[matt_320d]

I've heard something about a new feature where the Automatic transmission takes data from the sat nav to predict what gear it needs to be in. (i.e. it reads the road ahead, and changes down to anticipate a corner coming up, etc.)

Apparently this is going on all cars with the sport auto box, but does any one know what date it is fitted to cars from? After what build week?

[teaston]

I think it's called predictive drive, but i can't find any info on when it will be implemented.

[carzaddict]

im not quite sure if its been implemented in the cars yet....or if its on 5-series only (for now)

[....,,,,..,,..]

Apparently it's already in those from March build.

Spookily I had a message pop up telling me to slow down as roundabout ahead.

It's part of Eco drive I believe.

Anyhow I was mentioning it to my dealer and if it has that, then it should have sat nav - autobox.

Easy way to practice is to pick a route with a decent hill (those in fenland need not try), put sat nav on and drive the route at 50 say and see what box does.

Alternatively ask BMW......

[JD6]

My car is March build and doesn't have Proactive Drive. I assume that 2015 MY cars, i.e. those arriving at dealers now do have it.

Edit - if it is part of Eco Pro, I just may not have given it the chance to do its stuff...

[Mattt1]

I asked the Dealer, he told me that features aren't introduced retrospectively.

I however have all the same kit (NBT) so would have thought its easy to implement.

Not seen that roundabout warning thing before!

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by Mattt1

I asked the Dealer, he told me that features aren't introduced retrospectively.

I however have all the same kit (NBT) so would have thought its easy to implement.

Not seen that roundabout warning thing before!

Me either but then again I only usually drive in sport, must have been having an off day.

It did surprise me though.

[Spoonhead]

I get it in Eco Pro mode, when arriving at roundabouts and when speed limits are lower, say 40 to 30.

I get a blue symbol, telling me to lift my foot off of the accelerator. I thought it was related to sail mode. My car was a March build, got it in April.

[JD6]

Originally Posted by Spoonhead

I get it in Eco Pro mode, when arriving at roundabouts and when speed limits are lower, say 40 to 30.

I get a blue symbol, telling me to lift my foot off of the accelerator. I thought it was related to sail mode. My car was a March build, got it in April.

I haven't used Eco pro beyond trying it out at the start. Mine did tell me to lift off a few times, but I think it was when I was driving faster than a pre-set limit. I don't recall it happening at roundabouts. I will have to try it again.

[Mattt1]

Who drives in Eco Pro mode? It makes the car much worse but saves seemingly little fuel.

[Rich9600]

Originally Posted by Mattt1

Who drives in Eco Pro mode? It makes the car much worse but saves seemingly little fuel.

I do when I'm stuck behind something. It tames the engine when in slow traffic and stops me from catching up the car in front and then barking. So, fuel saved.

Even my January 14 build non-navigation car seems to change down on a hill well before it could be considered to be under strain. Inclinometers? This is in comfort.

[F30Andy]

You bloody what?

Call me old fashioned but I'd rather decide what gear is appropriate.

[Hunky Dory]

I've read about this being introduced as well.

Just how much use is it going to be when the Sat Nav map pack becomes out of date? How many times a year do they release new map packs exactly, and now these maps will be linked to my car making decisions about what gear it's going to be in?!

I have loved my car, but if this is fitted to the next one, I'll be leaving BMW.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by Hunky Dory

I've read about this being introduced as well.

Just how much use is it going to be when the Sat Nav map pack becomes out of date? How many times a year do they release new map packs exactly, and now these maps will be linked to my car making decisions about what gear it's going to be in?!

I have loved my car, but if this is fitted to the next one, I'll be leaving BMW.

A lot of this is early technology for when car 2 car is eventually released.

There is also talk of an over the air update for later cars (4G).

Most of the time you would not even notice it.

Does anyone actually notice what gear they are in when driving in auto?

It's also likely to be useful for cars driving in auto (standard and active).

Lights will be the next thing, they will know when bends are etc.

The big change will come with car 2 car.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Brigand

Most of the time you would not even notice it.

Does anyone actually notice what gear they are in when driving in auto?

It's also likely to be useful for cars driving in auto (standard and active).

Valid points, plus I see a predictive function will enhance the auto's possibilities and abilities.

I believe that anyone who is really in tune with how their auto gearbox is driving, (Drive or Sport), will be noticing that there is one limitation at present, the ability to predict the next move. It often has to wait until feedback stabilises before it will up (or down) change. Existing gearbox programs, driving environment adaption (cornering, inclination, etc.) and driver adaption (kick-fast, brake force, etc.), still leave the "eyes" of what is ahead out of the equation.

I know of several situations I drive regularly, where predictive adaption would enhance the gearbox function, nudge an up-change or down-change, knowing where I am and what is ahead.

For me, if it is well implemented, it is a another tool in the auto gearbox.

HighlandPete

[matt_320d]

If this has been on cars since March, presumably there must be quite a few people out there with the feature...has anyone noticed it?

Am I right in thinking it's only the sports auto version that has this?

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Valid points, plus I see a predictive function will enhance the auto's possibilities and abilities.

I believe that anyone who is really in tune with how their auto gearbox is driving, (Drive or Sport), will be noticing that there is one limitation at present, the ability to predict the next move. It often has to wait until feedback stabilises before it will up (or down) change. Existing gearbox programs, driving environment adaption (cornering, inclination, etc.) and driver adaption (kick-fast, brake force, etc.), still leave the "eyes" of what is ahead out of the equation.

I know of several situations I drive regularly, where predictive adaption would enhance the gearbox function, nudge an up-change or down-change, knowing where I am and what is ahead.

For me, if it is well implemented, it is a another tool in the auto gearbox.

HighlandPete

Exactly it is just natural evolution on at technological front.

It is funny how we get very selective with technology, some we ask why all cars can't have it, or why is it not standard.

People need to look forward as we are heading to automation on a big scale.

Engines already decide how many cylinders to use, whether to use engine or electric motor.

The next stage of the auto selection will no doubt be cars switching off / on cylinders to save fuel.

If you look at this from a systems integration point of view, the majority of the technologies are being used or at least trialled.