Driver Assistance Packages… I don’t get it.

SamS · 09-28-2013, 01:53 PM

I also have ZDA and ZDB. I like all the features, except Lane Departure warning. Speed Limit Info is the feature that is most surprisingly useful.

CHCCubs · 09-28-2013, 02:05 PM

Have to agree with the original poster. While I do have the backup camera on my car as it was included with the premium package, I definitely wouldn't spend extra to get it if it was a separate option. I also had absolutely no interest in spending the $1000+ for the driver assistance package as a set of properly adjusted mirrors and paying attention while driving has served me just fine in my 20+ years of driving.

snowghost · 09-28-2013, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHCCubs

Have to agree with the original poster. While I do have the backup camera on my car as it was included with the premium package, I definitely wouldn't spend extra to get it if it was a separate option. I also had absolutely no interest in spending the $1000+ for the driver assistance package as a set of properly adjusted mirrors and paying attention while driving has served me just fine in my 20+ years of driving.

+1. However Blindspot Warning saved my ass in the dark of night and rain with a raised POS 4x4. That was worth the price of admission.

DesertSmokeBBQ · 09-28-2013, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHCCubs

Have to agree with the original poster. While I do have the backup camera on my car as it was included with the premium package, I definitely wouldn't spend extra to get it if it was a separate option. I also had absolutely no interest in spending the $1000+ for the driver assistance package as a set of properly adjusted mirrors and paying attention while driving has served me just fine in my 20+ years of driving.

Um, I have a '14 335 w/premium and can confirm reverse cam is NOT part of the premium package...

BmwFlooner · 09-29-2013, 01:18 AM

HUD, overhead camera, rearview camera. I've driven 20+ years without them with NO problems! I don't need them.

But I bought them anyway. And now I don't want another vehicle without them.

Choice: It's a hell of a thing.

CHCCubs · 09-29-2013, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesertSmokeBBQ

Um, I have a '14 335 w/premium and can confirm reverse cam is NOT part of the premium package...

Packages are likely different here in Canada vs. U.S. It was either part of the premium or executive package on my car.

hsk1610 · 09-29-2013, 07:15 AM

Hello. A BMW newbie. Just picked up a 2013 328iX with cold, premium, driver assistance. Thought I definitely wanted the parking sensors and the rear camera since used to driving and parking in Asia and chose this particular vehicle from dealer stock instead of the car with the tech package. Now that I've driven it for a few days, I guess I could have gone without it. The lane departure warning is useful, but other than that, just more sensors and gadgets for me. Luckily, I got a great deal and the driver assistance with the front and rear sensors and the parking camera was only a few hundred dollars more than the one with the tech package. Living in the suburbs, I don't parallel park all that often so I agree with some of the posts that driver assistance isn't necessary. I guess in my case HUD from the tech package might be more useful, but then grass is always greener since I don't have the tech package in my car.

328AL · 09-29-2013, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hsk1610

Hello. A BMW newbie. Just picked up a 2013 328iX with cold, premium, driver assistance. Thought I definitely wanted the parking sensors and the rear camera since used to driving and parking in Asia and chose this particular vehicle from dealer stock instead of the car with the tech package. Now that I've driven it for a few days, I guess I could have gone without it. The lane departure warning is useful, but other than that, just more sensors and gadgets for me. Luckily, I got a great deal and the driver assistance with the front and rear sensors and the parking camera was only a few hundred dollars more than the one with the tech package. Living in the suburbs, I don't parallel park all that often so I agree with some of the posts that driver assistance isn't necessary. I guess in my case HUD from the tech package might be more useful, but then grass is always greener since I don't have the tech package in my car.

You still have old habits of driving, report back to us in six months and see if you want to drive another car without it

1.fresh.f30.335 · 09-30-2013, 08:02 PM

This entire thread has been opinions. The market demands that BMW include these types of innovative and typically useful options to stay competitive, even porsche has had to cope and add the gizmos and gadgets to gain market share. Not too mention, no two people are truly alike and everyone has different priorities; I've seen people pay 5k more for a 3 series to have modern line and only navigation, nothing else, just so the wife could have a light colored steering wheel.

Point being this debate is pointless, the OP is as bad as all the responses if not worse... Maybe the OP is the odd man out for not liking Driver's assistance plus (not actually a popular option, maybe 15% of them have that... I work for BMW), either way this thread has amounted to a waste of time.

viper446 · 09-30-2013, 08:10 PM

The only thing that I might find remotely useful in these packages would be the backup camera. From what I seen it doesn't really alter the look any and I actually find it difficult to see out the back of the car. Though I manage fine without it. These just seem like overpriced packages that aren't really necessary or something that may be rarely used by the lot of the people who actually go with the package(s).

BmwFlooner · 09-30-2013, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viper446

The only thing that I might find remotely useful in these packages would be the backup camera. From what I seen it doesn't really alter the look any and I actually find it difficult to see out the back of the car. Though I manage fine without it. These just seem like overpriced packages that aren't really necessary or something that may be rarely used by the lot of the people who actually go with the package(s).

They're not *necessary*. They're *assistance packages*. Overpriced? Sure. But you're buying a BMW. You've already passed 'necessity' by.

I use the overhead camera every time I park the car. Literally. My reflex action when pulling in is to hit the little camera button next to the shifter. Same with the HUD. I notice its absence when I hop into my Eclipse and feel a little disconnected with my speed. I don't need them the way I need the steering wheel, but they have made my life easier. Mission accomplished.

Sedan_Clan · 10-01-2013, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1.fresh.f30.335

This entire thread has been opinions. The market demands that BMW include these types of innovative and typically useful options to stay competitive, even porsche has had to cope and add the gizmos and gadgets to gain market share. Not too mention, no two people are truly alike and everyone has different priorities; I've seen people pay 5k more for a 3 series to have modern line and only navigation, nothing else, just so the wife could have a light colored steering wheel.

Point being this debate is pointless, the OP is as bad as all the responses if not worse... Maybe the OP is the odd man out for not liking Driver's assistance plus (not actually a popular option, maybe 15% of them have that... I work for BMW), either way this thread has amounted to a waste of time.

Thanks for adding another useless opinion to this "waste of time" thread.

dave7933 · 10-02-2013, 07:01 AM

JDong--lover your post and could not agree more. I have been driving my 335i Coupe for the past 4 years (it's a 2009) and love the car but miss a lot of the features you describe for every day driving. Just ordered a 435i with most the goodies and can't wait for it to arrive. And I must say that my 335i is the first car I have not been in a hurry to trade in. Best car I have ever owned.

rconti · 10-02-2013, 08:24 PM

There are no blind spots if your mirrors are adjusted properly.

RjSmithTec · 10-03-2013, 07:45 AM

It's interesting to see all the drivers in here that say the camera is useful for parking in really tight spots. I would never want to leave my car in a tight spot, not because of my driving, but because of the other vehicles that will come and go when I'm not near the car...

No thanks

snowghost · 10-03-2013, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rconti

There are no blind spots if your mirrors are adjusted properly.

Yeah but in the dark and a raised vehicle compounded by inclement weather and you might miss it visually. RADAR is your friend.

CHCCubs · 10-04-2013, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rconti

There are no blind spots if your mirrors are adjusted properly.

Agreed.

BDWonder · 12-31-2013, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e46tiag

BTW, if you order M-Sport package on a 4-series, you won't be getting blind spot detection with any package. It's not compatible.

How true is this? Whats ur source dude?

inChargeOfIT · 12-31-2013, 12:54 AM

Of course there are bling spots lol. A blind spot is anywhere you are not currently looking. Even with properly adjusted mirrors - which I would say 90% of US drivers do not have as most seem to have 3 rear view mirrors - you still need to move your head and adjust your perspective to get it all in. And even if you scan each mirror every few seconds you can still miss a small child or pet darting out behind you.

HUD, backup cameras, and radar are all tools to assist the driver in driving better and safer. Why (besides the high cost) would you not want that? If anything - as a true driving enthusiast - you should be complaining about the things that distract from the 'pure' driving experience: stereos, iPhones, AC and heat, power steering, automatic transmissions. Hell, get rid of the passengers too. A real car only needs one seat.

The only real option I regret not getting is PDC, and the first time you run your $750 lip spoiler into a curb you will too

loosenit2 · 12-31-2013, 08:42 AM

IMHO most BMW buyers (like me) aren't looking for a totally functional sports car (faster cars can be had for much less $), they are looking for a luxury car with a good deal of sportiness, and maybe a little bragging rights. If you look at it that way there is no conflict on the boards or in the purchasing habits.

flyguy27 · 12-31-2013, 10:01 AM

I love car technology so i get the options I must have and then whatever else i see necessary based on me as an individual. Xenons, rear cam, navigation, bluetooth and streaming and push button start are my must haves in any car I buy these days. I also like to add options to future proof my car if i plan to keep it.

bosjt · 12-31-2013, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvenKeel

On the MY14s, there is a front collision warning system as part of the package that is very handy. It warns you of an impending collision and will pre-pressurize the hydraulic brake system to give you immediate bite and deceleration when you apply the brakes under such a situation.

+1

Also, the F30 LCI announced this past summer says that the Driver Assistance Plus (ZDB) now also automatically applies the brakes if necessary so this is a very important option that I don't think BMW promotes very clearly on their website. This is the first system to support collision mitigation by automatic brake for both pedestrians and vehicles where the camera is the sole sensor (meaning you don't have to order the Adaptive Cruise Control option which gets you the Radar sensor in your front grill). You can read about this over here http://www.mobileye.com/markets/oem/...w-launch-2013/

09-28-2013, 01:53 PM	#67
SamS Banned 867 Rep 6,248 Posts Drives: Tesla M3 Perf + '18 X3 M40i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	I also have ZDA and ZDB. I like all the features, except Lane Departure warning. Speed Limit Info is the feature that is most surprisingly useful.
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09-28-2013, 02:05 PM	#68
CHCCubs Colonel 97 Rep 2,101 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada iTrader: (0)	Have to agree with the original poster. While I do have the backup camera on my car as it was included with the premium package, I definitely wouldn't spend extra to get it if it was a separate option. I also had absolutely no interest in spending the $1000+ for the driver assistance package as a set of properly adjusted mirrors and paying attention while driving has served me just fine in my 20+ years of driving. __________________ 2013 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Line Mineral Grey on Everest Grey
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09-29-2013, 01:18 AM	#71
BmwFlooner Second Lieutenant 48 Rep 265 Posts Drives: 2013 M-Sport 335i 6MT Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	HUD, overhead camera, rearview camera. I've driven 20+ years without them with NO problems! I don't need them. But I bought them anyway. And now I don't want another vehicle without them. Choice: It's a hell of a thing.
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09-29-2013, 07:15 AM	#73
hsk1610 Lieutenant 108 Rep 524 Posts Drives: 2013 328i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Hello. A BMW newbie. Just picked up a 2013 328iX with cold, premium, driver assistance. Thought I definitely wanted the parking sensors and the rear camera since used to driving and parking in Asia and chose this particular vehicle from dealer stock instead of the car with the tech package. Now that I've driven it for a few days, I guess I could have gone without it. The lane departure warning is useful, but other than that, just more sensors and gadgets for me. Luckily, I got a great deal and the driver assistance with the front and rear sensors and the parking camera was only a few hundred dollars more than the one with the tech package. Living in the suburbs, I don't parallel park all that often so I agree with some of the posts that driver assistance isn't necessary. I guess in my case HUD from the tech package might be more useful, but then grass is always greener since I don't have the tech package in my car.
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09-30-2013, 08:02 PM	#75
1.fresh.f30.335 Second Lieutenant 91 Rep 286 Posts Drives: 2014 535xdrive M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NH-CT iTrader: (0)	This entire thread has been opinions. The market demands that BMW include these types of innovative and typically useful options to stay competitive, even porsche has had to cope and add the gizmos and gadgets to gain market share. Not too mention, no two people are truly alike and everyone has different priorities; I've seen people pay 5k more for a 3 series to have modern line and only navigation, nothing else, just so the wife could have a light colored steering wheel. Point being this debate is pointless, the OP is as bad as all the responses if not worse... Maybe the OP is the odd man out for not liking Driver's assistance plus (not actually a popular option, maybe 15% of them have that... I work for BMW), either way this thread has amounted to a waste of time. __________________ '12 335i Sport Apline White w/black... Totaled '14 535i xdrive M-Sport Carbon Black w/Mocha Nappa
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09-30-2013, 08:10 PM	#76
viper446 New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: '13 335i xDrive M-SPORT Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0)	The only thing that I might find remotely useful in these packages would be the backup camera. From what I seen it doesn't really alter the look any and I actually find it difficult to see out the back of the car. Though I manage fine without it. These just seem like overpriced packages that aren't really necessary or something that may be rarely used by the lot of the people who actually go with the package(s).
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10-02-2013, 07:01 AM	#79
dave7933 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 35 Posts Drives: 435i w/Prem, MSport, Tech Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	JDong--lover your post and could not agree more. I have been driving my 335i Coupe for the past 4 years (it's a 2009) and love the car but miss a lot of the features you describe for every day driving. Just ordered a 435i with most the goodies and can't wait for it to arrive. And I must say that my 335i is the first car I have not been in a hurry to trade in. Best car I have ever owned.
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10-02-2013, 08:24 PM	#80
rconti Lieutenant 14 Rep 525 Posts Drives: x5 3.5d, Clownshoe, Tesla 3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: SF Bay iTrader: (0)	There are no blind spots if your mirrors are adjusted properly.
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10-03-2013, 07:45 AM	#81
RjSmithTec New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2013 328i M Sport Fully Loaded Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	It's interesting to see all the drivers in here that say the camera is useful for parking in really tight spots. I would never want to leave my car in a tight spot, not because of my driving, but because of the other vehicles that will come and go when I'm not near the car... No thanks
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12-31-2013, 12:54 AM	#85
inChargeOfIT First Lieutenant 17 Rep 344 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sport Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Of course there are bling spots lol. A blind spot is anywhere you are not currently looking. Even with properly adjusted mirrors - which I would say 90% of US drivers do not have as most seem to have 3 rear view mirrors - you still need to move your head and adjust your perspective to get it all in. And even if you scan each mirror every few seconds you can still miss a small child or pet darting out behind you. HUD, backup cameras, and radar are all tools to assist the driver in driving better and safer. Why (besides the high cost) would you not want that? If anything - as a true driving enthusiast - you should be complaining about the things that distract from the 'pure' driving experience: stereos, iPhones, AC and heat, power steering, automatic transmissions. Hell, get rid of the passengers too. A real car only needs one seat. The only real option I regret not getting is PDC, and the first time you run your $750 lip spoiler into a curb you will too
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12-31-2013, 08:42 AM	#86
loosenit2 Private 0 Rep 76 Posts Drives: 12 328i Luxury Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	IMHO most BMW buyers (like me) aren't looking for a totally functional sports car (faster cars can be had for much less $), they are looking for a luxury car with a good deal of sportiness, and maybe a little bragging rights. If you look at it that way there is no conflict on the boards or in the purchasing habits.
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12-31-2013, 10:01 AM	#87
flyguy27 Private First Class 40 Rep 125 Posts Drives: 2013 328I Sportline Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i [0.00]	I love car technology so i get the options I must have and then whatever else i see necessary based on me as an individual. Xenons, rear cam, navigation, bluetooth and streaming and push button start are my must haves in any car I buy these days. I also like to add options to future proof my car if i plan to keep it.
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