Successfully added Traffic Jam Assistant to US model -- interested in other people's experience with TJA

[vinc]

OK, I have 2 i3, a 2018 i3s and a 2019 i3s. How do I know if I can do this upgrade?

I used WhatsApp to reach out to Premium Retrofit. I sent them my VIN and they quickly replied to confirm that my i3 is compatible. Also, in order to complete the order you have to provide your VIN, so I assume they would not process it if they see that you car is not compatible.

Little detail, they say you will need Windows laptop for the remote coding.

I just placed my order. Will report back...

 

[Map40]

I used WhatsApp to reach out to Premium Retrofit. I sent them my VIN and they quickly replied to confirm that my i3 is compatible. Also, in order to complete the order you have to provide your VIN, so I assume they would not process it if they see that you car is not compatible.

Little detail, they say you will need Windows laptop for the remote coding.

I just placed my order. Will report back...

Thank you!

 

[PremiumRetrofit]

Hey guys! Thank you for your orders! We also want to provide the best user experience for this product, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask, either here or on Whatsapp!

 

[robthebold]

I used WhatsApp to reach out to Premium Retrofit.

I used to be "with it," but then they changed what "it" was; now what I'm with isn't "it," and what's "it" is seems weird and scary to me.

 

[PremiumRetrofit]

I used to be "with it," but then they changed what "it" was; now what I'm with isn't "it," and what's "it" is seems weird and scary to me.

Then I recommend waiting for the reviews of those who bought now

 

[robthebold]

I mean the "Whatsap" . . .

 

[PremiumRetrofit]

I mean the "Whatsap" . . .

You can also write me a private message here or even an email to: [email protected]

 

[lopezjm2001]

You can get one of these. Does the same job.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOnFLhg

 

[PremiumRetrofit]

You can get one of these. Does the same job.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOnFLhg

If there is no park assistant in the car, this can also be good, as it only emulates a continuous "touch". If you buy from us, the price includes the Enet adapter and remote coding, because this cannot be solved with Bimmercode, and if you get stuck, we can help. If you don't need these things, you can get away with it cheaper.

 

[JohnnyCakes]

Hey guys! Thank you for your orders! We also want to provide the best user experience for this product, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask, either here or on Whatsapp!

Hey, do I get a referral fee? lol

(you know me as tom*****[email protected] and you installed in March)

 

[tongsli]

If there is no park assistant in the car, this can also be good, as it only emulates a continuous "touch". If you buy from us, the price includes the Enet adapter and remote coding, because this cannot be solved with Bimmercode, and if you get stuck, we can help. If you don't need these things, you can get away with it cheaper.

for those of us with Mac products do you have remote coding software that works with Mac OS ?

thanks,

Lito

 

[vinc]

I just finished installing the TJA and I can confirm that the process was extremely straightforward.

Opening the module in the steering wheel to plug the unit was the hardest part. The screw came off very easily, but pulling the module out and pushing it back in place required a bit more muscle than the online videos may lead you to believe. I was afraid I was going to break something, but in the end everything came together as intended.

For the remote programming, I coordinated a time with PremiumRetrofit via WhatsApp (they are in Europe). I was under the impression that the car would be undriveable between plugging the unit and doing the programming, but no. I could use it just fine.

The TJA comes with an OBD-Ethernet adapter. So for the programming appointment, it is just a matter of installing a remote access software called AnyDesk on your Windows PC and plugging the computer to the car. PremiumRetrofit takes over the computer during the session and implements all the changes. Any PC with Ethernet should do. I only have a Mac, so I bought the cheapest Windows PC I could find (less than $100), and it worked just fine.

Once the programming is done, the time and date need to be reset (even if you have it in automatic), and that is that.

PremiumRetrofit was very responsive throughout the entire process, all the way from shipping the unit to after me making sure the TJA was working as intended.

I have tested the car a couple of times, and the system works great, with the max speed limit at 62 mph. Of course, a big reminder, it is just a driver's assist feature. So you still have to be 100% alert and ready to take over immediately. But what it does is more than enough to make rush hour driving much less draining. Totally worth it!

 

[JohnnyCakes]

I'm enjoying it so far -- this definitely not "Tesla jump in the back seat and sack out" (we've all seen that video) but it is useful and very cool.

With the Premium Retrofit dongle installed, there is no requirement to touch the steering wheel at all. Assuming that traffic cooperates, you could go forever without touching the wheel.

In the OEM installed version, is there a "touch the steering wheel" requirement? How often?

 

[vinc]

I'm enjoying it so far -- this definitely not "Tesla jump in the back seat and sack out" (we've all seen that video) but it is useful and very cool.

With the Premium Retrofit dongle installed, there is no requirement to touch the steering wheel at all. Assuming that traffic cooperates, you could go forever without touching the wheel.

In the OEM installed version, is there a "touch the steering wheel" requirement? How often?

I believe the OEM version detects your hands through the trim around the steering wheel. It is not torque, like Tesla’s system.

 

[JohnnyCakes]

Interesting -- how long can you have your hands off before it shuts down?

 

[vinc]

Interesting -- how long can you have your hands off before it shuts down?

I believe the OEM version requires constant confirmation of hands holding the steering wheel, from what the manual seems to suggest.

The retrofit bypasses the sensor, since US vehicles don't have it, so the system will keep working even without hands on the steering wheel. But again... this is a driver assist feature, so hands should be on the steering wheel at all times.

 

[KrisM]

I have often asked myself whether a resistance of 10 kΩ and 50 kΩ, equal to the human body and the conductivity, between the left and right of the steering wheel would not also disable these hands on the steering wheel and allow the TJA to work without you keep your hands on the wheel.

 

[JohnnyCakes]

Good info! So you are saying that there's no delay, remove your hands and the system shuts down.

I am impressed with this system -- it is aptly named: Traffic Jam Assist. It is awesome in stop/go traffic.

 

[KrisM]

Good info! So you are saying that there's no delay, remove your hands and the system shuts down.

I am impressed with this system -- it is aptly named: Traffic Jam Assist. It is awesome in stop/go traffic.

There are about 15 to 20sec (never timed it) before the system warn you to put your hands back on the wheel, if you do, the system keep on working if you do not, it stops working.

 

[jphughes3]

"There are about 15 to 20sec (never timed it) before the system warn you to put your hands back on the wheel, if you do, the system keep on working if you do not, it stops working."

I believe that is pretty standard timing for most adaptive cruise control technology with steering assist today.

In addition to a 2019 i3, I also have a 2023 Hyundai Palisade Caligraphy that basically drives itself, but you still need to keep a hand on the wheel or you get an alarm after about 15 - 20 seconds.

I had a MB that had similar feature and it was about the same 15 - 20 seconds before alarming.