Hawkwing

http://www.cs.nott.ac.uk/~geb/HCII2003_HUD.pdf

Read the above when you have the time - a report that was the outcome of a study into the merits of using 'aviation' HUD technology within cars.

My view - we'll I flew military fast jets for years, hence my view is likely coloured by experience in that domain - most here seem to believe it's a positive feature - I take a less enthusiatic tone on BMW's implementation, its has merits and limitations. To make full 'safe' use you will need to train yourself to use this feature - many will not, this will unlikley support the 'safety' feature of the technology in my view.

If you condition your behaviour to the data availability/delivery it can be useful, drivers perceptual and cognitive abilities will be tested and will need tuning - as pointed too in the report perceptual and cognitive variables will influence in use. IMO the behaviour of many HUD users will likely cause additional confusion in some driving conditions - I believe this could be in the majority as, increasingly drivers in the UK at least, many seem less capable (I'm being polite here!) than previous generations.

I do have then HUD option and use it, not always though - I prefer to use preipheral vision for Nav outputs (& verbal), this possibly as I have trained vision and the speed of acceptance by my senses is much higher than most. To me the focused distance of the in-vison HUD data is not a plus when your focus needs to be much further forward.

As for the option being value - that's relative to the purchaser's view.

jonathanm1966

I am convinced - I will add it to my order!

vji6697

I just ordered a LCI 525 too, didnt know about the electric blinds. I only have the old brochure which had manual blinds in there.

Dont think i've seen an upto date options list for the LCI. I went thru with the dealer on screen, and picked out the USB interface, but didnt notice the electric blinds in there.

What is the option code and cost of the electric blinds ?

Ive not gone for NAV or HUD. gonna use my tomtom instead

jonathanm1966

Rear blind electric is code 415 and costs ?225.

Bubbarossa

Thanks! And my g/f thanks you too!

narvselius

Grmpf... this forum is costing me a fortune!

I 've ordered an E61 530iaM (LCI) with SatNav and I could decide whether to for the HUD also. It's 13.900 SEK, or just above 1500 Euros, but after reading your posts you managed to persuade me too. Just e-mailed my dealer and said he could add that to. But now it's final!

highway

I agree, once you get this option, you will never do without........

I also foun dit particularly useful with the NAV option.......

Now i never have to take my eyes off the road, well except to respond to emails..........

k

ressla

Huh? You can't order it in the UK without professional navigation. I'm surprised you have HUD and no Nav !

Merv the Derv

I drove an M5 for about 80 miles and wasn't overly bothered when I got back in my car without it. Its not essential and very expensive for what it is. IMHO the Idrive screen and dials are well placed in the five series. I would spend the money on other worthwhile options. Just my HO.

J_bucher

Try 600 miles, using cruise control some time and speeding other times and going to a place you've never been befor (i.e. using the navigation).
When around my place, I don't use it, but when traveling or going to somewhere using the navigation, it's great and a lot safer (you almost never look inside the car).

My previous e39 was manual and I didn't miss an automatic gearbox.
Now I do when I use my wife's car (manual) instead of my e61

J_bucher