EnI

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They prefer BMW's system, but admit the combination of both system would be perfect.

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Just_me

I havent tested them but its good to know they prefer bimmers system

EnI

They like BMW system better since it requires less attention from driver.

MB system projects B/W high resolution pic of a road ahead in a screen instead of speed dial (speed info is displayed as a horizontal bar), while BMW system projects B/W high-contrast image of road in central screen - where warm objects (especially people, animals) are projected as bright white silhuetts on gray background.

Driver more easy recognizes the dangerous object on the road on BMW's system - since the projected image is more alerting. MB system is more distracting since driver has to concentrate more on image reading / recognizing. But BMW system only projects objects that radiate heat, while MB's system show all the objects ahead (e.g. parked car on the street, or a stone) - but are difficult to recognized in the screen. BMW claims that for such cases (parked cars with reflecrtors or stones) high beam is sufficient - especially because MB's system can detect the objects only 150m ahead, whil BMW's can do it 300m ahead.

I wonder how both systems work in snow, rain & fog conditions.

Centurion

How much does these nightvision options cost?

EnI

BMW: 1.950 Euros (available in 7er, and also in 5er & 6er from March on)
MB: 1.925 Euros (available in S-class)

Centurion

Thanks for the info Tine. Somehow I feel that this is an nessecary option. By the time you have tried to identify if it's a human, sheet of flying paper or creature, and hit the brake you will allready have hit what ever's infront of you.


Although gangsters might like nightvision for assasinations during cold and dark winter afternoons.

Mr. Mercedes

Although the image projected by the BMW may show more of a contrast, I dont see how they would come to the conclusion its the better system since it still relies on differences in heat between the object and its surrounds as with all the old systems fitted to Lexus and Caddilac vehicles. The Mercedes system picks up all objects regardless of wheather they are dead or alive.

EnI

Interesting facts:

- MB system doesn't work under 15km/h speed, since IR light beams coud hurt human eyes

- In paranoid US market BMW would advertise or just stress in the system description that the system could detect hidden robbers / attackers in parking lots, drak areas, etc.

- BMW system is unable to recognize cold object (like stones, parked cars) on the road, MB does

- MB system is much more complex and more expensive to build - indicating BMW woud make more profit from the system

EnI

The problem with MB NIR system is that it requires more attention from driver - it is ergonomicaly questionable. Driver have to watch screen for longer time to recognize the image - that means longer time not lookin on the road through windscreen. Meanwhile BMW FIR system needs only a glance look - just like a glance at rear or side mirrors to check for obstacles on the road.

They've driven the cars and found out BMW system is more driver friendly.

Just_me

exactly, unless you havent tested both systems yourself then you can decide which system is the best. AMS tested them both and prefer BMW system