I think they changed it because the added sophistication of the cruise control is no longer suitable for steering wheel controls -- too refined. So, they needed another stalk. I would not go back to the E39 set up just to solve such a problem. BMW did the right thing. Driving with cruise is very easy. On long trips, I don't have a problem.

As for changing lanes, I program no 3-blinks and slightly press the turn indicator for as many blinks as I think the situation warrants and then turn it loose.

 

One blink seems to be the norm here in Germany. Several blinks to move to the left but just one on the way back to the right. And yes, "Slower Traffic Keep Right" actually works here too Maybe they could add that option to the iDrive for the US market

 

 

I wasn't talking about the change from the E39 to the E60. I was going back to earlier BMWs like my E30 M3 (1989). Back then they used a stalk instead of steering wheel controls but the stalk worked much better than the stalk we have now, in my opinion.

As far as lane changes, you don't need to disable the triple-blink to do what you want. As long as you hold the stalk in the lane change position, it'll blink until you let go. The triple-blink mode will be activated if you quickly move and release the stalk. For me, I leave the triple-blink mode activated and use it from time to time but it's nice to know that I can hold the stalk longer if I want...

 

What I wouldn't pay for that option....

 

Did you looked at the Owner's Manual Packet??! Its in there and look almost like another one of the panphlet.

Check it out dude..... its in there!!

beewang

 

You don't pay for triple signal now. You wouldn't pay for 5 blinks or the option.