BMW 5 series night vision, sat nav etc.

BrianD3

Has anybody driven a new (F10) 5 series with the optional night vision camera. Any comments on it? Also has anyone any comments on night vision systems generally in BMWs and other cars.

And a specific question on the F10 - there is a display on the dash, presumably this is for radio, sat nav, night vision etc.. I notice that some cars have a screen that is about twice the size of the screens on other cars. I think the large screen is for the "professional" sat nav. If this option is not specified but the night vision one is, do you get the large screen or the small screen?

Small screen


Large screen

R.O.R

I've driven an E61 (I think that's right for the touring) with the Nightvision and it wasn't great on the roads I was driving on (Tallaght to Dublin Airport) beacuse of all the ambient light around.

It might have it's uses if you spend a good bit of time on unlit roads, but I could think of better uses for €2,191.39. Has to be specified with Headlight wash as well so there is another €310.94 gone. Can't be specified with Xenon's either which are probably a better investment at around half the price.

It looks like the 10" screen is for the Professional Navigation System. Business Nav comes with a 7.2" screen

BrianD3

Thanks R.O.R. I drive a lot at night but yes it does seem like a lot of money. Still, it would nearly be worth it if it saved you from hitting a badger etc.

TJJP

Small screen is standard or business nav, where as the larger screen is professional nav. I haven't driven a 5er with night vision, but I have seen it in action in an S-class. Night vision in the S-class is in the drivers vision area, basically the clocks go dark and that part of the dash becomes the screen. Older 5er's on the other hand were as follows:

www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/5series/sedan/2007/allfacts/ergonomics/night_vision.html

Seems it's the same (central screen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k3rBAKRZxI)) on the new F10, not sure I'd like that.

Night vision in the S-class is quite something on country roads at night. Not sure how much I'd actually be willing to pay to specify it (on a Merc or BMW) though, particularly if the BM has it central console. That said professional Nav on the F10 is pretty clear but I'd rather be watching the road than a screen to my left!

TJJP

ooops.. zombie thread...