Thought I would take the time to post this today just to raise some more awareness. The BFD from factory, when in effect, lights up the brake bulbs nearly twice as bright to warn the drivers behind you to heed and brake immediately/urgently. This is great and dandy in theory, however, unless the person behind you has seen your normal brake lights and actually paid attention to its brightness, most people can't distinguish the difference anyway.

Now, as it is known and discussed, via coding, the BFD effect can be changed to rapid flashes instead. I believe this is actually the default setting for the 3rd brake light on M5s from the factory.

This weekend, I had to do a bit of driving in traffic in OC and LA, and those of us that live down here, you know how nasty the traffic can suddenly get randomly. I have coded my brake lights to all flash as BFD long ago, and for some reason, this is the first time I have noticed that the car behind me would be behind me at a really safe distance whenever the traffic suddenly halts. It took a moment to hit me that it's probably because my flashing brake lights are alerting them, and catching their attention real early on.

I think this is definitely something to code if you can do it yourself or come to me. Those that drive in traffic often, this may just prevent someone from hitting you from behind.

 

Good idea ! Would you happen to have a video clip?

 

I don't unfortunately. Rizbel did post one not long ago, but I have trouble finding it, lol.

Hopefully he'll see this thread and add it for us. Do note that Rizbel and I have the brake effects done though. So unless you have brake effects as well, it will look a little different.

 

I would be interested in learning more about these brake effects and how to code them myself. Sounds very interesting. detailed instructions and what brake effects to add would help? Thanks.

 

I only did a quick video. Notice that flashing BFD goes to regular brake lights as soon as you release and reapply the brake. It only flashes when the anti-lock system is engaged during hard braking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql4Kd-plRJM

 

The flashing BFD is done by coding the LMA, the entries to modify are in the coding thread. The brake effects, you'll have to physically modify the circuit, cannot be done by coding alone.


Thanks man, I was hoping you would chime in!

 

Imo someone who's had this mod done should drive past the camera really fast then slam on the brakes so we can see the full effect

 

Yah, unfortunately I don't have someone to help me to take a video, lol. Joe, if you can bother the wife to record another video, can you ask her to record it straight from the back as opposed from the side?