Order Placed! (Struggling to finalise an order, need help on options!)

[325_bucks]

Originally Posted by Pelo Cat

Ah, penny has dropped (for me)...it seems we are both missing out on these features then...good that they continue to improve the autonomous features and add to it, likely could be done by firmware update when serviced too if they wanted to...but hey that is life I guess. Interesting, I do notice that when I indicate with the lane assist on, it does move to the next lane and steer but this must just be noticing that I want to go there rather than doing all the checks it now does...that is an improvement.

You're not alone then tyzer, we're both in the 'obsolete' club it seems

-wiper stalk change
-ID6
-these autonomous modes changes/additions

Other features that are different? (he says, not really wanting to know!)

Dont forget indicator stalk change!

Also, something that has bugged me since my time with BMW is the direction of the idrive controller has always seemed backwards to me, now I think they have reversed it to make, what I think, more sense in the way it zooms in and out

[Pelo Cat]

Originally Posted by 325_bucks

Dont forget indicator stalk change!

Also, something that has bugged me since my time with BMW is the direction of the idrive controller has always seemed backwards to me, now I think they have reversed it to make, what I think, more sense in the way it zooms in and out

Not sure I follow...

what has changed on the indicator stalk?

Do you mean the zoom when looking at a map in sat nav? turning clockwise to zoom and anticlockwise to zoom out? If so, that was also in my F01...has that changed now too? Or are you talking about some other zoom function?

Thanks.

[Pelo Cat]

Originally Posted by 325_bucks

Yeah sorry to rub it in but this is very cool! I just rendered this sitting at my desk with my car on the driveway, 360 degree view on my phone that you can interact with.

[IMG][/IMG]

Nice! ^ nope, definitely don't have that...

At least they rendered the car the right colour!

[FastLaneJB]

Originally Posted by tyzer

Looks like the lane change assist and 3d remote view on connected drive was release in spring 2017, I guess I lose out ;-(

BMW 7 Series with additional driver assistance systems and Remote 3D View.
From the spring of 2017, there will be an even broader choice of driver assistance systems to ensure even greater driving pleasure, comfort and safety in 7 Series models. From March 2017, the systems will be included in the optional equipment package Driving Assistant Plus. They offer the driver effective assistance in many different situations, leading the way to automated driving. For example, the Steering and Lane Guidance Assistant being presented in the luxury sedans for the first time will be complemented by the Lane Change Assistant, which can be used when driving on motorways and other roads with separated directional carriageways. At speeds of between 70 and 180 km/h, the driver can initiate a lane change by holding the indicator lever in the one-touch position. The system sensors then analyse the situation on the neighbouring carriageway. If they detect that this lane is clear and there are no vehicles approaching at a high speed, the steering assistant conveniently helps the driver to change lanes.

A further addition to the range of Driving Assistant Plus functions is the ActiveAssist Collision Avoidance system. Should a rapid lane change become necessary in order to avoid a suddenly appearing obstacle, it provides steering assistance at speeds of up to 160 km/h. The Cross Traffic Alert function, also included in the equipment package as from March, provides visual and acoustic signals if the traffic signs identified by the stereo camera should indicate that the driver has overlooked a road with right of way. The new Driving Assistant Plus features are complemented by the Wrong-Way Driving Alert feature. This system analyses navigation data in order to provide information on hazardous situations. It intervenes when the vehicle is driving in the wrong direction into one-way streets, roundabouts or motorway entrances.

In conjunction with the Surround View system, a feature that provides assistance with a combination of camera images taken from several different perspectives when the vehicle is manoeuvring in tricky situations, drivers of a BMW 7 Series will in future also have access to the Remote 3D View feature, the Surround View system of which provides them with permanent access to a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle and its surroundings, this being transmitted to their smartphone via the BMW Connected feature.

Yeah I was reading all this last night and there's some videos as well. It all looks extremely good. I had checked an M760Li manual before when I found a VIN online but it was for an older US car which didn't have any of these things on it.

The manual talks about there being 5 radar sensors for these features to work so maybe older cars only had the one? To be honest only thought there would be the one you know right at the front bumper but there's two in the front sides and two more in the rear sides.

There's a video for ActiveAssist Collision Avoidance which shows the car heading too fast towards stopped traffic on a motorway in your lane. If a lane is clear on the side which the car already knows from its sensors you just need to start turning the wheel a little I think and the car will kind of take over and get you moved across lanes quickly / automatically.

Driverless tech is slowly but surely filtering down to cars more and more.

Originally Posted by Pelo Cat

Do you mean the zoom when looking at a map in sat nav? turning clockwise to zoom and anticlockwise to zoom out? If so, that was also in my F01...has that changed now too? Or are you talking about some other zoom function?

This does my head in. It's one way on my M5 and then get in my wife's Mini which is essentially a rebadged iDrive system but the wheel needs to be turned the opposite way. I'm so used to doing in my BMW I am always turning it the wrong way in her car.

Originally Posted by 325_bucks

Yeah sorry to rub it in but this is very cool! I just rendered this sitting at my desk with my car on the driveway, 360 degree view on my phone that you can interact with.

It's fine, rub it in. He's been teasing us with shots of his 7 while we were waiting. It's like a strip tease but you cannot touch but now time to get your own back

[325_bucks]

Originally Posted by Pelo Cat

Not sure I follow...

what has changed on the indicator stalk?

Do you mean the zoom when looking at a map in sat nav? turning clockwise to zoom and anticlockwise to zoom out? If so, that was also in my F01...has that changed now too? Or are you talking about some other zoom function?

Thanks.

The indicator stalk now stays up or down rather than returning to the home position when indicator is on. I find it more useful than before. This change might have already been in place with yours though.

Regarding the map zoom, I need to double check now as I'm doubting myself. I was sure they had reversed it from the way it was on all my other BMWs but I might be wrong

[Pelo Cat]

Originally Posted by FastLaneJB

The manual talks about there being 5 radar sensors for these features to work so maybe older cars only had the one? To be honest only thought there would be the one you know right at the front bumper but there's two in the front sides and two more in the rear sides.

<snip>

Driverless tech is slowly but surely filtering down to cars more and more.

I've checked mine (and tyzer is likely the same), the manual (VIN specific) does show the 5 radar sensors, as you say, one front and centre, one on each bumper corner. So hardware looks to be there, maybe refined but likely software additions.

Agree though, autonomous is here to stay and only getting more involved...

I say we use the EMP (electro magnetic pulse) on them (first having parked up and turned everything off!) tyzer, when they drive by...

Living up to the name Gangsta Princess!

[FastLaneJB]

Originally Posted by 325_bucks

The indicator stalk now stays up or down rather than returning to the home position when indicator is on. I find it more useful than before. This change might have already been in place with yours though.

I drove a 730d when the G11 had just come out and it had the old school BMW stalk like I have in my M5. I think it's like a 2017 type change as well but not just on the 7 series, more across the board for BMW I believe though might be wrong.

Best not tell Pelo Cat about the Comfort Plus Deluxe mode in the 2017 models

Originally Posted by Pelo Cat

I've checked mine (and tyzer is likely the same), the manual (VIN specific) does show the 5 radar sensors, as you say, one front and centre, one on each bumper corner. So hardware looks to be there, maybe refined but likely software additions.

Agree though, autonomous is here to stay and only getting more involved...

I say we use the EMP (electro magnetic pulse) on them (first having parked up and turned everything off!) tyzer, when they drive by...

Living up to the name Gangsta Princess!

This is the one plus of Tesla, if there's no extra hardware needed they should push it out as software updates for everyone. Knowing BMW though there's another computer for each of them because everything is split out to avoid one system failing causing problems with anything else.

[Pelo Cat]

(re: zoom)

Originally Posted by FastLaneJB

This does my head in. It's one way on my M5 and then get in my wife's Mini which is essentially a rebadged iDrive system but the wheel needs to be turned the opposite way. I'm so used to doing in my BMW I am always turning it the wrong way in her car.

and

Originally Posted by 325_bucks

Regarding the map zoom, I need to double check now as I'm doubting myself. I was sure they had reversed it from the way it was on all my other BMWs but I might be wrong

Interesting, it may have been different in some BMW's, not had it until the FO1 but in that car and in this current (obsolete one) it was always clockwise for zoom in, anti for zoom out. May not have been that way in 6 or other models...I'll ask my friend with a 17 reg 335 estate to check his and see if it is different...

Originally Posted by FastLaneJB

It's fine, rub it in. He's been teasing us with shots of his 7 while we were waiting. It's like a strip tease but you cannot touch but now time to get your own back

Turn about is fair play...get in.

Originally Posted by 325_bucks

The indicator stalk now stays up or down rather than returning to the home position when indicator is on. I find it more useful than before. This change might have already been in place with yours though.

Not sure now that you mention it, will need to check...will be interesting to know. Not bothered personally but can see both 'modes' bothering people so curious to know what I have as it doesn't bother me (maybe it will now that I know!

Lots of changes it seems....maybe we should ask the forum moderators to create a separate G11/G12 sub forum for them tyzer?

[Pelo Cat]

Originally Posted by FastLaneJB

Best not tell Pelo Cat about the Comfort Plus Deluxe mode in the 2017 models

GULP....Noooo, say it ain't so.....

[tyzer]

love it! did you get it sprayed silver after your bush based wipe out?

[325_bucks]

Quick update -

Just back from BMW. They have agreed to respray the bumper which is good because I can get rid of the bush damage. However I would prefer them to replace the bumper with a factory sprayed one, so I'm pushing them on that.

The identified the speaker issue and the part is on back order but I'm tempted to ask them to not do it, and just take the car in for a stage one audio upgrade, because I find the HK sound to be basically rubbish. It's much worse than in my 6. Music is an important part of my life outside the car (it's a shame I couldn't splash out on the B&W sound as my hours has B&W in almost every room!) so I think I might go for an all round upgrade. Problem is finding somewhere good to do the work.

[Pelo Cat]

Originally Posted by 325_bucks

Quick update -

Just back from BMW. They have agreed to respray the bumper which is good because I can get rid of the bush damage. However I would prefer them to replace the bumper with a factory sprayed one, so I'm pushing them on that.

The identified the speaker issue and the part is on back order but I'm tempted to ask them to not do it, and just take the car in for a stage one audio upgrade, because I find the HK sound to be basically rubbish. It's much worse than in my 6. Music is an important part of my life outside the car (it's a shame I couldn't splash out on the B&W sound as my hours has B&W in almost every room!) so I think I might go for an all round upgrade. Problem is finding somewhere good to do the work.

Good to hear they will sort the bumper, hope you can get a new bumper but even a respray is good, if not as nice. Best of luck to get that resolved to your satisfaction. ^

Sound: interesting. A very personal and subjective discussion point! While I have no issue with the fact that B & W speakers are very 'true' and reproduce flawlessly (to the point it can highlight all sorts of issues in the recording), are you sure it is indeed the HK system and not just the music chain to that end? In other words, and likely this has been paid attention to by you as an audiophile...but are you streaming standard iTunes AAC converted files via BT to the stereo? If so, then the sound issues may be in that chain rather than the stereo...I personally know I have different tastes than some for the 'colour' of my music sound and prefer systems and sound that helps this over faithful 'clarity' like the B & W's but I do find the DAC conversion to be really poor if one is not careful and also consider whether wired or wireless will be better for sound if it is important...some people use really over the top adapters on iPhones to do a DAC at rates well above what I would hear or value...

I'm not saying the HK system is the be all and end all, however, I find it decent enough and while bass heavy and a bit muddled in the mid range it is reasonable if you stream files at decent bit rates using online entertainment as a starting point from Deezer (that seems better conversion rates than DAB for example). Then consider if the sound is indeed the source (conversion rate/sampling rate) or transfer medium (BT v wired) or if it is truly the HK system that is the weakest link here?

Again, likely you've considered all this if you have put B & W in the house as that is not a cheap undertaking...very nice indeed...but just in case?

Maybe I am just showing my age and limited range of hearing these days (I won't pretend to hear anything above 12 KHz anymore, although I can still feel/hear very low frequencies, below 20 Hz).

Not heard the B & W system in the 7, will have to give that a go (hopefully in a 760 test drive someday) but also curious what aftermarket route you would go? I used to do my own stereo fitting in the past (back 20 years ago)...but as things have changed, not followed or seen what is done today...Would you for example just replace the speakers or would you add crossovers / amps? Even the head unit if that is a plug in module for the control system and can be done?

The speakers in cars are generally crap to be sure, curious if you have a website for a car audio specialist in the UK? Even just to geek out and browse for concepts, technology these days...

[325_bucks]

Originally Posted by Pelo Cat

Good to hear they will sort the bumper, hope you can get a new bumper but even a respray is good, if not as nice. Best of luck to get that resolved to your satisfaction. ^

Sound: interesting. A very personal and subjective discussion point! While I have no issue with the fact that B & W speakers are very 'true' and reproduce flawlessly (to the point it can highlight all sorts of issues in the recording), are you sure it is indeed the HK system and not just the music chain to that end? In other words, and likely this has been paid attention to by you as an audiophile...but are you streaming standard iTunes AAC converted files via BT to the stereo? If so, then the sound issues may be in that chain rather than the stereo...I personally know I have different tastes than some for the 'colour' of my music sound and prefer systems and sound that helps this over faithful 'clarity' like the B & W's but I do find the DAC conversion to be really poor if one is not careful and also consider whether wired or wireless will be better for sound if it is important...some people use really over the top adapters on iPhones to do a DAC at rates well above what I would hear or value...

I'm not saying the HK system is the be all and end all, however, I find it decent enough and while bass heavy and a bit muddled in the mid range it is reasonable if you stream files at decent bit rates using online entertainment as a starting point from Deezer (that seems better conversion rates than DAB for example). Then consider if the sound is indeed the source (conversion rate/sampling rate) or transfer medium (BT v wired) or if it is truly the HK system that is the weakest link here?

Again, likely you've considered all this if you have put B & W in the house as that is not a cheap undertaking...very nice indeed...but just in case?

Maybe I am just showing my age and limited range of hearing these days (I won't pretend to hear anything above 12 KHz anymore, although I can still feel/hear very low frequencies, below 20 Hz).

Not heard the B & W system in the 7, will have to give that a go (hopefully in a 760 test drive someday) but also curious what aftermarket route you would go? I used to do my own stereo fitting in the past (back 20 years ago)...but as things have changed, not followed or seen what is done today...Would you for example just replace the speakers or would you add crossovers / amps? Even the head unit if that is a plug in module for the control system and can be done?

The speakers in cars are generally crap to be sure, curious if you have a website for a car audio specialist in the UK? Even just to geek out and browse for concepts, technology these days...

Yes indeed I have a DAC for an older iPod that I used to use with my good headphones, made a huge difference.

Being a (now infrequent) musician who has done some very loud gigs, as well as worked at mastering volume in a number of semi pro studios, I used to get my hearing checked regularly, and last time I checked I still had a good range, close to 20KHz, and in my home life, audiophile quality matters to me. I have long been a fan of B&W and over the years have spent way more than what I sold my 6 for on speakers and amps. My current side job is custom installation which I'm trying to get off the ground, and I generally spec B&W in walls for that sort of work, not exclusively but a lot of the time.

Anyway, I dont have the same audiphile requirements in the car, I accept that it's an awkward space for sound, it's never going to give me the soundstage I want. But I still try and keep the signal chain as pure as possible by using FLAC on USBs for my own collection of music, or ALAC if possible on iPhones, (although you can play FLAC on iPhones now). That's not to say however that I don't use Spotify, in fact I use that the majority of the time just to give me access to everything, but I accept that the quality is not going to be the best.

But even using high quality music, going over USB, or playing a CD, I won't hyperbole and say it sounds terrible, but it doesn't sound great. What's more surprising is how much better the HK sound was in the 6 than in the 7.

In terms of what to upgrade to, I would only ever do any upgrade that was a drop in, like for like replacement. I'm well passed the stage of building subs and speaker enclosures, definitely wouldn't want to change anything visibly. Therefore there are 2 manufacturers that I know of, Bavsound in the US who do drop in replacements, and Eton based in Germany who also do kits for BMWs. Both are quite highly regarded but Eton seems to be easier and cheaper to get hold of over here.

My main concern is that I don't want to do it myself, I've done that a number of times in older cars and I don't want the risk of breaking a panel or clip or introducing rattles. So I need to find a local company that will install one of these kits for me, I'm still looking for someone I can trust.

[tyzer]

I have to agree the the HW is a bit of a disappointment, but i could not stretch for the BW.

on another side note, 325_bucks, I'm currently looking for a new receiver for my B&W 5.1. I'm looking to go 7.1.2 but can't make my mind up on which one to go for (Denon, Marantz etc etc) any suggestions or recommendations?

[Pelo Cat]

Thanks 325_bucks, sounded like you knew what you were talking about from what you were saying, just wanted to ask the question. You're more serious than I am by a good measure! and know what you're on about so hope you can find a shop to do the quality and work you are looking for. Please do let me know if you do find one, would be useful to know...I'll give the two brands you mentioned a google, thanks for that. ^

Have always loved the look and approach of B & W, never owned them myself, have always wanted to do a proper listen to 801's (or whatever the equivalent is these days) to see how they sound to me (with my system/music or at least one that is warm). Considered some of their smaller speakers for the lounge these days as not really wanting the big separates anymore and the footprint that the wall of speakers/components take up...But I digress, yet again!

My only thoughts about why the 6 may have been better for sound than the current 7 is that my personal (and completely anecdotal) thoughts are they reduced the amount of sound insolation and material used in the cars in general and as you'll know its not just want one belts out (and the quality of that sound) but what one also minimises and reduces...so my feeling is the weight saving this car has is also achieved in reducing the sound damping material in the doors, headlining, etc...which will impact on sound quality and ambient dB levels in the car compared to F series approach...You may find that the company will need to add material around the speaker to help this if they do a replacement (within the space available to still be 'standard BMW'.

Good luck with the side business, definitely a future in it in the UK with the way technology is going and space limitations in the houses. I've finally got a lounge that is ideal for sound distribution do love my music as well, just appreciate that my discerning ear is a lot less discerning in terms of hearing the details any more...

[325_bucks]

Originally Posted by tyzer

I have to agree the the HW is a bit of a disappointment, but i could not stretch for the BW.

on another side note, 325_bucks, I'm currently looking for a new receiver for my B&W 5.1. I'm looking to go 7.1.2 but can't make my mind up on which one to go for (Denon, Marantz etc etc) any suggestions or recommendations?

Without a doubt, if your budget can stretch, look at the Anthem MRX range. They have the best sound in my opinion for music as well as cinema and their room correction is one of the best around. If you want more details let me know
In pm so that we don’t derail this forum too much, they aren’t cheap but might be able to get you a discount through my supplier.

[325_bucks]

Here are my 2 in my central rack for the house:

[325_bucks]

Originally Posted by Pelo Cat

Thanks 325_bucks, sounded like you knew what you were talking about from what you were saying, just wanted to ask the question. You're more serious than I am by a good measure! and know what you're on about so hope you can find a shop to do the quality and work you are looking for. Please do let me know if you do find one, would be useful to know...I'll give the two brands you mentioned a google, thanks for that. ^

Have always loved the look and approach of B & W, never owned them myself, have always wanted to do a proper listen to 801's (or whatever the equivalent is these days) to see how they sound to me (with my system/music or at least one that is warm). Considered some of their smaller speakers for the lounge these days as not really wanting the big separates anymore and the footprint that the wall of speakers/components take up...But I digress, yet again!

The 800 series are wonderful, thought you'd need a hell of a big room and big pockets to justify the 800 or the 802. The 803/4 would be more reasonable for average home use but they need serious amps to drive them to the best.

I myself would love a pair of the latest 805, they are perfect speakers to me, and suitable for most homes. Still need good amps but not necessarily as many as the bigger ones. They are stand mounters that sound as good as any floor mount that I've heard, with the exception of the bigger 800s of course. But I love the sound of them. One day, when the kids have arrived and are a bit older and I can get my listening room back again, a pair will be mine!

[tyzer]

Originally Posted by 325_bucks

Without a doubt, if your budget can stretch, look at the Anthem MRX range. They have the best sound in my opinion for music as well as cinema and their room correction is one of the best around. If you want more details let me know
In pm so that we don’t derail this forum too much, they aren’t cheap but might be able to get you a discount through my supplier.

Thats funny been looking at the anthem MRX 1120 but 4.4k is hard to square again the 1.5k denon 6400, its just now I know its there, its hard to ignore!

Very nice rack setup BTW, like Pelo said, you are taking serious up a couple of notches from us!

[325_bucks]

Originally Posted by tyzer

Thats funny been looking at the anthem MRX 1120 but 4.4k is hard to square again the 1.5k denon 6400, its just now I know its there, its hard to ignore!

Very nice rack setup BTW, like Pelo said, you are taking serious up a couple of notches from us!

I can almost certainly do you a deal on that but I need to check with my suppliers. PM Me if you're interested and we can talk

[Pelo Cat]

Originally Posted by 325_bucks

The 800 series are wonderful, thought you'd need a hell of a big room and big pockets to justify the 800 or the 802. The 803/4 would be more reasonable for average home use but they need serious amps to drive them to the best.

I myself would love a pair of the latest 805, they are perfect speakers to me, and suitable for most homes. Still need good amps but not necessarily as many as the bigger ones. They are stand mounters that sound as good as any floor mount that I've heard, with the exception of the bigger 800s of course. But I love the sound of them. One day, when the kids have arrived and are a bit older and I can get my listening room back again, a pair will be mine!

Thanks, just had a look and yes, the 800/802 are far too big and overkill for my wants/needs! 803 or 805 would be just right, will have to give them a listen and see if my ear will like the clarity they provide or if it seems to 'harsh' still to me.

No issue with stand mounts personally, have a 'stand mount' currently actually (in the form of Bose 901's) which are okay for some music but terrible at others, getting long in the tooth now though, we bought them way back in the early 90's! (yikes, they're now 26 years old...I'm officially old!)

Anyway, both tyzer and I bow down to your audio godness...

[FastLaneJB]

I cannot join into this that much with sound, I'm not that fussy with it to be honest though got a nice ATMOS setup for the living room recently for movies which is really nice. However when I say nice, it's probably a fraction of the cost your shelling out here.

On another note, that's a lot of ethernet in your rack 325_bucks . Are even your toilets IoT enabled? Hehe