BMW 5 Series: Blind Spot Detection

The Blind Spot Detection system can detect traffic situations that could pose a risk if the driver changes lane. These traffic situations include vehicles approaching quickly from behind or vehicles in the driver's blind spot. The system operates within a speed range between 12 - 130 mph (20 - 210 km/h).

The Blind Spot Detection function may also be known as "Lane change warning" in technical systems.

G30 Vehicle detection using radar sensors (Blind Spot Detection)

The control units (radar sensors) for the Blind Spot Detection (SWW) are located under the rear bumper.

G30 Blind Spot Detection (SWW) (radar sensors)

The control unit for the Blind Spot Detection (primary) (SWW) is installed on the right and the control unit for the Blind Spot Detection (secondary) (SWW2) is installed on the left.

When a vehicle is detected and the system is activated, the driver is informed of the situation by an unobtrusive indicator in the exterior mirror. By having this information before making a lane change maneuver, the driver can confidently prepare for the lane change and avoid critical situations from the outset.

The Blind Spot Detection indicators are located in the exterior mirror glass.

G30 Signal unit (LED) in mirror glass

The driver must steer the vehicle back into his own lane to avoid a potential collision.

The Blind Spot Detection can be configured individually in the Intelligent Safety system submenu.

G30 Intelligent Safety view on the CID (Blind Spot Detection)

1. "Configure INDIVIDUAL" menu
2. "Blind Spot Detection" (selected setting: Medium)
3. "Blind Spot Detection" (settings options: Early, Medium, Late, Off)

Active steering intervention

Depending on the setting in the "Intelligent Safety" menu, a brief active steering intervention is initiated by the system that assists in moving the vehicle back into the original lane for vehicles with the Side Collision Avoidance function, which is included in the Active Driving Assistant Plus optional equipment (OE 5AT).

G30 Blind Spot Detection (active steering intervention)

The corresponding Blind Spot Detection indicator flashes in the exterior mirror at the same time.

The steering intervention is initiated within a speed range of between 43 and 130 mph (70 km/h and 210 km/h).

The active steering intervention can be felt on the steering wheel, but can be overridden by the driver at any time. If the driver does override the intervention, the active steering intervention is cancelled.

The "steering intervention" for the Blind Spot Detection can be switched on and off via the iDrive menu in vehicles with the Side Collision Avoidance by making the following selection via the controller:

• "My Vehicle"
• "Vehicle settings"
• "Intelligent Safety"
• "Steering intervention"

The configuration menu can be accessed quickly by pressing the Intelligent Safety button.

G30 Intelligent Safety view on the CID (Blind Spot Detection with active steering intervention)

1. "Configure INDIVIDUAL" menu
2. "Steering intervention" (switching the steering intervention for Blind Spot Detection on and off)

Limits of the system

The function of the system may not be available or may only be available to a limited extent in the following situations:

• Heavy fog, rain or snow.
• At sharp bends or on narrow roadways.
• If the bumper is dirty, iced up or stickers are placed over it.
• If the speed of the approaching vehicle is much higher than the driver's speed.

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