BMW 5 - Manual (Page 39)

BMW
Media
Information
11/2009
Page 39
Innovative combination: collision warning with brake activation
function combined with Active Cruise Control and Stop & Go.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan comes as standard with cruise control
incorporating an independent brake function. This system controls both
the engine and the brakes and, on cars with automatic transmission, the
choice of gears, in order to maintain a specific speed pre-selected by
the driver. Cruise control consistently registers longitudinal and lateral
acceleration of the car and, where required, reduces the speed of the
vehicle by intervening in engine management and the brake system in
order to avoid any impairment of comfort in a bend. Where necessary,
cruise control also intervenes in the brakes when driving downhill to
maintain a controlled driving process at controlled speed, also when
towing a trailer.
Active Cruise Control complete with a Stop & Go function available as an
option gives the driver even greater support and assistance. This
sophisticated system also comprises an automatic distance control function
for cruising smoothly in flowing traffic on the autobahn or a country road and
maintaining the distance chosen from the vehicle ahead in stop-and-go traffic
at a very low speed. As soon as the distance from the vehicle ahead pre-set
by the driver is no longer maintained, Active Cruise Control adjusts the
speed of the car by intervening in engine management and building up brake
pressure, thus consistently maintaining the right speed in accordance with
traffic conditions. Ultimately, this function serves where necessary to slow
down the car to a complete standstill and hold it safely in position.
The maximum stopping power generated by Active Cruise Control with
Stop & Go is 4 metres/sec
2 , which is however limited at higher speeds
to a more comfortable 2.5 metres/sec 2 . Should the driver be required to
intervene because the driver ahead is applying the brakes extremely hard,
he will be prompted to do so by appropriate optical and acoustic signals.
The release thresholds for the Brake Assistant are lowered at the same
time and the Brake Standby function in the DSC system is activated.
After coming to a halt for more than three seconds, the driver is required
when setting off again to briefly press down the gas pedal or press the
Resume button on the multifunction steering wheel in order to accelerate
the car. A further point is that with the system active, the driver is able to
control his speed himself at any time by pressing down the accelerator or
brake pedal, thus retaining his responsibility at all times.
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go available throughout the road speed
range from 30 – 180 km/h (19 – 112 mph) uses the latest generation of radar