B5 default?

[SS2115]

I find I'm driving everywhere in B5.
Is there any way to make this the default when starting up and driving away?

 

[ThudnBlundr]

Short answer - no

Long answer - you would need to rewrite the software to do this, so no

 

[ChrisMiller]

It is mildly frustrating. You have to develop a 'pre-flight' routine - in my case: Eco mode on; select B5; engine noise off; cruise control on. It only takes a second, since I've done it so often, but it should really be possible to 'save' the settings. (Perhaps it is possible on newer models?)

 

[ThudnBlundr]

As you say, you get into a routine, but it's still less than ideal. I did wonder if it was a feature on the latest version.

 

[SS2115]

Short answer - no
Long answer - you would need to rewrite the software to do this, so no

I've been long time involved in BMW's.
For those (and Mercedes I believe) there are software hacks and bypasses and in-depth settings throughout the internet. There are CAN devices for continual monitoring of engine parameters etc without having to use the OBD plug, but there are a few phone apps for Bluetooth OBD plugs as well.
ie: quite a developed BMW culture to modify, personalise, fix software and electronic modules and make the car your own.

It surprises me that a similar culture hasn't sprung up around the longest/best known PHEV vehicle as the Outlander. Especially as there seems to be so many complaints of the poor software and/or its execution.

 

[MadMax]

It is mildly frustrating. You have to develop a 'pre-flight' routine - in my case: Eco mode on; select B5; engine noise off; cruise control on. It only takes a second, since I've done it so often, but it should really be possible to 'save' the settings. (Perhaps it is possible on newer models?)

What is “engine noise off”?? I have a 2019 UK model and have no idea what that is….

 

[ChrisMiller]

There's a simulated 'engine noise' when you drive below ~35 mph (to alert other road users, particularly pedestrians to your presence). This can be turned off (on my 2016 model) with a dashboard button.

 

[Ecological]

I've been long time involved in BMW's.
For those (and Mercedes I believe) there are software hacks and bypasses and in-depth settings throughout the internet. There are CAN devices for continual monitoring of engine parameters etc without having to use the OBD plug, but there are a few phone apps for Bluetooth OBD plugs as well.
ie: quite a developed BMW culture to modify, personalise, fix software and electronic modules and make the car your own.

It surprises me that a similar culture hasn't sprung up around the longest/best known PHEV vehicle as the Outlander. Especially as there seems to be so many complaints of the poor software and/or its execution.

All these hacks and bypass...that is what got VW and others in flaming trouble....With the emissions scandal. Many of the German and other car makers have lost billions. As they say in Yorkshire, "Penny wise, pound folish". Also initially in 2014-2015, this facility to connect and control the car [eg heating] via your phone lead to many PHEV being nicked. Suppose they have made it more secure now, as it is nine years down the line, or has it not?

 

[littlescrote]

All these hacks and bypass...that is what got VW and others in flaming trouble....With the emissions scandal. Many of the German and other car makers have lost billions. As they say in Yorkshire, "Penny wise, pound folish". Also initially in 2014-2015, this facility to connect and control the car [eg heating] via your phone lead to many PHEV being nicked. Suppose they have made it more secure now, as it is nine years down the line, or has it not?

First of all, it was not customer modification that "lost" many car makers millions - it was their own calibration cheats to lower emissions only during the drive cycle and not in the real world that cost them millions in fines, retesting, modification etc.

Secondly, the App vulnerability leads to the car being easy to unlock, but not to drive away in. Where are you getting your statistics for "many being nicked"? They have only made it more secure by having a longer password which just takes longer to hack. Nothing more.

 

[HeliNurse]

Does the app work in Australia?

 

[evman77]

What is “engine noise off”?? I have a 2019 UK model and have no idea what that is….

I have a 2019 Canada model and don't get any of those options. I would especially like to turn off the engine noise but I don't get that as an option anywhere. I think the only way for me to do that is to get up behind the fog light and unplug the speaker thats broadcasting the sound.

 

[MadMax]

I have a 2019 Canada model and don't get any of those options. I would especially like to turn off the engine noise but I don't get that as an option anywhere. I think the only way for me to do that is to get up behind the fog light and unplug the speaker thats broadcasting the sound.

To be honest, I don’t think I have an engine noise speaker. Unless it’s that typical electric vehicle mode that other EVs have?
Or is it something really “engine-like”?

 

[AndyInOz]

On my model, it makes the 'cylon sound' a semi-musical woobly-woobly sound at low speeds.

You can turn it off with a switch on the Dashboard.

 

[kernelpanic]

To (temporarily) turn off the "AVAS" as they call it.
The switch is numbered 18 in this diagram. (RTFM)

 

[Trussman]

I have a 2019 Canada model and don't get any of those options. I would especially like to turn off the engine noise but I don't get that as an option anywhere. I think the only way for me to do that is to get up behind the fog light and unplug the speaker thats broadcasting the sound.

I have a 2018 model (2 nd. owner) and unless the previous owner did something to silence the slow movement warning sound, it may not have had that as an option. Mine is mid-level touring option as it does have the sunroof but none of the electronic upgrades that the GT has.

 

[Roxyman]

It is mildly frustrating. You have to develop a 'pre-flight' routine - in my case: Eco mode on; select B5; engine noise off; cruise control on. It only takes a second, since I've done it so often, but it should really be possible to 'save' the settings. (Perhaps it is possible on newer models?)

Hi Chris

Can I ask you why you select B5? I'm a new owner and when I start up I set to B0 and only use B5 by paddling on down hill stretches and as a replacement to the foot brake where possible to recharge the EV battery. I was just curious why you would start off in B5, am I missing something?

Thanks
Pete

 

[BruceHF]

I have a 2020 (Canadian model) and I dont have neither the Sonar (# 17) nor the AVS ( #18) ??? Yes i do v the 'noise ' particularly when I am in reverse.

 

[greendwarf]

Hi Chris

Can I ask you why you select B5? I'm a new owner and when I start up I set to B0 and only use B5 by paddling on down hill stretches and as a replacement to the foot brake where possible to recharge the EV battery. I was just curious why you would start off in B5, am I missing something?

Thanks
Pete

It is going to depend on each Individual's drive. Most of mine are in the Sarf Lundun Alps i.e. all routes are downhill, so coasting everywhere is the order of the day and nowhere to put any regen energy with a full battery - so B0 is where I start.

However, there is a trip I do sometimes in the West Midlands which involves some high speed driving along twisting and undulating country roads (US drivers won't understand what these are, I'm afraid) where I have found putting the car into B5 allows almost "one pedal" driving and I find it quite fun!

The other scenario is motorway cruising in ACC mode where I am using the steering wheel controls to adjust my speed rather than the right pedal. If the car is in B5 rather than the default setting then cancelling the ACC in a "heavy breaking" situation with my thumb gives me extra time to get to the brake pedal if necessary - simples!

 

[littlescrote]

However, there is a trip I do sometimes in the West Midlands which involves some high speed driving along twisting and undulating country roads (US drivers won't understand what these are, I'm afraid)

That's a rather patronising generalisation. You've obviously never been there, they have plenty of those.

 

[RossWilliams]

No, in the US we really have no routes that are all downhill. Except of course when our parents walked up them going to and from school.