[Bartslide]

Hi, as daily driver of a 550e, i like to share my view on the dashboard.

Having had 7 BMWs in the past 25 years, this model is the first one that does not have round dials for speed and for revs. As I like driving BMWs, I always could see exactly what the speed and revs are and see what happens when shifting gears, up or down. I got used to how these two gauges interact with each other and basically act as one.

The 550e 2024 model, does not deliver this feeling anymore, I only look to the center digital speed display. The digital speed and rev meter left and right do not work for me anymore in the way that they have worked for me in the 7 other BMWs in the past. Even when driving electric, the electric gauge at the right is unclear for me what it tries to tell me, I only look to the percentage of the battery at the bottom of the gauge.

I really hope/advise BMW to create these round gauges digitally for speed and revs via an upload and match with the great round dials of the previous BMWs. These 2 round dials bring joy in driving and feeling with the car. That is the key that attracts me and many others in driving a BMW.

I really miss these round dials and as mentioned, the current hofmeister gauges do not bring value or joy in driving.

[SkykingUSA]

This is another situation where BMW is leaving money on the table by not offering downloadable/purchasable instrument cluster views.

[S6F]

Setting aside your dissatisfaction with the displays, are there other aspects of the 550e with which you are equally disappointed?

[MongoTom]

Speaking of dashboards, I jumped into my 550e today and slammed my shin into it so hard that I now have a giant egg and soon a massive bruise I’m sure. I need to rethink that setting that moves the seat back when you turn off the car. But I’ll definitely try to temper my excitement until I’m actually in the seat from now on.

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by MongoTom

Speaking of dashboards, I jumped into my 550e today and slammed my shin into it so hard that I now have a giant egg and soon a massive bruise I’m sure. I need to rethink that setting that moves the seat back when you turn off the car. But I’ll definitely try to temper my excitement until I’m actually in the seat from now on.

Yeay, I can see that happening. That's why I have myne for comfort exit. It's only a problem if someone is int he back seat that is relatively tall and you take off your seat belt. On another note, the seat WILL move into position if you don't have your seatbelt on if you push the door button. Since my garage is tandem, I sometimes have to back out to let my wife get out. Don't' necessarily need my seat belt on for that.

[HuskerBMW]

The comfort exit could be improved. I had it on another vehicle and it would start when the door opens instead of after disconnecting the seat belt. That would help the rear seat passengers. I also wish you could adjust how much it moves during exit. For me it doesn't go back far enough. After disconnecting the seat belt I use the second memory seat button to bring it back further to help with exit and avoid hitting my knee on the dash. If there is a way to customize the comfort exit, please help me find that option.

I agree on the dashboard displays. I really miss the circular displays for the speedometer and tach. I find myself now not even looking at those and in essence the space is wasted.

[SkykingUSA]

I don't think there is a way to adjust the comfort exit in the way you want. I think it's an on/off feature. Maybe it will move back farther if your starting seat position is farther back? Not sure.

[mwilson122]

I was under the impression that HUD was standard on the new 5 series? If so, and everyone's got one, I can see BMW's reasoning de-emphasizing the dashboard speedometer and tach/power indicator, thus enlarging the content area where maps/media/etc can be displayed in a more optimum fashion.

I too preferred circular gauges, but after a few months in my i5 with the HUD, I don't miss them one bit and the new design/layout grew on me. It feels much more modern and well integrated with the rest of the design language of the interior.

[nacs]

The heads up display is an option as part of the premium package in the 550e.

[MongoTom]

Originally Posted by HuskerBMW

The comfort exit could be improved. I had it on another vehicle and it would start when the door opens instead of after disconnecting the seat belt. That would help the rear seat passengers. I also wish you could adjust how much it moves during exit. For me it doesn't go back far enough. After disconnecting the seat belt I use the second memory seat button to bring it back further to help with exit and avoid hitting my knee on the dash. If there is a way to customize the comfort exit, please help me find that option.

I think using the second memory position for this is brilliant. I’m the only one who drives this so it’s available. Thanks for the tip!