Do most of you guys still think it is cost prohibitive and silly to retrofit HUD? I have to replace my windshield ANYWAY.. and with a little luck I may be ab;e to find dashboard etc.. from a junk yard.. any clues? approx. cost? etc... Thanks

I really think it's one of those options that if you didn't get it factory fitted, you should live without it. Replacing the dash would be a huge job. I don't know how many of the internal parts are different aswell as just the top bit that you see. And also what able connectivity into iDrive ... you'd have to have the option enabled, but as with all other non dealer fit options, the dealer would not be able to enable HUD because your car will not have that option listed. I believe the only way a non dealer fit option can be enable on iDrive is to have your spec updated at BMW Germany / HQ on their database ... I don't know if anybody has ever been successful.

It gets to a point where if you want something that badly and are prepared to spend so much time and money on it ... you should just sell your car and buy one that does have that option.

PS ... you really should create a signature with your car spec, and update your location in your profile.

It is definitely costly and risky to retrofit an HUD. However, if you have the money, desire and technical expertise, I don't see why you shouldn't attempt it. Those parts are not that hard to find, and you could order them new through a number of dealers that participate at e60.net at a discount.

Here is a place to purchase the HUD

If you didn't want to purchase the special windshield, you could put a piece of optical film on the area of the windshield that the HUD would project.

Go for it!

My suggestion ?
Do you pay the windshield or you go by insurance ?
Consider to get the HUD!
THEN search for a solution to retrofit the HUD .

I would like to retrofit it too .

BMW technical office told me I can't have shorter gears. Tomorrow I will order some parts because it's doable .

I agree with Russ on this. It will be such a technically demanding procedure with the probability of failure at many points in the process. I cannot see why you should bother as I doubt it will be that much cheaper than just sourcing a car that has it already.

The ONLY situation when I can see this being worthwhile is when:-

1) You are technically very knowledgable , practical and confident.
2) Your car was bought so cheap that the expense of doing it still is less expensive than buying a new car with HUD
3) You dont expect it to be done quickly.
4) If you fail and the interior looks like Freddie Kruger has paid the car a visit ,then you will not be inclined to commit suicide.

Don't do it .. anyway, the HUD is only a matter of additional comfort, unless you drive an M5 where you can really use it.

Hey what's wrong with a Kruger e60?! :). I qualify for 2 3 and 4 but unfortunately still working on achieving 1.

I will actually purchase an HUD windshield and keep hope .. :).

Cheers