Driving Assistant vs Driving Assistant Plus vs None

midster · 04-14-2018, 09:28 AM

Is it worth of getting any of the driving assistant packages?

fxoffroad · 04-14-2018, 09:33 AM

IMO every vehicle should come w/ all these as standard features. Determining value and worth is truly a personal thing - if you have a family - absolutely. If you've lived this long without Lane Departure warning and other safety systems, perhaps not.

I wish the Executive tier came w/ all this stuff packaged together and not the stupid (IMO) Parking Assistant Plus.

edcrane · 04-14-2018, 09:37 AM

To me, higher speed forward collision warning/mitigation and blind spot monitoring with vibration are the key features. Adaptive cruise is very nice but not essential. Active lane keep assist seems just ok, though I could imagine it might be valuable on a long road trip.

nlk10010 · 04-14-2018, 09:50 AM

I don't think you can overestimate how important it is to have advanced systems installed in your car which are designed to mitigate the effects of a crash.

And I say this as one who has had a "fender bender" with a BMW so equipped and realizes how expensive these things can be to repair. Crucial modules are in the bumper and auto body places are not equipped to check/realign and initialize them. In my case it took almost a month of constant attention and cost my insurance company $11,000 to repair a bumper that was simply pulled out of place by a low curb (no structural or other damage, only to the collision module(s) with some broken trim pieces).

Despite this, I just ordered my new BMW with the full suite.

JSY · 04-14-2018, 11:09 AM

I have both and for me it is worth it though I agree that some of these things you'd think would be standard due to the safety reasons - but I guess to make the base "cheaper" - they make these as options.

The lane keeping assistant and adaptive cruise control I think is really great for those long drives.

The only thing I haven't used much is the parking assistant since I don't park it in the street very much. Also, often times I just do it all manually since sometimes it's just quicker and I forget I even have that option. lol

TxHornX3M40iGuy · 04-14-2018, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midster

Is it worth of getting any of the driving assistant packages?

I went with The Driving Asst Package (Active Blind Spot and Lane Departure Warning), Premium, Executive, Adaptive Suspension, Active Driving Assistant, Active Cruise, Harmon Kardon upgrade and 20" wheels on mine. I did not do the Driving Assist Plus package specifically to avoid the active lane keeping assist. On the test drive I found it obnoxious to fight the steering wheel while changing lanes if I forgot to put my blinker on (which happens about 1/2 the time). I just got the Active Cruise as a separate add-on as that's the only one I really wanted on that. Still has the collision etc through the other packages.

RCtennis3811 · 04-14-2018, 06:18 PM

Frankly, if you're spending this much to buy a brand-new BMW; why wouldn't you get the latest safety technology out there? It's cutting corners IMHO.

Keweenawbee · 04-14-2018, 07:13 PM

If you live in a big city with daily periods of rush hour traffic the full Plus package is a must. Also in the USA with long stretches of well defined Interstate highways the Plus package will give you more relaxed journeys.

I haven’t driven a vehicle with just the DA package still a bit confused about what it would offer. I already have shut off the avoidance lane keep feature as I think it would get me into to more trouble with my quick lane change habits. Shutting that off in no way inhibits the other active lane keeping functions that I love.

fxoffroad · 04-14-2018, 07:17 PM

BMW should simply include these safety features and build it into the price.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCtennis3811

Frankly, if you're spending this much to buy a brand-new BMW; why wouldn't you get the latest safety technology out there? It's cutting corners IMHO.

sinbad4 · 04-14-2018, 08:28 PM

I ordered all the packages - and most options. If I was looking to save $$, I would drop both the DA and DA Plus. I'm tickled by the idea of semi-autonomous driving. I don't really care for the 'safety' angle.

So, dropping the DA & DA Plus saves $2600 and really only drops the Smart cruise control and safety options. It doesn't affect driving, ride, other features.. so yeah, if I was looking to shave some $$ of tag, I'd drop these two packages.

For me, it's $65,500 vs $68,100, which is a pile of cash any way you turn it. I spent a little more to get a car I will love.

My 2c.

sm32589g · 04-15-2018, 01:15 PM

They're all gimmicks for lazy people. I have these as standard features in my toyota and I never use it. The driver should be 100% focused on driving at all times. There should not be a middle ground between driver and machine operated vehicles. This is how ubers end up running over customers. Also initial cost and repair costs are much higher. With little to no adding residual value.

titomi · 04-15-2018, 01:27 PM

those things for "lazy people" are saving lifes.

GGEVOX · 04-15-2018, 01:50 PM

Ha. I was under the impression I had the full bang of options but seems I don't have the "+" package. As I noticed 2 small dummy switches on my steering wheel where that control is. I have really come to like my blind spot detection and steering wheel vibration. I personally have my detection set to go off sooner as opposed to the standard middle ground.

I read about the comment on not using it on other mfgs cars. i.e. Toyota. This BMW system is so crisp and responsive. I don't think I can compare this to any thing out.

sm32589g · 04-15-2018, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by titomi

those things for "lazy people" are saving lifes.

Maybe. But they are factually taking lives as well. The matter of the fact is they can fail at any moment. Half machine half human is the most deadly combo on any automobile. Especially when you rely on these to function properly then that moment strikes when it glitches or fails for jsut one second.

JSY · 04-15-2018, 02:10 PM

Wow, I didn't think I was being "lazy" in wanting my car to assist me in braking when someone stops short or cuts me off quick. God forbid advancement in technology to assist us in everyday life.

sm32589g · 04-15-2018, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSY

Wow, I didn't think I was being "lazy" in wanting my car to assist me in braking when someone stops short or cuts me off quick. God forbid advancement in technology to assist us in everyday life.

I mean I paid attention in driver's ed and my parents taught me to keep a safe distance and always expect the worse. I have always had enough time to stop in time. If you aren't paying attention to where you're going you shouldn't be behind the wheel. Pull over to handle your business. Don't be the guy texting at a green light for 20 seconds. There is a commonality in all of this if we take out the word lazy then what we have left is just doing the right thing and you will be safe. Car's are safer now then they have ever been. However, technology allows us to become complacent.

Keweenawbee · 04-15-2018, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sm32589g

There should not be a middle ground between driver and machine operated vehicles. This is how ubers end up running over customers. Also initial cost and repair costs are much higher. With little to no adding residual value.

Our X3 DA-Plus systems are eager to error on the side of safety and warn/relinquish/force us back into control. Although I wish sometimes I could just relax my hand and have it take over I have learned that BMW at least, does not want these sort of "one off" serious accidents happening like has occurred with Uber and Tesla. I for one will not be endorsing full autonomous until they come up with a beacon system aware and interacting in some way with any vehicles in it's zone that are in an autonomous mode. With 5G on the horizon the infrastructure for this may be feasible very soon. Then it would be up to the bureaucracy to tie it all (vehicle feedback,GPS,MTC, etc) together into some sort of universal traffic management system.

JSY · 04-15-2018, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sm32589g

I mean I paid attention in driver's ed and my parents taught me to keep a safe distance and always expect the worse. I have always had enough time to stop in time. If you aren't paying attention to where you're going you shouldn't be behind the wheel. Pull over to handle your business. Don't be the guy texting at a green light for 20 seconds. There is a commonality in all of this if we take out the word lazy then what we have left is just doing the right thing and you will be safe. Car's are safer now then they have ever been. However, technology allows us to become complacent.

So, did I.. I don't tailgate nor do any of those things you mention and in fact, I've even taken the defensive drivers' course. However, I always appreciate the assistance regardless. IMHO the biggest misconception is that we only have to be concerned with the way we drive and think that's enough, but really that's only half the solution. We have no control over how others drive, and if technology can help me get an advantage over that, I welcome it. It is our responsibility to be as vigil with the technology as we are without - and if you have the wherewithal to be alert 100% of the time 24/7, then you should have the wherewithal to not let complacency take over with technology.

greg2step · 04-15-2018, 03:16 PM

I ended up with Driver Assist but not Driver Assist Plus. I don't think there is a wrong answer here, however some of these features will probably become standard over time and maybe required in some countries.

sm32589g · 04-15-2018, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSY

So, did I.. I don't tailgate nor do any of those things you mention and in fact, I've even taken the defensive drivers' course. However, I always appreciate the assistance regardless. IMHO the biggest misconception is that we only have to be concerned with the way we drive and think that's enough, but really that's only half the solution. We have no control over how others drive, and if technology can help me get an advantage over that, I welcome it. It is our responsibility to be as vigil with the technology as we are without - and if you have the wherewithal to be alert 100% of the time 24/7, then you should have the wherewithal to not let complacency take over with technology.

I agree with you. But in my opinion save the money, and opt into m dif (2019) or m adaptive, or a harmon kardon system. That's what I did on the wife's car. We were able to spend the money on needs vs the wants, and maximized our dollar spent. Also we will be saving for a new steering wheel whenever they decide to let America be as fancy as the rest of the world.

midster · 04-15-2018, 05:13 PM

After watching the '2018 BMW X3 Crash Test & Rating' video below, I think all bmw cars have the trusted ability to keep people alive after all sorts of collisions with/without the DA/DA+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnFmn43dDpg

fxoffroad · 04-15-2018, 05:19 PM

Thanks for posting this video!

Quote:

Originally Posted by midster

After watching the '2018 BMW X3 Crash Test & Rating' video below, I think all bmw car has the trusted ability to keep people alive after all sorts of collisions with/without the DA/DA+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnFmn43dDpg

04-14-2018, 09:28 AM	#1
midster Enlisted Member 49 Rep 48 Posts Drives: Z4 moving to X3 ?? M Sport Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: West Midlands iTrader: (0)	Driving Assistant vs Driving Assistant Plus vs None Is it worth of getting any of the driving assistant packages?
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04-14-2018, 09:33 AM	#2
fxoffroad Private 39 Rep 90 Posts Drives: '18 X3/'18 i3s/'12 X5/'03 Z8 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ski Country USA iTrader: (0)	IMO every vehicle should come w/ all these as standard features. Determining value and worth is truly a personal thing - if you have a family - absolutely. If you've lived this long without Lane Departure warning and other safety systems, perhaps not. I wish the Executive tier came w/ all this stuff packaged together and not the stupid (IMO) Parking Assistant Plus.
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04-14-2018, 09:37 AM	#3
edcrane Second Lieutenant 102 Rep 200 Posts Drives: M235i, X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	To me, higher speed forward collision warning/mitigation and blind spot monitoring with vibration are the key features. Adaptive cruise is very nice but not essential. Active lane keep assist seems just ok, though I could imagine it might be valuable on a long road trip.
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04-14-2018, 09:50 AM	#4
nlk10010 Private First Class 25 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Lawn Guyland, NY iTrader: (0)	I don't think you can overestimate how important it is to have advanced systems installed in your car which are designed to mitigate the effects of a crash. And I say this as one who has had a "fender bender" with a BMW so equipped and realizes how expensive these things can be to repair. Crucial modules are in the bumper and auto body places are not equipped to check/realign and initialize them. In my case it took almost a month of constant attention and cost my insurance company $11,000 to repair a bumper that was simply pulled out of place by a low curb (no structural or other damage, only to the collision module(s) with some broken trim pieces). Despite this, I just ordered my new BMW with the full suite.
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04-14-2018, 11:09 AM	#5
JSY Major 578 Rep 1,108 Posts Drives: 2024 BMW X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: New York iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW X3 M40i [0.00] 2021 BMW X3 M40i [0.00] 2018 BMW X3 M40i [9.33] 2015 BMW X3 35i [9.50]	I have both and for me it is worth it though I agree that some of these things you'd think would be standard due to the safety reasons - but I guess to make the base "cheaper" - they make these as options. The lane keeping assistant and adaptive cruise control I think is really great for those long drives. The only thing I haven't used much is the parking assistant since I don't park it in the street very much. Also, often times I just do it all manually since sometimes it's just quicker and I forget I even have that option. lol
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04-14-2018, 06:18 PM	#7
RCtennis3811 Lieutenant 468 Rep 517 Posts Drives: N/A Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	Frankly, if you're spending this much to buy a brand-new BMW; why wouldn't you get the latest safety technology out there? It's cutting corners IMHO.
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04-14-2018, 07:13 PM	#8
Keweenawbee Captain 296 Rep 610 Posts Drives: 18 X3 30i-m-exec Rides: RT1100 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: MN & MI, USA iTrader: (0)	If you live in a big city with daily periods of rush hour traffic the full Plus package is a must. Also in the USA with long stretches of well defined Interstate highways the Plus package will give you more relaxed journeys. I haven’t driven a vehicle with just the DA package still a bit confused about what it would offer. I already have shut off the avoidance lane keep feature as I think it would get me into to more trouble with my quick lane change habits. Shutting that off in no way inhibits the other active lane keeping functions that I love. __________________ 2018 X3 30i SapphireBlack/ZMP/ZPX/ZDB
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04-14-2018, 08:28 PM	#10
sinbad4 Captain 783 Rep 911 Posts Drives: 2020 X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: MN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW X3 M40i [0.00]	I ordered all the packages - and most options. If I was looking to save $$, I would drop both the DA and DA Plus. I'm tickled by the idea of semi-autonomous driving. I don't really care for the 'safety' angle. So, dropping the DA & DA Plus saves $2600 and really only drops the Smart cruise control and safety options. It doesn't affect driving, ride, other features.. so yeah, if I was looking to shave some $$ of tag, I'd drop these two packages. For me, it's $65,500 vs $68,100, which is a pile of cash any way you turn it. I spent a little more to get a car I will love. My 2c.
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04-15-2018, 01:15 PM	#11
sm32589g Second Lieutenant 62 Rep 227 Posts Drives: 2018 340xi M-sport Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Bothell, WA iTrader: (0)	They're all gimmicks for lazy people. I have these as standard features in my toyota and I never use it. The driver should be 100% focused on driving at all times. There should not be a middle ground between driver and machine operated vehicles. This is how ubers end up running over customers. Also initial cost and repair costs are much higher. With little to no adding residual value.
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04-15-2018, 01:27 PM	#12
titomi Colonel 926 Rep 2,046 Posts Drives: X3 G01 30i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: EU iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 X3 G01 [0.00]	those things for "lazy people" are saving lifes. __________________ '18 G01 X3 xDrive 30i xLine, Sophisto grey, Vernasca Mocha, Adaptive
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04-15-2018, 01:50 PM	#13
GGEVOX Second Lieutenant 63 Rep 201 Posts Drives: G01 M40i, F36 440xi Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	Ha. I was under the impression I had the full bang of options but seems I don't have the "+" package. As I noticed 2 small dummy switches on my steering wheel where that control is. I have really come to like my blind spot detection and steering wheel vibration. I personally have my detection set to go off sooner as opposed to the standard middle ground. I read about the comment on not using it on other mfgs cars. i.e. Toyota. This BMW system is so crisp and responsive. I don't think I can compare this to any thing out.
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04-15-2018, 02:10 PM	#15
JSY Major 578 Rep 1,108 Posts Drives: 2024 BMW X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: New York iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW X3 M40i [0.00] 2021 BMW X3 M40i [0.00] 2018 BMW X3 M40i [9.33] 2015 BMW X3 35i [9.50]	Wow, I didn't think I was being "lazy" in wanting my car to assist me in braking when someone stops short or cuts me off quick. God forbid advancement in technology to assist us in everyday life.
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04-15-2018, 03:16 PM	#19
greg2step X3 Owner/Driver 212 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X3 M40i (G01) [0.00]	I ended up with Driver Assist but not Driver Assist Plus. I don't think there is a wrong answer here, however some of these features will probably become standard over time and maybe required in some countries. __________________ 2018 X3 M40i G01 \| Phytonic Blue \| Mocha \| Premium+Exec \| Driver Assist \| Adaptive M Suspension 2011 X3 XDrive35i F25 l Deep Sea Blue l Mojave Leather l Sport, DHP, Premium, Nav/Technology, Cold Weather, Convenience [traded in] 2008 328XI E91 Sportwagon l Sparkling Graphite [traded in]
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04-15-2018, 05:13 PM	#21
midster Enlisted Member 49 Rep 48 Posts Drives: Z4 moving to X3 ?? M Sport Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: West Midlands iTrader: (0)	After watching the '2018 BMW X3 Crash Test & Rating' video below, I think all bmw cars have the trusted ability to keep people alive after all sorts of collisions with/without the DA/DA+ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnFmn43dDpg Last edited by midster; 04-15-2018 at 05:54 PM..
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