Successfully added Traffic Jam Assistant to US model -- interested in other people's experience with TJA

[robthebold]

I believe the OEM version requires constant confirmation of hands holding the steering wheel, from what the manual seems to suggest.

The retrofit bypasses the sensor, since US vehicles don't have it, so the system will keep working even without hands on the steering wheel. But again... this is a driver assist feature, so hands should be on the steering wheel at all times.

From the attached manual scan:

Operating Requirements:
. . .
> Both hands on the steering wheel.

Hmmm. . . One-handed drivers need not apply . . .

 

[JohnnyCakes]

Maybe that's another reason it's not offered in the US -- we have the "Americans With Disability Act" and, since Americans love to sue, BMW would be in court in a flash.

 

[BBLUVR]

You can also write me a private message here or even an email to: [email protected]

You can also write me a private message here or even an email to: [email protected]

Hey guys! Thank you for your orders! We also want to provide the best user experience for this product, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask, either here or on Whatsapp!

What's your WhatsApp account name?

 

[BBLUVR]

What's your WhatsApp account name?

Never mind. Just figured to use your phone number to add in WhatsApp.

 

[PremiumRetrofit]

Sorry, I just saw this late! The TJA modules will be available again from the middle of next week, but we can of course take pre-orders.

 

[JohnnyCakes]

I'm the OP and now three months in. Update:

This is just awesome in stop/go traffic (e.g. what it was designed for). While I always pay close attention (perhaps even more attention) I've had my i3 take me to work without my touching the wheel, gas pedal, or brake for long stretches like 10 minutes or more (yeah, our traffic is that bad here). At faster speeds, it does cut out quite a bit as it loses lane markings (depending on the road obviously) but it's still a hoot.

Remote installation by PremiumRetrofit was a snap, although the dire warning messages scared me, they were part of normal installation process and all cleared just fine.

Highly recommended if you like "gee-whiz" tech as I do.

 

[Paul4A]

Out of interest, do you need the adaptive cruise control pack with its forward camera to fit the traffic jam assist? There’s seemingly not many i3’s in the UK with these.

Reading this other post https://www.mybmwi3.com/threads/adaptive-cruise-windscreen.18961/ made me think of it.

 

[JohnnyCakes]

I believe the answer is yes.

TJA was never approved for the US; the software/hardware is present nevertheless in US models, just not implemented. The PremiumRetrofit adaptor merely makes the OEM TJA available to switch on.