Mercedes introduces Blind Spot Assist

[dascrow]

Mercedes has introduced "Blind Spot Assist," a radar-based system — similar to that offered by Volvo — that, like the name implies, warns the driver when a vehicle is present in the car's blind spot. The system uses six radar sensors to to detect vehicles lurking in blind spots.

Once a car is detected by the system, a red light appears on the side view mirror to warn the driver. If the driver puts on a turn signal while there is a car in a blind spot, the system further alerts the driver with an audible warning as well as switching the red light to flash mode.

Blind Spot Assist adds to Mercedes long list of radar-based safety systems — including PRE-SAFE and DISTRONIC PLUS — and is further proof that the future of automotive safety will focus on crash-avoidance.
Mercedes introduces Blind Spot Assist

[H-TownBenzoboy]

ALL Mercedes-Benzes regardless of the year have blind spot assist, no extra option charge! To utilize this function, just adjust your side view mirror(s) in this fashion.
Car Talk
I learned about this in Driver's Ed a few years back and have been using it ever since.

[n5160u]

If you replace your DOT mandated side mirror glass with the European Aspheric Mirror glass you will greatly reduce or eliminate the blind spots for a fraction of the price of the hi-tech stuff. The only downside is that you still have to remember to look. The electronics is nice since it will call your attention to something you may not be aware of. The ideal solution would be the Aspheric glass with the electronics. I would recommend retrofitting the aspheric glass to all cars presently stuck with the DOT stuff. I have done so on all my vehicles where the European parts are available including my VW's and BMW.

[Courage]

If they use the same insane system as Porsche Cayenne & Touareg.. it's not good.

They are using Ka band and the radar detectors are useless in Europe.
The system from Volvo XC90 is not in the Ka band.

[GL Troll]

Wow, 6 radar sensors – and associated electronics. I use the convex stick on wide angle mirrors on both sides on both my vehicles. They’re about $3-4. I prefer the 3 inch round non-adjustable variety. I’ve never understood why everyone doesn’t use them. Nor do I understand why they don’t come standard on large SUVs, trucks, vans. The only rare problem is the defogger doesn’t really work on them.

Hopefully it will be optional. Mercedes shows uncommon common sense usually in offering things like leather or Tex, zenon bulbs or non. So, maybe they won’t force this bad trendy device on us.

[my merc 4]

i just installed a split mirror. half of the mirror stayed normal but there is dotted line near the outside edge that is convex for the blind spot

[cyberdrakon]

doesn't volvo already have this?

Cool nonetheless...

[kroner07]

Originally Posted by H-TownBenzoboy

ALL Mercedes-Benzes regardless of the year have blind spot assist, no extra option charge! To utilize this function, just adjust your side view mirror(s) in this fashion.
Car Talk
I learned about this in Driver's Ed a few years back and have been using it ever since.

This is the best way to reduce the blind spot. I wouldnt want a red dot flashing when im driving down the freeway.

[mtiede]

Originally Posted by H-TownBenzoboy

ALL Mercedes-Benzes regardless of the year have blind spot assist, no extra option charge! To utilize this function, just adjust your side view mirror(s) in this fashion.
Car Talk
I learned about this in Driver's Ed a few years back and have been using it ever since.

Precisely my thought. I remember having a discussion with one of bosses some years back. He was very opinionated and was complaining about the "blind spot". I mentioned that he should adjust his mirrors and he said that couldn't be right. Later, he tried it. The next time the topic was raised at a lunch table, he piped up with how to adjust the mirrors.