Table 1 shows one common equipment related problems of the 2017 BMW 530.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Equipment problems |
I was driving on a clear day on a nearly straight 4 lane surface road when someone pulled out in front of me. Where the collision avoidance would normally give warning and interfere, the car instead issued an alert that the system was unavailable. It was a clear day, the sensors were unobstructed, and the road had nothing about it that should be a problem for the systems. The accident was able to be avoided, but a critical safety system only indicated a fault right when it was needed. The dealership were unable to find a fault and blamed it on light blinding the camera.
Active lane keeping assistant is very dangerous because the vehicle often will veer out of lane toward oncoming traffic or other obstacle. This occurs even though there are clear lane markings and all other requirements for system operation are met. It happens at higher speeds and at lower speeds as well. Since the feature does operate correctly a high percentage of the time, the driver is put under extra stress having to be constantly on guard for when the car will veer off without warning. BMW literature and video say the system will make the drive more relaxed and the driver more rested but it is exactly the opposite. Even though I know that the driver is always ultimately responsible, their video states that the system keeps the car in the center of the lane without driver steering input. I have contacted BMW and my local dealer. All they say is that the system operates as designed. But it is very dangerous and will cause injury or worse. Additionally, "with the system switched on, the person warning with city braking function and the side collision warning are active. " therefore, if you turn the system off because of the danger of veering out of lane, you will lose the safety features just mentioned. I am very surprised and disturbed by BMW's failure to acknowledge and address the failures and dangers of the system. Being most interested in safety of my vehicle I always purchase all the safety features. In this situation I have been sadly disappointed in the reliability of the BMW technology.