How does the steering wheel sense you?

Mach550 · 12-31-2019, 06:41 PM

I can't figure out if it is pressure or some type of sensor under the leather. Seems like it can sense your hands or the pressure of you squeezing. I tried steering from the silver plastic above the buttons and it still flashed at me to grab the wheel so it's not just physical force. Does anyone know how it knows if you're holding it?

DBO · 12-31-2019, 07:46 PM

It's capacitive detection

Mach550 · 12-31-2019, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBO

It's capacitive detection

Was leaning towards this factor with the way it acted, thanks.

530iDriver · 01-01-2020, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mach550

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBO

It's capacitive detection

Was leaning towards this factor with the way it acted, thanks.

I was under the impression that you were asking how the driver alert system works.

Mach550 · 01-01-2020, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

I was under the impression that you were asking how the driver alert system works.

thought only idrive 7 has the gauge cameras to make sure your eyeballs are looking ahead.

I'm just trying to research how to be the first person to go coast to coast in the US without touching the steering wheel...jk

hlothery · 01-02-2020, 07:16 PM

Use the force, Luke.

saporitj · 01-02-2020, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mach550

Quote:

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

I was under the impression that you were asking how the driver alert system works.

thought only idrive 7 has the gauge cameras to make sure your eyeballs are looking ahead.

I'm just trying to research how to be the first person to go coast to coast in the US without touching the steering wheel...jk

Ha Ha buy a Tesla because BMW assist isn't close at least in my 2019.

CLABRO · 01-23-2020, 01:26 PM

^ That's an excellent video and very interesting to know how it works.

I've noticed certain areas of the wheel are more sensitive than others. Even just the slightest touch of the steering wheel in certain areas is enough for it to sense you which is nice.

A couple months ago here on the forum, there was a guy who rigged something up that wrapped around the steering wheel in a small section of it and was always in contact with the steering wheel hoping it would trick the sensors into thinking his hands were always on the wheel. It'd be interesting to know if he got it to work or not.

dlf750 · 01-23-2020, 06:24 PM

I thought about shoving a tennis ball between the "spokes" in the steering wheel but that won't work, sensors are on the outside of the wheel. I just use my knee to prod it

12-31-2019, 06:41 PM	#1
Mach550 Captain 472 Rep 888 Posts Drives: 2019 M550i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Tampa Bay iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M550i [8.00]	How does the steering wheel sense you? I can't figure out if it is pressure or some type of sensor under the leather. Seems like it can sense your hands or the pressure of you squeezing. I tried steering from the silver plastic above the buttons and it still flashed at me to grab the wheel so it's not just physical force. Does anyone know how it knows if you're holding it? __________________ M550i Build
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12-31-2019, 07:46 PM	#2
DBO First Lieutenant 159 Rep 324 Posts Drives: G30 540i SDrive (MPPSK+Mods) Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Brisvegas AU iTrader: (0)	It's capacitive detection
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01-02-2020, 07:16 PM	#6
hlothery Seeking mental floss 482 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Join Date: May 2016 Location: San Antonio, Tx iTrader: (0)	Use the force, Luke.
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01-23-2020, 01:26 PM	#8
CLABRO THUNDER UP! 263 Rep 292 Posts Drives: BMW M Sport G30 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 BMW 530i M Spo ... [0.00] 2012 Lifted Ford F150 [10.00] 2003 Ford SVT Musta ... [10.00]	^ That's an excellent video and very interesting to know how it works. I've noticed certain areas of the wheel are more sensitive than others. Even just the slightest touch of the steering wheel in certain areas is enough for it to sense you which is nice. A couple months ago here on the forum, there was a guy who rigged something up that wrapped around the steering wheel in a small section of it and was always in contact with the steering wheel hoping it would trick the sensors into thinking his hands were always on the wheel. It'd be interesting to know if he got it to work or not. __________________ G30 l Alpine White l M Sport Package l Executive Tier l Icon Adaptive Full LED Headlights l Mocha Nappa Leather l Multi-Contour Seats l Drivers Assistance Package l Drivers Assistance Plus Package l Dynamic Handling Package l Parking Assistance Package l Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System l M Sport Brakes l Apple Carplay
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01-23-2020, 06:24 PM	#9
dlf750 Captain 201 Rep 739 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW 540i M Package Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW 540iX [0.00] 2007 Ferrari F430 S ... [0.00] 2016 Land Rover LR4 [0.00] 2010 BMW 335iC [0.00]	I thought about shoving a tennis ball between the "spokes" in the steering wheel but that won't work, sensors are on the outside of the wheel. I just use my knee to prod it
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