--- title: "BMW’s Eye-Activated Lane Changing Might Finally Put Those Turn Signals to Use" description: "BMW's Level 2 Highway Assistant in new models will let you confirm lane changes with just a look. And yes—it'll use the blinker." date: "2024-01-30" modified: "2024-01-30" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/bmws-eye-activated-lane-changing-might-finally-put-those-turn-signals-to-use" categories: - "BMW News" - "Car Tech" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "5 Series" - "BMW" - "sedan" --- # BMW’s Eye-Activated Lane Changing Might Finally Put Those Turn Signals to Use ![]() *\BMW\* BMW is adding its updated Level 2 driver assistance system to several of its 2024 models, including the new [5 Series](), 7 Series, X5, X6, X7, and iX. The technology already enabled its cars to drive hands-free at speeds up to 85 mph, so long as road conditions were met. Now, though, [BMW]() is adding a new option called Active Lane Change, which lets drivers switch lanes simply by looking at a side mirror. The feature works like this: when driving in semi-autonomous mode, the car can suggest a lane change and, if the driver decides to go ahead with it, all they have to do is look at the corresponding side mirror. Doing so will activate the turn signal, and the vehicle will then steer itself into the adjacent lane. ![]() *BMW* BMW's Level 2 system provided for lane changes before, but they weren't triggered in quite the same fashion. In Bimmers [like the iX](), the driver would have to flick the turn signal stalk to confirm a move. This new function takes things one step further, by allowing the driver to execute the lane change without using their hands. It's unclear if merely a quick glance at the mirror will allow the lane change, or if the system requires the driver to lock eyes with it for a few seconds. Either way, I can see quite a few accidental lane changes in the future because, if the car is suggesting a lane change, the first thing I'm probably doing is checking the mirror before confirming. Car sensors and cameras are pretty reliable nowadays, but I still like to check their work myself, to make sure I'm truly clear. However, BMW typically allows for some degree of personalization with its assistive features, so it's possible that drivers will be able to fine tune the mirror-look behavior to their preference, if not disable it entirely. On the flip side, this function might just mean more BMW drivers using turn signals, and I think that's something we can all get behind. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()