German Car Zone

Heading for the sun. Precipitation radar keeps BMW drivers away from the rain.

20.05.2009 Press Release Munich. Sunshine and blue skies, yes; showers and hailstones, no thank you.

That is why surfers tune in to the coastal weather report, hang-gliders check the internet and hikers invoke the weather gods. But what about BMW drivers? With immediate effect, they can turn to an on-board precipitation radar. After all, not everything that comes from on high is a blessing, as not only open-top enthusiasts know. Heavy hailstorms and large hailstones, for example, can wreak major damage – not just to your car. It pays, then, to be prepared for the weather well ahead of time so as to plan accordingly. BMW is the first car manufacturer in the world to offer its customers the option of calling up graphics inside the car that show the currentprecipitation for any location in Germany. Available as from now, the graphic displays feature two zoom settings, are updated every 15 minutes and show the geographical distribution of rain, hail or snow.

Up to the minute at all times

The precipitation radar, a service offered by BMW ConnectedDrive, is a further development of the weather forecast that is already available in the car. By contrast with the high-resolution precipitation graphics, this gives information on current and forecast weather conditions at the present location and the destination, as well as any selected
locality in Europe. From July 2009, drivers will also be able to call up a “Precipitation Pattern” menu option that provides an animated
representation of cloud movements over the last 90 minutes.

About BMW ConnectedDrive
BMW combines individual online, assistance and service systems in the vehicle under the overall concept of ConnectedDrive. These are services that can be directly accessed using the navigation system or phone and they make a significant contribution to the enhancement of comfort and safety. For example, BMW Assist accesses the latest traffic information and provides a personal information service, alongside the emergency call function. Any data requested on restaurants, cinemas or hotels can be incorporated directly in the BMW navigation system as a destination. Internet-based services such as calling up share prices, weather reports and free parking spaces come under BMW Online. The vehicle uses BMW TeleServices to contact a BMW Service Partner automatically when it needs a service.

Further information is available online at www.bmw.com/connecteddrive.

Why do you even go to that site Wimmer? You hate the Lexus fanboys, and always get angry from their (moronic) quotes..

That's true