Comfort Access: Introduction

The E65MU can also be equipped with option 322 "Comfort Access".

Comfort Access combines a high degree of functionality and comfort. The vehicle can be unlocked and the engine started without actively using a key.

Advantage: 

Keyless access to the vehicle. It is enough to simply carry the ID transmitter (e.g. in your jacket pocket).

With Comfort Access, an ID transmitter is needed in place of the standard remote control. The ID transmitter also performs standard remote control functions.

Comfort Access can be used to carry out the following functions:

• Passive Entry:  Access authorization

  Opening the vehicle or luggage compartment without actively using the ID transmitter

• Passive Go:  Drive authorization

  Engine start without actively using the ID transmitter

• Passive Exit:  Locking authorization

Closing the vehicle without actively using the ID transmitter

Comfort Access prevents an ID transmitter being disabled accidentally.

The CAS control unit is the master control unit for all functions carried out via Comfort Access. Vehicles with Comfort Access are fitted with a CA control unit.

In 04/2000, active cruise control (system supplier: BOSCH) was installed for the first time in a BMW as special equipment for the E38.

Active cruise control is an extension of the conventional cruise-control system (FGR). A comfortable distance and cruise control has been added to this.

The distance from the vehicle ahead can be selected from 4 fixed timed separations. (EURO version: 1.0 -1.5 -2.0 2.5 seconds)

Thus the spatial distance from the vehicle in front changes with the speed.

With Active Cruise Control activated, a speed in the range from 30 km/h to 180 km/h can be preselected.

Cruise control does not relieve the driver of his personal responsibility. 

The Active Cruise Control option is a comfort system. Adjustments by the driver will always have a higher priority (= importance) than cruise control.

The driver should decide whether (and how) the system is used based on road and traffic conditions and visibility.

The 2nd generation (ACC 2) Active Cruise Control option 541 will be introduced for the first time in 09/2004 on the E63/E64.

With the model year measures in March 2005, Active Cruise Control (ACC 2) will be introduced in more models: E60, E61, E65, E66.

> E60, E61, E63, E64 before 09/2005

> E60, E61, E63, E64 from 09/2005

> E65, E66 as from 03/2005

Changes to ACC 2 compared to ACC 1 (ACC 1 in E60, E61, E65 and E66 before 03/2005):

• Radar sensor now has 4 radar antenna instead of just 3

  This means the area covered by the radar sensor is widened from ±4° to ±8°.

• The system is approx. 60 % smaller.

With the model year measures, the following changes to the active cruise control option will be introduced in March 2005:

> E60, E61, E63, E64

Additional scope of operation in combination of car communication computer (CCC) with Professional navigation system option 609.

The dynamics of the Active Cruise Control change according to the characteristics of the roads. (The roads are split into road categories, e.g. motorways and highways. In addition, the general the number of bends on the route ahead is analyzed, i.e. if there are a lot of bends ahead, or just a few, as well as the radii of the bends.)

The advantages: 

In comparison with the previous ACC, ACC 2 offers the following advantages:

• more dynamic control behavior
• The widened surveillance range of the radar sensor means that Active Cruise Control now works much better when cornering.

• Vehicles in front are monitored earlier
• Longer, more stable monitoring when following a vehicle (even in cases of tight bends)