VIDEO: BMW's Brake Override System In Action, Puts Journalists' Stomach In His Throat

Basic engineering common sense in action... Makes you wonder why other don't do it.

Gorgeous engine sound

@MSP6: Ahhh!!! Isnt it though?!?!? I had 2 keep playing it again pretending it was me in that car!

(so lame, I know! lol) One day though!

I love how the stopping power of the BMW shocked the reporter and left him giggling. A very nice demonstration of a proper braking system in action (which punctuated an awesome engine note!)

The real takeaway here is that the car stopped rather quickly when the brakes were applied -- despite the fact that he did not let off the gas. Think about that. Countless tests (Edmunds, C&D, et.al.) have proven that the brakes will *always* overcome the engine. Next time someone tells you they were "braking as hard as they could but the engine was racing and they couldn't stop the car"...remember what we learned here today.
I had an Audi 5000 Turbo back in the day, and boy am I tired of the weak-minded (and their willing accomplices in the media) swallowing these tales of ineffective brakes. Audi proved conclusively that in every case reported of "unintended acceleration" in an Audi, it was caused by driver error. Whatever the cause of sticking throttles in Toyotas (if true) there is a simply remedy; try the brakes.

The main point here is that Audi, BMW and Mercedes use an electronic override which overrides the throttle if the brakes are applied at the same time, so you are not relying on the brakes having to overcome the engine.

ditto above, the point of the video was not that ALL brakes can overcome a stuck throttle, it was that BMW (among other brands) has an override built in that shuts off the throttle when the brakes are hit in an "emergency stop" manuever.

TechRightGuy, I assumed exactly the same thing until I tried it myself and found out that the brakes are affective only on the first pump you give for some odd reason, during acceleration only. Once you let go, the pedal gets really firm on the 2nd and 3rd try and the brakes no longer work. Then I went on the Toyota website and found exactly what I experienced.

"In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. "

Safety is one thing - but in a performance car can you still heel and toe?

Of course you can still heel and toe! The system understands the difference between panic stopping with constant and inappropriate throttle application and threshold braking along with a throttle blip.

It works perfectly in my BMW every single day.

Should have shown the pedals being pressed to make the point of the post even clearer. BTW- glad I drive a BMW

@CarCrazedinCali: I totally agree with you. I was so in love with hearing this engine that I hadnt thought about that.

TechRightGuy, I assumed exactly the same thing until I tried it myself and found out that the brakes are affective only on the first pump you give for some odd reason, during acceleration only. Once you let go, the pedal gets really firm on the 2nd and 3rd try and the brakes no longer work. Then I went on the Toyota website and found exactly what I experienced.

"In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. "

VW/Audi/Mercedes/BMW all have this. Welcome to German Engineering. To the other manufacturers, take notes.