Full LCD Gauges Coming to Facelift 5-series and 7-series

LaMpiR · 05-26-2011, 02:28 AM

This is cool and everything but I really can't replace the style of black panel lcd gauges...

V_therussian · 05-26-2011, 03:06 AM

I like the idea of being able to switch between different themes and customize the display. If BMW made it possible to choose which gauges you can display, scroll between different screens, be able to select which instruments are being displayed and in what fashion, and so on - that would be cool. If its just a digital representation of analog gauges, its just pointless, and I'd rather have the old-fashioned gauges. Just my 2 cents.

EvolutionTheory · 05-26-2011, 04:05 AM

Well, as a kid I always wanted a Star Trek Shuttlecraft..

ipso_facto · 05-26-2011, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharbotcom

I would imagine it would be cheaper in the long run as every car can be equipped with the same panel - no matter the country. Flipping between kilometers and miles, english / french / german / spanish / russian / chinese (enough already), etc. would be a simple parameter.

Agreed. The cost saving for BMW will be huge. Everything is done in software as opposed to necessitating the spec and supply of multiple physical instrument panels with all the regional and language dependencies that you have stated.

It also gives the ability to "fix" any issue with a software patch, or even to implement new functionality within the patch.

wang133ro · 05-26-2011, 05:35 AM

I'd be worried about sunlight since I have yet to see an automatic display brightness system that is usable, especially when the light varies (trees, buildings, and so on).

I think I was too quick to order the black panel as it is.... will have to see for myself when the car gets here.

Needsdecaf · 05-26-2011, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparoz

My suspicion is that it will be cheaper. Mechanical gauge still have physical linkage. While digital gauge can do without any of them. All parameters are being measured anyway by the computer - hence I see it is a cost saving.

Gauges in almost all modern cars are completely electronic, no mechanical linkages. The gauge needles are operated by stepper motors that are controlled by electric signals from various sensors around the car.

A TFT display would be cheaper, IMO.

Give me the full black panel with real needles, thanks.

mlai · 05-26-2011, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvolutionTheory

Well, as a kid I always wanted a Star Trek Shuttlecraft..

Yes. You need a navigation console, engineering console, science and communication console, and most importantly.... TACTICAL

Dennis911 · 05-26-2011, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by and 1

i dunno. with the LFA it was cool because the tach physically couldn't keep up with the engine....if that was even true. but come on bmw, what's next? no steering wheel?

One the one hand, BMW has stopped high reving engines, so that is clearly not the point.
Secondly, I still doubt that statement from Lexus. If you look for example at the brilliant tribute Top Gear did for Ayrton Senna, you can see his Mp4/4 going through the streets of Monaco having an analog rev counter. I doubt that that machine would rev any slower than the LFA.

kmarei · 05-26-2011, 07:42 AM

I can just imagine it..
One day you get in your car, put the key in the ignition
Start the car, only to see this...

SamS · 05-26-2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Gauges in almost all modern cars are completely electronic, no mechanical linkages. The gauge needles are operated by stepper motors that are controlled by electric signals from various sensors around the car.

This! We're a long way past true "mechanical" gauges. American cars older than 20 years (in particular) are subject to gauge failure. Fuel gauge, tach, I've seen all types fail.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Give me the full black panel with real needles, thanks.

Seems like you'd prefer the post-March 2011 F10 (and F12/F13 I think) until they switch to the full LCD style referenced in the original post. Kind of combines the best of both worlds, IMO.

Carchitect · 05-26-2011, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Guy

Haha I can see it now. You will be able to hack and download new themes for your for your display gauges.

That's the first thing I thought too! Haha. I'm picturing some News story about a car accident that is going to happen when some guy is distracted by his hacked pornographic gauges, and crashes into a tree. LILO IMO ok

James T. Kirk · 05-26-2011, 08:55 AM

Big leaps like this take time to perfect.
It'll come out in two years and then take another two years to smooth out and get right.
What a headache.

npd2983 · 05-26-2011, 09:25 AM

LCD is so 2005! Why not make it LED, or even better OLED?

Lastcombo · 05-26-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Space Ghost

Real gauges going the way of a real dipstick. One more thing to break, malfunction etc.

Well said

SamS · 05-26-2011, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by npd2983

LCD is so 2005! Why not make it LED, or even better OLED?

You know that LED is a back light technology, right? Not a display technology, unless you're talking about the scrolling signs in Times Square. All those "LED TVs" are really just LCD with LED backlights, as opposed to CCFL backlights.

BMW could very well use LED-backlit-LCDs in the instrument panel.

timmahh · 05-26-2011, 10:29 AM

I'm a big fan of overly designed fancy lighting and tricks to the point of being useless gauges.. a needle sweep makes me clap my hands in excitement.

Rover's version:

Lexus:

Jag:

Fun things can be done with it, i'm sure it will be neat.

Zadjali · 05-26-2011, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by npd2983

LCD is so 2005! Why not make it LED, or even better OLED?

+1

LED have better contrast ratio than LCD. I also wish to see LED display in BMW center console!

SamS · 05-26-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zadjali

+1

LED have better contrast ratio than LCD. I also wish to see LED display in BMW center console!

LED is LCD in your comment above! If you want pure LED, go look at the rear brake lights on an LCI E9x 3 series.

LED backlit display for TVs, instrument panels, whatever is still LCD.

timmahh · 05-26-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamS

LED is LCD in your comment above! If you want pure LED, go look at the rear brake lights on an LCI E9x 3 series.

LED backlit display for TVs, instrument panels, whatever is still LCD.

Indeed.. The only thing LED about LED TVs is that the light source is an array of LEDs where as traditional LCD TVs use cold cathode lighting tubes for the backlight. Still the same glass/technology.

theArgiope · 05-26-2011, 12:38 PM

Hacktastic! Can't wait to find the theming code to customize the graphics.

TheDarkone · 05-26-2011, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmarei

I can just imagine it..
One day you get in your car, put the key in the ignition
Start the car, only to see this...

its so trueeeeee!

issue the recall notices now, piggy back it on the hpfp letters!

M5007 · 05-26-2011, 01:46 PM

There is no doubt that it has a "cool factor" to it. I like the technology and a fan of being able to customize.

However. Like the digital dipstick. I cannot stand it. Call me old school but I want to be able to check my oil visually and see the color of the oil etc...

I am not really looking forward to the new display. My Mercedes S class has a similar display screen and it's been replaced twice already due to malfunctions.

05-26-2011, 02:28 AM	#45
LaMpiR Enlisted Member 9 Rep 49 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Vienna, Austria iTrader: (0)	This is cool and everything but I really can't replace the style of black panel lcd gauges...
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05-26-2011, 03:06 AM	#46
V_therussian Private 5 Rep 66 Posts Drives: '06 530 Xi Sport Manual Join Date: May 2009 Location: NYC Area iTrader: (0)	I like the idea of being able to switch between different themes and customize the display. If BMW made it possible to choose which gauges you can display, scroll between different screens, be able to select which instruments are being displayed and in what fashion, and so on - that would be cool. If its just a digital representation of analog gauges, its just pointless, and I'd rather have the old-fashioned gauges. Just my 2 cents. __________________ '06 530Xi "STICK" \| Sport, Prem, Cold Wthr Packs \| Navi, PDC, Adaptive Headlights Mods: Alpina front w Racemesh, OEM Gloss black "nostrils", OEM "M" sideskirts, 19" BBS CK+Hankooks, H&R springs + Bilsten B8 dampers (1.4"front and 1.3" rear drop), RPI scoop+BMC filter, Hoen fogs, Short Shifter, OEM trunk finisher, OEM gloss black exhaust tips, and many many more, AND more to come
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05-26-2011, 04:05 AM	#47
EvolutionTheory Private First Class 10 Rep 131 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi Sedan Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	Well, as a kid I always wanted a Star Trek Shuttlecraft.. __________________ Dinan Stage 3 \| High Capacity Oil Cooler \| High Performance Intercooler \| Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake \| Carbon Fiber Strut Tower Brace \| Rear Sway Bar \| KW V1's \| 18" Forgestar F14's
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05-26-2011, 05:35 AM	#49
wang133ro Private 3 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 535d F10 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Copenhagen iTrader: (0)	I'd be worried about sunlight since I have yet to see an automatic display brightness system that is usable, especially when the light varies (trees, buildings, and so on). I think I was too quick to order the black panel as it is.... will have to see for myself when the car gets here.
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05-26-2011, 07:42 AM	#53
kmarei Major General 685 Rep 6,845 Posts Drives: 2018 Audi RS5 coupe Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Reston, VA iTrader: (34) Garage List 2018 Audi RS5 [0.00]	I can just imagine it.. One day you get in your car, put the key in the ignition Start the car, only to see this... __________________
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05-26-2011, 08:55 AM	#56
James T. Kirk Captain of the Enterprise 101 Rep 1,424 Posts Drives: 2011 1 Series M Coupe Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Alpha Quadrant, Sector 001 iTrader: (0)	Big leaps like this take time to perfect. It'll come out in two years and then take another two years to smooth out and get right. What a headache. __________________ 2011 1 Series M Coupe VO M3 vs 1M Comparo Review 2011 M3 E90 DCT ZCP (sold) * 2010 335i Sedan (sold) 2005 M3 Convertible (sold) * 2003 325i Sedan (sold)
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05-26-2011, 09:25 AM	#57
npd2983 Private 2 Rep 96 Posts Drives: '10 128i MT; '09 335d Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Birmingham, Ala. iTrader: (0)	LCD is so 2005! Why not make it LED, or even better OLED?
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05-26-2011, 10:29 AM	#60
timmahh ghey 483 Rep 2,041 Posts Drives: Viertürigen Fahrzeugs Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Southern California iTrader: (1)	I'm a big fan of overly designed fancy lighting and tricks to the point of being useless gauges.. a needle sweep makes me clap my hands in excitement. Rover's version: Lexus: Jag: Fun things can be done with it, i'm sure it will be neat. __________________ 21 G05 > 20 G05 > 17 G30 > 14 F30 > 08 E90
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05-26-2011, 12:38 PM	#64
theArgiope Private 1 Rep 70 Posts Drives: 2011 e90 M3 Join Date: May 2010 Location: San Francisco Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Hacktastic! Can't wait to find the theming code to customize the graphics.
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05-26-2011, 01:46 PM	#66
M5007 Major 71 Rep 1,410 Posts Drives: 2014 M5 Competition Package Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (0)	There is no doubt that it has a "cool factor" to it. I like the technology and a fan of being able to customize. However. Like the digital dipstick. I cannot stand it. Call me old school but I want to be able to check my oil visually and see the color of the oil etc... I am not really looking forward to the new display. My Mercedes S class has a similar display screen and it's been replaced twice already due to malfunctions. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote