[tim-atl]

Does anyone else find that big gaping hole in top of the dash distracting? Every time I think "maybe I'll get the HUD" I look at that gigantic crater and change my mind. I don't think I could handle seeing that every time I walked up to my 5.

You can kind of see it in this picture.


Tim

[grasso06]

That bothers you that much? You'd give up the convenience for a minor eyesore? Of all of the extraneous features that I added to my 5... the HUD is by far my favorite and most useful!

[enigma01]

Originally Posted by grasso06

That bothers you that much? You'd give up the convenience for a minor eyesore? Of all of the extraneous features that I added to my 5... the HUD is by far my favorite and most useful!

Are you that lazy to look down 2 inches to see your instrument panel? So, what's the next useful option? The heated steering wheel?

And please don't start the safety argument. There is no credible study showing that the HUD somehow makes someone a safer driver.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by enigma01

Are you that lazy to look down 2 inches to see your instrument panel? So, what's the next useful option? The heated steering wheel?

And please don't start the safety argument. There is no credible study showing that the HUD somehow makes someone a safer driver.

From your negative comments, I take it you haven't driven a motor with HUD?

To me it is one of those things that is just so right. OK, we can get by without, but HUD is not a gimmick.

HighlandPete

[docbeemer]

We have no choice in Australia. ALL models being sold here have HUD as standard. I'd rather have the adaptive drive option (ie flat cornering) as standard....

[BMW-GT]

Had HUD on my last BMW. Nice but will not get it again until they find a fix for the HUD not being visible with polarized sunglasses on.

[tim-atl]

I wasn't implying it was a gimmick.

That hole is quite an eyesore, maybe I'll change my mind when I see it in person.

Tim

[pharding]

I had HUD on my last two E60's. I like it a lot. Nothing beats the visual convenience of critical information on the windsheild. It is not a big deal to use non-polarized drivng sunglasses. The opening in the dash is more refined on the F10.

[snkpkp]

Originally Posted by tim-atl

Does anyone else find that big gaping hole in top of the dash distracting? Every time I think "maybe I'll get the HUD" I look at that gigantic crater and change my mind. I don't think I could handle seeing that every time I walked up to my 5.

You can kind of see it in this picture.


Tim

Had in my E60, Would get it again, not as useful for me , but I like the gadget

[delvek]

Dont care much for the HUD, seemed distracting and found myself turning it off when I test drove or had loaners with it.

[car_fan]

Unless you have your seat adjusted to the highest position, you will not notice the HUD system looking straight on from the drivers seat. I can't speak on the effectiveness or lack thereof in previous models, but the current version is very useful IMHO. Especially with the graphical display for the NAV system being displayed via HUD as well.

Looking at the top of the dash from the exterior of the car is another story, as of course the HUD system is noticeable. However, if you are satisfied with the functionality and purpose the system serves it wont bother you.

[grasso06]

Originally Posted by enigma01

Are you that lazy to look down 2 inches to see your instrument panel? So, what's the next useful option? The heated steering wheel?

And please don't start the safety argument. There is no credible study showing that the HUD somehow makes someone a safer driver.

Safety, well yes, actually...
I don't believe there have been studies EITHER way, for or against. So you're argument isn't necessarily sound. But I must say...if you use the navi a lot, then you're never looking over at the screen and trying to read shit; everything is right in front of you. Also convenience is a main factor. Don't criticize until you've experienced it!

[enigma01]

Originally Posted by grasso06

Safety, well yes, actually...
I don't believe there have been studies EITHER way, for or against. So you're argument isn't necessarily sound. But I must say...if you use the navi a lot, then you're never looking over at the screen and trying to read shit; everything is right in front of you. Also convenience is a main factor. Don't criticize until you've experienced it!

You assume too much, sir. I took an M5 (with HUD) out for a long test drive, and it wasn't very useful.

While I won't disagree that it is somewhat useful to a certain group of people (those not wearing polarized sunglasses to start with), I need to question those who claim it's the MOST useful feature.

So, if there is no study either way, I need to conclude that the one with HUD is not necessarily any safer than the one without it. So, your safety argument doesn't hold any water?

[enigma01]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

From your negative comments, I take it you haven't driven a motor with HUD?

To me it is one of those things that is just so right. OK, we can get by without, but HUD is not a gimmick.

HighlandPete

I don't think I follow your logic. If I don't consider a feature very useful, I must not have experienced it? If I bashed the automatic gearbox on BMWs, are you going to tell me I must have never driven an automatic vehicle?

[grasso06]

Originally Posted by enigma01

You assume too much, sir. I took an M5 (with HUD) out for a long test drive, and it wasn't very useful.

While I won't disagree that it is somewhat useful to a certain group of people (those not wearing polarized sunglasses to start with), I need to question those who claim it's the MOST useful feature.

So, if there is no study either way, I need to conclude that the one with HUD is not necessarily any safer than the one without it. So, your safety argument doesn't hold any water?

Abrasive are we!?!

Well, taking my quote out of context doesn't necessarily help your argument either. I said that of all of MY selected extraneous features, it was MY favorite and most useful addition. To specify, it is more so than lane departure, blind spot, night vision, etc. IN MY OPINION, just to clarify again.

This post has veered too far from the initial poster's question. So to return to that: I (my opinion) believe that the eyesore of the HUD is outweighed by its benefit. It's usefulness, however, really depends on your opinion via trying it out in person and a cost/benefit analysis.

[Robin_NL]

In a F10 it's an expensive option.
In a F16 it comes standard.

[delvek]

@ Robinhood ... nice post only pissed I didnt think of it!

[tim-atl]

Saw one today in person. It didn't look as bad as I expected and since I'm a gadget person I'll probably end up with it.

Thanks for the input and sorry for the drama.

Tim

[grasso06]

Btw Tim,

I test drove the 2011 535i today w/o the HUD and there is still a minor indentation in the dashboard where the HUD goes. It's obviously not a void where the projector is, but u can definitely tell where they cut out the dash for the HUD.