW portfolio. Only the base trim versions or classic “i” and “eDrive” models omit adaptive functionality from the standard cruise control system.

How Does BMW’s ACC System Work?

BMW utilizes a fusion of technologies including radar, cameras, ultrasonic sensors and advanced software to make ACC possible. This sensor array constantly monitors changing conditions out to around 400 feet ahead of your vehicle’s current position.

When ACC is active, the system tracks the speed and distance of vehicles ahead. If traffic slows, the ACC automatically reduces your vehicle’s speed to maintain a preset following interval. This following time can be adjusted based on driver preferences and traffic conditions.

On most newer BMW models, the ACC allows the vehicle to come to a complete stop if vehicles ahead stop moving. This occurs smoothly and automatically based on the sensor inputs. The Traffic Jam Assistant and Stop & Go functions control the BMW safely in heavy traffic up to speeds of around 40 mph.

You can choose from several following distance settings on BMW ACC. At the closest setting of 1.8 seconds, your vehicle will be approximately 150 feet behind at highway speeds. This might be suitable in faster flowing traffic when vehicles are farther apart.

The maximum following interval is 3.7 seconds – giving around 300 feet of space at 70 mph. This setting allows for more gradual slowing and a more relaxed drive in dense traffic. The system provides enough flexibility to accommodate different driving styles and traffic scenarios.

Key Benefits of BMW Adaptive Cruise Control

There are several excellent reasons to consider a BMW model equipped with adaptive cruise control:

Reduced Driver Fatigue

Long drives can be taxing, requiring constant adjustments to your speed. ACC significantly reduces the number of pedal inputs needed to maintain safe speeds and spacing in traffic. This decreases fatigue, letting you feel more refreshed.

Enhanced Safety

ACC systems can react more quickly than humans to slowing vehicles ahead. This extra fraction of a second in response time can be crucial to avoiding rear end collisions. The more consistent speed control also improves safety for all nearby cars.

Smoother Traffic Flow

With vehicles maintaining steady speeds and gaps, traffic flow becomes more uniform. This reduces abrupt braking by other drivers that can lead to accidents. ACC adoption could continue improving commute times.

More Focus on Driving

Your attention shifts from speedometer watching to taking in more of the driving environment when ACC is active. Features like Lane Keeping Assist also work better in conjunction with ACC to maximize safety.

Ease in Traffic Jams

Stop & Go functionality takes the stress out of bumper to bumper traffic. Only needing to control steering and allowing the BMW to manage braking and acceleration helps both alertness and fuel efficiency.

Tips for Using BMW Adaptive Cruise Control

Like any advanced feature, getting the most from your BMW ACC requires understanding proper usage:

• Only activate ACC on limited access controlled highways where traffic is free flowing. Avoid winding roads or poor weather conditions.
• Adjust following distance based on speed. Use maximum following gap over 50 mph for more gradual speed changes.
• Disable ACC well in advance if you’ll need to exit or change lanes frequently. Manual driving is required for full control.
• Keep eyes on the road when ACC is active and be ready to brake as needed. Driver attentiveness is still required by law.
• In heavy rain or snow, enhanced sensor capabilities on newer BMW models can allow continued ACC use when safe and appropriate.

Following these usage tips will help you take full advantage of BMW’s adaptive cruise control for both safety and maximum driving ease.

How Does BMW ACC Compare to Rivals?

All major luxury automakers now offer adaptive cruise control to match consumer demand for these convenient and potentially lifesaving driver aids. How does BMW’s ACC stack up against key competitors?

Mercedes-Benz – Mercedes ACC works very similarly to BMW’s, with full speed Stop & Go functionality on newer models. Following distance can’t be adjusted over a set range of time gaps.

Audi – The Audi adaptive cruise mirrors BMW’s capabilities while adding traffic jam assist, which can completely stop and start the vehicle in traffic up to 40mph.

Lexus – Lexus ACC doesn’t bring the vehicle to a complete stop, requiring driver intervention at very low speeds. Operation may be less smooth than BMW’s system.

Acura – Similar to Lexus, Acura ACC slows all the way to a stop but doesn’t automatically reaccelerate when traffic moves. More driver input is required.

Volvo – Volvo ACC offers a range of following intervals like BMW, from 1 to 3 seconds. Autobraking for pedestrians is also included, but no Stop & Go feature.

Overall, BMW matches or leads many competitors in adaptive cruise technology – especially with the latest X5, X6, X7 or 8 Series models. Smooth acceleration and deceleration plus a wide range of selectable following distances provide excellent safety and ease of use.

The Future of Adaptive Cruise Control

Vehicle automation will continue progressing rapidly in coming years. How will ACC evolve along with self-driving technology?

• Expanded speed ranges – ACC may soon work at very low speeds and also at highway speeds over 100mph.
• More integration – ACC will combine inputs with lane centering, blind spot monitoring and other ADAS features for more natural automated driving.
• Camera and sensor upgrades – higher resolution cameras, multiple radar systems and more powerful vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication will improve ACC responsiveness.
• New situations – going beyond just speed adjustment, future ACC may automatically apply maximum braking in emergencies or provide evasive steering input when needed.
• More vehicle types – heavy trucks are testing ACC, which could significantly improve highway safety and reduce accidents resulting from fatigued truckers.

These ACC enhancements will pave the way for fully autonomous vehicle operations as additional redundancies in sensors and vehicle control systems increase reliability.

What Does BMW ACC Cost?

As a standard feature on many BMWs, ACC itself doesn’t add to the purchase price or require membership fees to activate as with some automakers. However, you’ll need to choose specific packages or trim levels to get ACC included if not standard:

• 3 Series Sedan  – Adaptive cruise control pricing starts at $3000 above base price for Premium trim with Driver Assistance Package.
• 5 Series Sedan  – The base 530i doesn’t include ACC. You’ll need to add the $1700 Driver Assistance Package.
• 8 Series  – Getting ACC requires $1700 for the Driver Assistance Package on all coupe and convertible models.
• For SUV models like the X3, X4, X5 and X7, ACC comes standard on the volume selling trim levels, minimizing additional costs in most cases.

Overall ACC represents a minor expense given the benefits over a BMW’s lengthy lifespan. And the residual value boost from desirable safety features may offset the small initial price premium.

Should You Choose BMW ACC?

Adaptive cruise control has progressed from a novelty to a near requirement for most luxury car buyers. BMW has stayed at the forefront of ACC technology to provide a seamless driving experience.

For regular highway driving or commutes in congested traffic, few options deliver more daily value than BMW’s ACC equipped models. Camera and radar based systems reduce driver stress while enhancing safety through precise speed and distance management.

As BMW’s ACC capabilities continue to expand in areas like stop-and-go functionality and integration with other automated features, expect even broader adoption across BMW’s lineup. Having adaptive cruise can meaningfully improve any drive where traffic demands your full attention. Evaluating ACC should be a priority during your new vehicle research process.

As a lifelong BMW enthusiast, I founded BMW Insights in 2023 to combine my passion for the brand with my engineering degree from Munich and experience in BMW's R&D department. I now provide insider technical articles, how-to tutorials, test drives, and commentary on all things BMW. My lifelong immersion in the world of BMW allows me to offer a unique perspective for fellow BMW fans.

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Adaptive Driving Mode explained

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I asked BMWGenius to explain Adaptive Driving Mode in more detail, including whether or not it switches between comfort and sport depending on the situation. Here's what they said. The Adaptive Driving Mode is a unique driving mode, separate from COMFORT, ECO PRO, and SPORT. While driving in Adaptive Driving Mode, the vehicle does not switch to COMFORT or SPORT mode automatically . However, characters of COMFORT or SPORT will be implemented, depending on the situation. The vehicle is considering many factor to determine the optimal drive feel. Along with acceleration, steering, and speed, the vehicle is also factoring in driving conditions, braking, cornering speed, input from the xDrive system and Navigation data. When the Navigation system has an active guidance, the Navigation data is used to anticipate curves, crossroads and type of street or road that you are driving on. For example, it can select the optimum transmission gear in advance, potentially enhancing efficiency.​ I responded with this: One more question: Some have suggested that Adaptive Driving Mode learns how you drive over time and adjusts itself based on that history. Is that true? Or does it just adapt based on the current situation without regard to history?​ Here is what they (a different person) said: In Adaptive mode, the following influences on the driving style are taken into account, among others: • Longitudinal dynamics • Current speed • Pedal sensor position • Cruise control (sensor data from ACC radar sensor) *If equipped • Sport shift gate for automatic transmission • Turn indicator • Steering wheel movements • Navigation data "ADAPTIVE" reacts to the current driving style. The affected control units can change their parameters on the basis of the detected driving style. This system will not use previous driving tendencies to change settings for the current trip .​  

Nice information! For real world experience I can add that adaptive is nor sport nor comfort mode, but to declare how it is acting exactly is not easy to find out. I drove 100 miles on twisty backroads the other day and adaptive drive adds to the driving experience. But to say one thing I thought I would have easily found by reading rpms, I did not see any adaptive influence. Well maybe I didn't drive the car hard enough to making it search for more torque by revving? Adaptive is somewhat sharper than comfort in curves and less bumpy than sport on worn tarmac. But how it works exactly is still somehow a black box for me. There are a lot of sensors and actuators subtually functional in this feature. I like it.  

baudi said: When the Navigation system has an active guidance , the Navigation data is used to anticipate curves, crossroads and type of street or road that you are driving on. For example, it can select the optimum transmission gear in advance, potentially enhancing efficiency. Click to expand...

Same here. Not sure why they made that decision.  

That's a bummer, I added DHP primarily for that. Didn't want to constantly fiddle with the settings. So basically you have to set a destination every time you drive to take full advantage of adaptive. Cmon man :thumbdwn:  

Does adaptive mode ever go into eco mode? I think I remember seeing that somewhere, but not sure. thanks,  

aherman535 said: Does adaptive mode ever go into eco mode? I think I remember seeing that somewhere, but not sure. Click to expand...

I dont think it does anything. It is just a button....  

This. I'd agree. It's probably a conditioning button and a placebo effect.  

I haven’t noticed any impact on the air conditioner by Adaptive mode Sent from my iPhone using Bimmerfest  

I wish they would have created a page for the Dynamics In Action part of idrive (or whatever it's called- the section that lets you display your efficiency or your torque/HP) that displays realtime changes in how the adaptive drive has configured the car... like suspension stiffness, throttle response, etc. Because I think you guys are right, I BELIEVE that pressing "adaptive" on my car does something, but a lot of that is just faith at this point. I still don't regret getting the Dynamic Handling Package, though... that 4-wheel steering is crazy awesome.  

That is a great idea! Would certainly take some of the mystery away from Adaptive Drive. Wish I could have gotten the IAS on my 540dX, sure does sound awesome, but I still agree with your thoughts on Dynamic Handling Package. Sent from my iPhone using Bimmerfest mobile app  

Pressing the adaptive switch is not making the car switching between sport, comfort and eco. There are a couple of features allready explained in this thread that are altered in adaptive mode. My car drives fine in adaptive and very different from eco or sport mode. It is however not so easy to make a claim about the differences with comfort mode. They will be there but subtle and not on any display I found thusfar. Need to make more same track passages with adaptive against comfort to get my finger on the differences.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N91TWlhRPBk  

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/austria/video/detail/PF0004634/BMW-Adaptive-mode  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3ERZQfyOkY  

baudi said: When the Navigation system has an active guidance, the Navigation data is used to anticipate curves, crossroads and type of street or road that you are driving on. For example, it can select the optimum transmission gear in advance, potentially enhancing efficiency. Click to expand...

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jmhildreth said: View attachment 1023976 Click to expand...

Further to my message above I have also discovered in the G12 Manual in section 9.6.1 Driving Experience Switch on page 59 it says, "With the navigation system, the mode makes use of the available map data and optimizes "ADAPTIVE" mode by predictive functions such as early reaction to bends, junctions and road type." So this says it reads map data and not necessarily with guidance active. Also in the attached screen shot of a BMW video on Adaptive Mode the navigation system is not in guidance mode.  

You realize you resurrected a thread from 2018, right? One in which no one has posted for almost 18 months......  

No, I didn’t. What’s the title?  

Just kidding. I thought I had information to add as it didn’t really seem a resolved issue.  

And you thought neither the software nor the system had changed since the pre-LCI models? I mean, knock yourself out, but if it's been a year-and-a-half since anyone has posted on a thread, that tends to be a pretty good indication that the issue has been resolved and that we've all moved on. I realize you are new here. And I realize BF is nowhere near as active as it used to be. And I strongly suspect that the new owners of this site created the "Recommended Reading" list to drive site traffic. But if you look at the "recommended reading" the last time someone posted in the thread is shown after the last poster's name. The algorithm is recommending I read "Adaptive Mode" in the G30 forum. But the last person who posted there was NickDi in May, 2017. I can guarantee you that the system in the LCA 2021's does not work like the system in the 2017 launch cars.  

Being new here I’m not familiar with the level of expertise of others. I certainly appreciate any help in this matter from those more knowledgeable than I. Do you know if some documentation that says route guidance is required because I can’t find any and the evidence I can find is to the contrary. It is not mentioned in tha LCI Tech Manual update.  

I was hoping that the radar read the road ahead and set the suspension for whatever it saw, such as a pothole or speed bump  

opps, just realized i am on a dead post  

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BMW X5: Cruise control

With the Cruise Control, a set speed can be adjusted using the buttons on the steering wheel.

The system maintains the set speed. The system accelerates and brakes automatically as needed.

General information

The system can be activated starting at 20 mph/30 km/h.

Depending on the vehicle setting, the cruise control settings may change under certain conditions.

For instance, acceleration can change depending on the driving mode.

Safety information

The system cannot serve as a substitute for the driver's personal judgment in assessing the traffic situation. Based on the limits of the system, it cannot independently react to all traffic situations. There is a risk of accident. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively intervene where appropriate.

The use of the system can lead to an increased risk of accidents in the following situations, for instance:

• On winding roads.
• In heavy traffic.
• On slippery roads, in fog, snow, or wet conditions, or on a loose road surface.

There may be a risk of accident or risk of damage to property. Only use the system if driving at constant speed is possible.

The set speed can be incorrectly adjusted or called up by mistake. There is a risk of accident.

Adjust the set speed to the traffic conditions.

Watch traffic closely and actively intervene where appropriate.

Buttons on the steering wheel

Speed Limit Assistant: accept suggested speed manually.

Switching cruise control on/off

The indicator lights in the instrument cluster light up and the marking on the speedometer is set to the current speed.

Cruise control is active. The current speed is maintained and stored as set speed.

DSC Dynamic Stability Control is switched on, if necessary.

Turning off

The displays turn off. The stored set speed is deleted.

Pausing cruise control

Interrupting manually

Interrupting automatically

The system is automatically interrupted in the following situations, for example:

• When braking manually.
• Gear lever position D is disengaged.
• Dynamic Traction Control DTC is activated or DSC Dynamic Stability Control is deactivated.
• The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) adjusts.

Setting the speed

Maintaining and storing the speed

Press the rocker switch up or down once while the system is interrupted.

When the system is switched on, the current speed is maintained and stored as the set speed.

The stored speed is displayed on the speedometer.

The speed can also be stored by pressing a button.

Changing the speed

Press the rocker switch up or down repeatedly until the desired speed is set.

If active, the displayed speed is stored and the vehicle reaches the stored speed when the road is clear.

• Each time the rocker switch is tapped to the resistance point, the set speed increases or decreases by 1 mph/1 km/h.

The maximum speed that can be set depends on the vehicle.

After the rocker switch is released, the vehicle maintains its final speed. Pressing the switch beyond the resistance point causes the vehicle to accelerate more rapidly.

Continuing cruise control

An interrupted cruise control can be continued by calling up the stored speed.

Make sure that the difference between current speed and stored speed is not too large before calling up the stored speed. Otherwise, unintentional deceleration or acceleration may occur.

Cruise control is continued with the stored values.

In the following cases, the stored speed value is deleted and cannot be called up again:

• When the system is switched off.
• When drive-ready state is switched off.

Displays in the instrument cluster

Display in the speedometer

Depending on the equipment, a mark in the speedometer displays the status of the system.

• Grey marking: system is interrupted, the marking indicates the stored speed.
• No marking: system is switched off.

Indicator light

• Gray indicator light: the system has been interrupted.
• No indicator light: system is switched off.

Displays in the Head-up Display

Some system information can also be displayed in the Head-up Display.

System limits

The set speed is also maintained downhill. The speed may not be maintained on uphill grades if the drive power is insufficient.

In ECO PRO driving mode, the vehicle may exceed or drop below the set desired speed in some situations, for instance on downhill or uphill grades.

  Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function ACC

  turning on/off and interrupting cruise control - active cruise control with stop&go function acc,   setting the speed - active cruise control with stop&go function acc,   enable the digital remote control key - bmw digital key,   removing and installing/replacing front active stabilizer.

Everything to Know About The BMW Dynamic Cruise Control

Cruise controls were once reserved for only selected models of BMW. Less fortunate drivers had to keep their tired eyes and limbs fixed on the road and the pedals for long hours. These fatigued drivers were the cause of many accidents. So, automakers, like BMW and Toyota, started adding the feature to more of their cars.

The BMW dynamic cruise control is an improvement over the traditional system. Traditional cruise control can only do so much as keep your vehicle going at a preset speed. Meanwhile, the dynamic version can detect other vehicles in front of you and road curves and react accordingly.

Most drivers are familiar with the traditional version of cruise control. The dynamic one might seem somewhat confusing to them. The following discussion will hopefully clear things up. 

• 1.1 Difference With Conventional Cruise Control
• 1.2 How It Works? 
• 2 How do I know if my BMW has dynamic cruise control?  
• 3.1 Step 1: Turning On the Control 
• 3.2 Step 2: Set Your Speed  
• 3.3 Step 3: Distance Setting
• 3.4 Step 4: Speed Increments
• 3.5 Step 5: Cancel and Resume 
• 4.1 How do I change from regular cruise control to dynamic cruise control? 
• 4.2 How much does dynamic cruise control cost? 
• 4.3 Does adaptive cruise control apply brakes? 
• 4.4 Can you add adaptive cruise control after purchase? 
• 5 Conclusion 

What is BMW Dynamic Cruise Control? 

In conventional cruise control , you set the vehicle to a certain speed. Your car will then automatically accelerate up to that speed and maintain it. The benefit is that the foot you keep on the gas pedal can get some rest. Also, as the car maintains the preset speed, it can save you from speeding tickets. 

Difference With Conventional Cruise Control

However, conventional cruise control doesn’t have the necessary technology to adjust your car according to upcoming obstacles. So, you must still watch out for another vehicle appearing or the road curving abruptly.

This is where Dynamic cruise control offers an improvement. Besides setting a speed, you can also set the following distance on your BMW cruise control.

When you are speeding across an open highway, the car will normally continue at its set speed. But your BMW will automatically slow down as soon as another vehicle or obstacle appears. When the obstacle moves away, your car will accelerate on its own and reach the preset speed again. 

How It Works?  

Three components work in concert to make dynamic cruise control possible. Firstly, there is the radar system. Your dynamic cruise control will shoot radar waves from the car. These waves reflect off the object in front of the vehicle and return to the car. 

Secondly, there is the sensor system. This system can receive the radar signals that come back from the objects and make necessary adjustments. There are two kinds of sensors in dynamic cruise control- Speed sensors and Distance Sensors. 

The Distance sensors keep track of the gap between your car and an upcoming obstacle based on the signals it receives. Meanwhile, speed sensors decelerate your vehicle when the gap is shorter than the following distance. Similarly, it will adjust to a faster speed when the path clears up.

The third component is the longitudinal controller. It is kind of like a computer that collects information from the radar and sensor systems. In light of that information, it sends appropriate command signals to the engine to slow down or accelerate the car.

Read Also>> BMW 2002 vs BMW 1600: What’s The Difference?

Read Also>> Why BMW Battery Discharged While Stopped? (Cause & Fix)

How do I know if my BMW has dynamic cruise control?  

Almost all the newer BMW models have dynamic cruise controls. Examining the steering wheel is the simplest way to tell if your car has cruise control. 

Cars with dynamic cruise control will have 5-6 buttons on the left panel of the steering wheel. Depending on the specific BMW model the number and orientation of this switch might vary. 

Here’s a table with all the BMW models that have dynamic cruise control-

How To Use The BMW Dynamic Cruise Control? 

Renowned automakers like BMW are always trying to improve their vehicles in the next model. Therefore, slight differences in the cruise control panel on your steering wheel might exist.

However, almost all the systems have some things in common. For instance, you will always find the dynamic cruise control panel on the left side of the steering wheel. There are also various other similarities, based on which you can follow the steps below to operate the cruise control- 

Step 1: Turning On the Control  

You can turn on your cruise control by pressing the assisted drive button. You can identify it from the car-and-gauge drawing on it. You will notice a green sign (cruise control gauge) on the digital cluster when the system turns on. 

Step 2: Set Your Speed  

Next, you will set your speed and the following distance. The ‘Set’ button allows you to determine your constant speed. Dynamic cruise controls also have a speed limit assistant. You can use it to ensure the car is within your desired speed at all zones.

Step 3: Distance Setting

The digital cluster will show several lines indicating distance. Each line refers to one car length. You can use the distance buttons to reduce or increase the number of this line. The distance buttons are marked with plus and minus signs and function accordingly.

Suppose you set the following distance to two lines. In that case, your car will decelerate when you are two car lengths away from an obstacle. Whenever an obstacle appears ahead, the instrument cluster will show a sign which looks like a car.

Step 4: Speed Increments

Nesting between the distance control button is the rocker switch. It is smaller and also has plus and minus markings. It almost feels like a volume up and down button on audio devices. You can use this switch to increase the set speed. BMW allows speed increments of one and five mph.

Step 5: Cancel and Resume 

You can press the cancel button to turn off the dynamic cruise control in your car. The same happens when you hit the brakes. Press the resume button to return to the assisted driving mode at your preferred set speed and following distance.

Read Also>> BMW Timing Chain Replacement Cost & Guide (Explained)

Read Also>> BMW X5 Tire Pressure | How To Check The Recommended Psi?

After the above discussion, Dynamic Cruise Control might not seem confusing. But we are happy to answer any more questions you might have. 

How do I change from regular cruise control to dynamic cruise control?  

If your car has both controls, you can press the Cancel button for several seconds. This will switch between modes. Also, the main difference between regular and dynamic is in distance control. So, as soon as you activate the distance button, you enter the dynamic mode.

How much does dynamic cruise control cost?  

The dynamic cruise controls with top-notch technology and capabilities will cost around 2000-2500 dollars. However, you can get more basic and less capable systems at around 500 dollars (equipment plus labor costs). 

Does adaptive cruise control apply brakes? 

The distance and speed control features allow the adaptive cruise control to apply some amount of braking. It usually does this when encountering a traffic jam or a non-moving obstacle.  

Can you add adaptive cruise control after purchase?  

You can buy adaptive cruise control kits and add them to your car. However, your BMW must fulfill the design and technological requirements for the addition of this kit. Kits range from 250$ to 4000$ in price, and you will need automotive experts for the installation job.

Read Also>> How To Fix Chassis Stabilization BMW? (Full Guide)

Conclusion 

The BMW dynamic cruise control makes the road safer for everyone. It also reduces fatigue and stress on long road trips. So, if your car doesn’t have one, it’s worth spending thousands of dollars on installation. However, the recommended action is to buy a car with dynamic cruise control, to begin with. 

Turn off cruise control on busy local streets. These roads are unpredictable; another vehicle or person can come before your car at any time. Driving at a preset speed in this scenario is dangerous. 

Plus, knowing that you are in assisted driving mode will make you relax and reduce your mental alertness. So, reserve cruise control only for the highways.

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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