[ruthlessbmw]

I read "even the standard cruise control will automatically apply the brakes if you get too close to a car ahead" on a article posted here: http://www.automotive.com/2007/101/b...ews/index.html

Is this true?

[Roowah]

Originally Posted by ruthlessbmw

I read "even the standard cruise control will automatically apply the brakes if you get too close to a car ahead" on a article posted here: http://www.automotive.com/2007/101/b...ews/index.html

Is this true?

It's not true. Yes, the standard cruise control will apply the brakes if for example, it is set to a certain speed and you are going down a steep grade. It will apply the brakes to maintain your speed. Active cruise (an option) has the electronics to measure distance between you and the vehicle in front. Standard cruise does not.

[ruthlessbmw]

Originally Posted by Roowah

It's not true. Yes, the standard cruise control will apply the brakes if for example, it is set to a certain speed and you are going down a steep grade. It will apply the brakes to maintain your speed. Active cruise (an option) has the electronics to measure distance between you and the vehicle in front. Standard cruise does not.

I thought it was too good to be true

[BMWFM]

+ 1 Not true.

[Cloud9blue]

think and use your brain. how does the car know there is another infront of him...

[exidisjon]

Originally Posted by BMWnator

think and use your brain. how does the car know there is another infront of him...

The active cruise control actually does know. Which is an option for our cars. Regular standard cruise doesnt have the sensors.
Technology...

[JO3]

False.


If I ever rear end someone, I'll tell the cops "But automotive.com told me that my car will brake for me!" ... and then sue. lol

[methodtim]

Originally Posted by BMWnator

think and use your brain. how does the car know there is another infront of him...

It's called radar. Think and use your brain.

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t...e_control.html

Radar sensors at the front of the vehicle permanently scan the road ahead. As your BMW approaches a slower vehicle, Active Cruise Control automatically reduces power output from the engine and gently applies the brakes, holding your BMW at a pre-defined distance to the vehicle ahead.
This distance is set as a number of seconds, not of metres, so that a safe reaction time is always available, relative to the current speed.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...gGGFtEbQcBog==

Active Cruise Control is an advanced version of conventional cruise control systems. After setting the chosen speed and pre-set distance, radar measurements allow you to maintain a pre-set distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead in highway driving. As soon as sensors determine you are closing in on a vehicle ahead, the system automatically slows down to retain your pre-set distance.

Edit: Oh, I forgot something...

[Cloud9blue]

Originally Posted by methodtim

It's called radar. Think and use your brain.

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t...e_control.html

Radar sensors at the front of the vehicle permanently scan the road ahead. As your BMW approaches a slower vehicle, Active Cruise Control automatically reduces power output from the engine and gently applies the brakes, holding your BMW at a pre-defined distance to the vehicle ahead.
This distance is set as a number of seconds, not of metres, so that a safe reaction time is always available, relative to the current speed.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...gGGFtEbQcBog==

Active Cruise Control is an advanced version of conventional cruise control systems. After setting the chosen speed and pre-set distance, radar measurements allow you to maintain a pre-set distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead in highway driving. As soon as sensors determine you are closing in on a vehicle ahead, the system automatically slows down to retain your pre-set distance.

Edit: Oh, I forgot something...

lol, sorry for being harsh with the first post. but i was referring to the standard cruise control.

[Chitown-Irish]

Originally Posted by ruthlessbmw

Is this true?

As others have said, it's not true but if you pull back and hold on the cruise control stalk it will apply the brakes.

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by Chitown-Irish

As others have said, it's not true but if you pull back and hold on the cruise control stalk it will apply the brakes.

And you don't even have to have CC engaged to do this. The brake lights come on too.

[Chitown-Irish]

Originally Posted by wrickem

And you don't even have to have CC engaged to do this. The brake lights come on too.

You sure the brake lights come on?

[FotiosF90M5]

yes they do. there is light braking if you pull the stalk a little and hard braking if you pull hard on it. Its a great cruise control system. same idea with acceleration.

[Booster4075]

Just to clarify, there is a third (base) cruise control which merely controls engine speed. This one WON'T do any braking (as DCC and ACC will.) I'm not sure if base cruise control is available in the U.S. tho..

[rob72]

Originally Posted by Booster4075

Just to clarify, there is a third (base) cruise control which merely controls engine speed. This one WON'T do any braking (as DCC and ACC will.) I'm not sure if base cruise control is available in the U.S. tho..

The 'base' cruise control you are referring to is what you get on 4-cylinder BMW models. 6-cylinder models get the cruise control with braking function.

And since 4-cylinder cars are not offered in North America you cannot get it. 4-cylinder models also do not get the hill hold function, and upgrading to the Active cruise control is not possible.