BMW Night Vision: Introduction

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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.

Fig 1: Identifying CID Image

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.