[2002tiiLux]

As a new member I hope I have not missed a similar thread somewhere and I hope someone might have information to help me.

In simple terms I will not buy another BMW until the digital dashboard can display a representation of traditional dials for the speedometer and rev-counter.

As this latest 5 Series model continues to use a display format (< >) that I regard as unreadable when driving, and also now boasts a game console (?) I am desperately hoping that there is an electronic fix or way of programming a proper representation of dials - just like all of BMW's direct competitors have.

As a lifelong fan of BMW's and having owned half a dozen or so over the past 40 years, I hope that I don't have to switch to another brand just because BMW have chosen not to provide/allow a simple display option

Any help much appreciated...

[OHV_44]

I'm sorry, but next time you'll probably have to get a Mercedes or similar vehicle.

[trivalent]

Originally Posted by OHV_44

I'm sorry, but next time you'll probably have to get a Mercedes or similar vehicle.

Agreed. That train has sailed.

[PsychDoc]

Has it occurred you that it's probably something you'd get used to after a week or two of ownership?

Perhaps even come to prefer it over the circular guage clusters we're all used to?

[RichardInCA]

If I’m not mistaken that digital dash layout predates the i5 by several years…I certainly recall seeing a bunch of other M cars with that format.

[Scrapula]

I have only looked at the heads up display for about 5 years in other cars that I have owned. You just need a number for speed. A tach is useless without a manual. I usually use the dash space for music.

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by OHV_44

I'm sorry, but next time you'll probably have to get a Mercedes or similar vehicle.

I sincerely hope that in 7 to 10 years, I can buy a 100% full self-driving car. I just want to open the car door, get in, say the destination and take a long nap. The car will then drive me and wake me up in front of the destination. Well.. that's my dream since I first got my learner's permit at age 15 and 6 months. Never really liked driving, especially for someone who grew up in DMV and NYC.

[2002tiiLux]

I expect you are all correct about having to look at other manufacturers, so I am looking at ordering a Porsche early in the new year unless I can find a way of changing the instrument display in the BMW.

My last 5 series had this "<>" dashboard (the one with the daft sideways chevrons illuminating in opposite directions and hidden by your hands on the steering wheel - the same screen as fitted now to all the BMW range) and I couldn't wait to get rid of the car. Great engineering: Dreadful electronics.

I guess I'm old fashioned in that I like to drive my cars rather than just sit in them and play computer games, and when I am driving them hard I want my eyes on the road at all times so I like to know what the engine and road speed is by my peripheral vision - i.e. by the relative position of the needles and knowing what gear I am in. The HUD is ok for town or motorway driving, to make sure the speed limit isn't exceeded, but it's not the same.

Sadly I fear this will be one more nail in the coffin for the true enthusiast's motoring enjoyment.

I should be grateful that I do own two "Ultimate Driving Machines" and mourn the fact that this accolade surely now belongs to some other car marque (I'm not saying this just because of the dashboard).

I am still hoping that there will be someone with a way of programming the dashboard though, especially as one of the younger sales staff at a local dealership did think he had heard about it being possible, just not through the BMW network. So fingers still crossed.

Thanks for the replies so far, I do appreciate them.

[alewifebp]

I think it depends on which model you are going to get. If you are going EV, there is no tach. You can choose just the speed to be in the center.