BMW active cruise control does not detect stationary cars - is it a fault? | Ask Honest John

BMW active cruise control does not detect stationary cars - is it a fault?

I bought a new BMW 420D Gran Coupe seven months with active cruise control. The system detects the car in front and maintains a safe distance, would I thought be a useful safety feature. However, since driving the car, I've noticed that it does not detect stationary cars. For example at traffic lights or a tailback on the motorway. This is dangerous in my view.

BMW say that there is nothing wrong with system and if I wanted the 'stationary' feature I need to have an additional technology pack, but my local BMW dealer in Sheffield was not aware of this. How BMW can design a radar based system which does not detect stationary cars?

Asked on 25 October 2016 by Roger

Answered by Honest John

You have conventional 'Active Cruise Control' same as everything else with it. What you are asking about here is an additional feature that some cars like the Volvo XC90 T8 have. This feature automatically slows the car to a standstill, then follows the car in front if it begins to move again. Another step towards autonomous driving.

Tags: cruise control technical issues

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