Introduction - BMW Night Vision Service Information

Introduction

The BMW Night Vision system provides the driver with a black-and-white image of the
driving environment ahead of the vehicle in the central information display (CID).
BMW Night Vision is a 100% passive system without active infrared illumination. Objects
situated ahead of the vehicle are shown in varying degrees of brightness depending on
the temperature of these objects. This enables the driver to detect in good time heat-
emitting objects such as people, animals, and other vehicles.
This thermal image is recorded with a Far Infrared camera (FIR) via a special imaging
sensor which detects the infrared radiation in a specific wavelength range.
The BMW system is distinguished from infrared systems with active illumination by its
resistance to dazzling, its long range, and its clearly structured image.
The system offers the following advantages:
• Improved vision in conditions of dusk and darkness
• No dazzling by the headlights of oncoming vehicles
• Highlighting of unilluminated, heat-emitting objects such as pedestrians, cyclists
vehicles and deer, etc.
• Better overview of the driving situation thanks to the depiction of the route of the
road beyond the headlight cone
• Enlarged depiction thanks to the zoom function of objects in the far distance at high
speeds
• Illumination of bends/curves thanks to the bend/curve mode (pivoting of image
detail)
• Illumination of dark courtyard and garage entrances
Note: The driving speed must be adapted to the relevant visibility conditions
in each case. BMW Night Vision is designed as a supporting system,
which, with a modified driving style, affords the driver an early, better
overview of the road conditions ahead of the vehicle.
Image taken from CID
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BMW Night Vision