BMW 2002 Annual Report Download - page 140

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Thinking the new
Better decisions, safer driving. The driver is and will
remain the centre of events. Technology can come
to his aid, but it should not override his judgment
where only he can make decisions.
Active Steering for active drivers. With Active Steer-
ing, the BMW Group has set new standards in agility,
comfort and safety. The core element of the Active
Steering system is a planetary gearbox integrated into
the steering column. An electric motor generates a
greater or reduced steering angle depending on the
situation. At the same time, adjustable power steer-
ing takes control of steering wheel torque.These
two components ensure that the steering angle of
the front wheels and steering wheel torque can be
adjusted to the current driving situation.The per-
manent mechanical link between steering wheel and
front wheels guarantees not just fully maintained
steering functions, but at the same time guarantees
that the authentic feeling of steering remains.
At extremely low speed, as when manoeuvring
or driving in town, a slight turn of the steering wheel
will be enough to turn the front wheels at maximum
angle. At higher speeds the steering transmission
becomes increasingly indirect, reaching the level of
conventional steering and even going beyond this.
This ensures excellent directional stability. More-
over, in critical situations the system can stabilise the
vehicle much faster than a human driver can.
Active accelerator pedal  intuitively safer driving.
Developed by the BMW Group, the active accelerator
pedal gently applies counterpressure against the
drivers foot when current speed appears excessive
in view of traffic conditions. A variety of sources may
generate this guidance to reduce speed  the on-
board navigation system, for instance, operating on
the basis of a navigation DVD containing exact infor-
mation on road topography. Radar sensors also de-
liver important data. If a slow-moving vehicle is de-
tected ahead, counterpressure from the accelerator
pedal reminds the driver to keep his distance. Any-
time this is necessary, as before overtaking, the driver
may override the active accelerator pedal simply by
pressing down slightly harder.
Safe and easy parallel parking. With the Parking Assis-
tant, currently under test at the BMW Group, even
short parking spaces will no longer be a problem.
A sensor determines the size of a parking space as
the car drives past it. If the space is large enough,
the driver is immediately informed. He can then stop,
shift into reverse and activate the Parking Assistant.
On pressing the accelerator, the car steers itself
into the parking slot at an ideal angle with an electric
motor taking over steering.