Who's going to avoid the park distance zits?

[Audio Fan]

I really don't like the park distance sensors being visible on bumpers. I guess there are some on the front and rear that are visible, if you get the park distance gear. Who's is going to go out of there way to avoid them? It looks like the executive package, and thus, the driver assistance package, requires them. Is this true? It's weird that you can't get HUD, rear view camera, or satellite radio without getting park distance. I'm hoping the sat radio can be activated stateside.

[Sedan_Clan]

I think they look fine. They are some of the most well integrated sensors of any car maker.

[ChrisMT79]

Originally Posted by Audio Fan

I really don't like the park distance sensors being visible on bumpers. I guess there are some on the front and rear that are visible, if you get the park distance gear. Who's is going to go out of there way to avoid them? It looks like the executive package, and thus, the driver assistance package, requires them. Is this true? It's weird that you can't get HUD, rear view camera, or satellite radio without getting park distance. I'm hoping the sat radio can be activated stateside.

Well since the law was passed that all vehicles (2018+) will have to have either a camera/sensors of some sort, I'd say you'd fair best to get used to them

My wife's family company is a supplier of them (Taiwanese) to the big three and all other manufactures globally.
They manufacture in China and Taiwan and they are working on making them more and more less visible. But the trend is towards automated parking/backup/cruise etc...using cameras and sensors.

[maxxxmagnum]

Originally Posted by Audio Fan

I really don't like the park distance sensors being visible on bumpers. I guess there are some on the front and rear that are visible, if you get the park distance gear. Who's is going to go out of there way to avoid them? It looks like the executive package, and thus, the driver assistance package, requires them. Is this true? It's weird that you can't get HUD, rear view camera, or satellite radio without getting park distance. I'm hoping the sat radio can be activated stateside.

Parking thingies don't bother me, but satellite radio does. I've had it in several cars and the more I listened to it, the more it annoyed me. Can't stand it any more. In order to utilize the broadband they compress the sound so much that it is no better than a lousy mp3. If you have any ears at all and a decent sound system in your car, you'd consider this atrocious. Compare to FM any time and you'll see what I'm talking about. It's better to use the built-in hard drive or USB port to plug in a flash drive and listen to your own music, than the horrible satellite.

On a side note, does anyone find it odd that BMW doesn't support FLAC???

[Audio Fan]

Originally Posted by maxxxmagnum

Parking thingies don't bother me, but satellite radio does. I've had it in several cars and the more I listened to it, the more it annoyed me. Can't stand it any more. In order to utilize the broadband they compress the sound so much that it is no better than a lousy mp3. If you have any ears at all and a decent sound system in your car, you'd consider this atrocious. Compare to FM any time and you'll see what I'm talking about. It's better to use the built-in hard drive or USB port to plug in a flash drive and listen to your own music, than the horrible satellite.

On a side note, does anyone find it odd that BMW doesn't support FLAC???

I am an audio fan and agree with the compression gripes. The issue is that these cars are so loud, much of the detail is lost. I generally listen to news/talk stuff in the car. It's nice to have the option when running between radio coverage areas.

Does anyone have pics of the front and rear sensors?

You notice that none of the show cars have them shown. As for the new regs, I may wait for better, smaller, hidden sensors. This M4 will keep me going for at least three years.

[ChrisMT79]

Well although the tech is getting better, in order to utilize additional autonomous systems, the actual sensors themselves are inevitable.

A cool feature I randomly found was the web radio/app utilizing the BMW connected app. It essentially allows you to plug In your phone and use it for the web radio. Why would anyone subscribe to the Sirus when they can link to that free? (Granted I am not certain how different Sirus and web radio are, but it had enough channels for me)

[maxxxmagnum]

Originally Posted by Audio Fan

I am an audio fan and agree with the compression gripes. The issue is that these cars are so loud, much of the detail is lost. I generally listen to news/talk stuff in the car. It's nice to have the option when running between radio coverage areas.

Does anyone have pics of the front and rear sensors?

You notice that none of the show cars have them shown. As for the new regs, I may wait for better, smaller, hidden sensors. This M4 will keep me going for at least three years.

You always have an option to play the music louder than the engine

On a side note, I've read about this Active Sound feature, but never heard it in person. I hope it is turned off when playing music? I can't imagine music being mixed with the sound of engine via speakers. To design it that way would be plain dumb and offensive.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Audio Fan

I really don't like the park distance sensors being visible on bumpers. I guess there are some on the front and rear that are visible, if you get the park distance gear. Who's is going to go out of there way to avoid them? It looks like the executive package, and thus, the driver assistance package, requires them. Is this true? It's weird that you can't get HUD, rear view camera, or satellite radio without getting park distance. I'm hoping the sat radio can be activated stateside.

To me the cameras are all you need - wish the PDC could be avoided with these.

[maxxxmagnum]

Originally Posted by ChrisMT79

Well although the tech is getting better, in order to utilize additional autonomous systems, the actual sensors themselves are inevitable.

A cool feature I randomly found was the web radio/app utilizing the BMW connected app. It essentially allows you to plug In your phone and use it for the web radio. Why would anyone subscribe to the Sirus when they can link to that free? (Granted I am not certain how different Sirus and web radio are, but it had enough channels for me)

Subscribing to Sirius vs free music is not an issue if you can afford a BMW, but it is an issue from the perspective of sound quality. Both Sirius and web radio are of criminal sound quality due to technical properties of satellite and web broadcast. I like my sound as good as reasonably possible in a car. That's why I always get a car with upgraded sound system. To pay extra for a sound system and then torture my ears with compressed Sirius junk or web radio, just doesn't make sense.

[ixse]

like ive stated before.. anyone who orders drivers assist plus bs option pkg for M cars shall be shot on the day of delivery.
if you cant confidently park or parallel park manually, you got problems as a enthusiast.

[UK6]

I'd say wanting people shot because of options ordered with a car is a bigger problem, enthusiast or not.

[ixse]

Originally Posted by UK6

I'd say wanting people shot because of options ordered with a car is a bigger problem, enthusiast or not.

and bigger problem is some people cant handle sarcasm.

[maxxxmagnum]

Originally Posted by ixse

and bigger problem is some people cant handle sarcasm.

Perhaps, it has to do with driving on the wrong side of the road...

[pkimM3r]

you guys listen to music in your cars? i prefer mechanical noises...

[pkimM3r]

Originally Posted by ixse

like ive stated before.. anyone who orders drivers assist plus bs option pkg for M cars shall be shot on the day of delivery.
if you cant confidently park or parallel park manually, you got problems as a enthusiast.

i don't even look backwards to park anymore...i aim and listen for the pdc LOL. but as my wife says, i also drive around at some track in the middle of nowhere in circles all day for fun....enthusiast here (or loser to her).

[maxxxmagnum]

Originally Posted by SlowSaloonM3

you guys listen to music in your cars? i prefer mechanical noises...

I tried chainsaw once, but it ruined my interior.

[pkimM3r]

Originally Posted by maxxxmagnum

I tried chainsaw once, but it ruined my interior.

pretty similar sound to the m4 though.

[UK6]

Originally Posted by ixse

and bigger problem is some people cant handle sarcasm.

Is that what is was supposed to be? Ok.

[fabolous]

I had an s550 and when you got radar cruise control it eliminated the sensors. The manual described the system as bars underneath the bumper skin. All smooth

[dhoggm3]

My driving, moving forward, is pretty darned good, what with a BMW CCA Club Racing regional championship and 16 years of track experience.

My record in reverse: it's dismal. I want the pimples to protect me from my poor reverse judgement. Just fact. There, I said it.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by dhoggm3

My driving, moving forward, is pretty darned good, what with a BMW CCA Club Racing regional championship and 16 years of track experience.

My record in reverse: it's dismal. I want the pimples to protect me from my poor reverse judgement. Just fact. There, I said it.

Camera is better, IMO.

[Audio Fan]

$73K - no satellite radio or backup camera. This car better be awesome, or we are all huge suckers.