Preh Systems Shine in the New BMW X5

BMW X5 to feature three Preh driver controls, including an elegant new center stack system.

Preh Inc. is delivering what amounts to three control systems for the new BMW. All systems were developed at the global company's headquarters in Bad Neustadt, Germany. Technical solutions that have already proven themselves in other BMW models include the iDrive Touch Controller and the Driving Experience Control. The center stack control system, equipped with a fine black panel finish, now literally ensures a new luster for audio and climate functions.

Control systems with a high-quality look and feel in the interior—visibly and tangibly—enhance the claim of technical perfection of the new BMW X5. Preh also supplies it with the iDrive Touch Controller on the center console, next to the Driving Experience Control to select different driving modes. This is optionally equipped with an integrated touchpad and allows the input of characters.

Besides having a high-gloss black panel interface, the control system for the audio and climate functions has a fanless temperature sensor and a high-speed CAN. This was achieved for the first time with a wide 3D-plastic film. The center stack interface features a low-tensile, high-gloss film with various breakthroughs that is rear-injected with plastic. The special film is a joint development of BMW, Bayer and Preh, characterized in particular by good chemical resistance and high scratch-resistance.

The panel with the sophisticated 3D-contour is made at Preh's plastic manufacturing facility in Bad Neustadt. All the other components, including the electronics, come from Monterrey, Mexico, where Preh has two plants. Here the final assembly also takes place and delivery to the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.