HUD Issues

[TheX5]

First off let me say that I *love* the HUD option, especially when using it for navigation. Now onto the issues.

I got a nasty crack in my windshield that resulted in it needing replacement which set me back a cool $1,700 at the dealer.

No sooner did I pick up the car that I noticed the HUD was no longer working, specifically the projector was working, but the image was very faint on the windshield. I also noticed that in auto mode, my headlights were always on.

So back to the dealer I went, and they concluded it was a defective windshield (HUD requires a special windshield). Of course none were to be had in stock, so they had to order one from Germany which took a few weeks to get to the US.

Side story: I'm so used to seeing my speed on the HUD, that without it I managed to get clocked at 95 by the highway patrol. Fortunately, the officer believed me when I told him that I simply didn't know how fast I was going because of how I had become dependent on the display. I honestly thought I was going about 80 which is what he coincidentally ended up writing me up for

Back to the dealer where my windshield has now arrived from Germany. I drop of my X5 and several days later get a call to pick it up. No sooner do I get inside that I notice the exact same issues: No HUD, and headlights in auto mode are always on! Don't they actually test these things before they hand them back to the customer?!!?!?

So now the service advisor hauls out the mechanic responsible for the repairs. He gets in the truck pokes around a bit and then sheepishly admits that something is not right. Duh?

Today I get a call from the dealer advising me that they are having a BMW factory service specialist come take a look at the car tomorrow. Translation: we have no idea what is wrong

My bet: It's the wrong windshield again. Probably some screw up in the part numbers or some such oddity.

Anyway I am now seriously thinking of deleting the HUD on my '11 X5 which will be going into september production. It is an awesome option and I really hate to lose it, but I drive up to the snow quite a few times and my windshield gets pelted pretty good with the sand/rocks the they dump on the roads, so I'm pretty sure I'll be dealing with a cracked windshield at some point over the next 3 years of the next lease. I also think the HUD windshield might be quite a bit more expensive than the standard one?

Was wondering if anyone else has had similar (or other) issues with the HUD option?

[notaminivan]

Do you have glass coverage on your auto insurance? At least in Massachsetts, glass is covered with no deductible. At least that's how it has always been. I do not specifically know whether there would be any difference for the special HUD windshield. I too love my HUD and could not easily give it up. I have not yet cracked my windshield. I should look into my insurance to be sure.

[alexmish]

TheX5 - what you described is exactly the reason why I did NOT get the HUD option... The need for special windshield, the fact it does not work with polarized eye glasses (I have those) lead to this decision.

Hope your issues get sorted out soon, my feeling is that you are right - they got the wrong part number.

Nice feature though (and safety-wise good idea too!)

[EZDozzit]

Why $1700? Seems rather high when the HUD windshield can be purchased for less than $600. Granted, that doesn't include labor or other materials i.e. seal and stuff but that's a diff of $1,100.

BMWPartsOutlet.com

[X5FX]

Had the same issue, found the the dealer didnt connect the wires back properly that are in the rearview mirror connection to windshield. Specifically the rain sensor.

Paid $1000 installed for mine.

see post 35 and 38:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ld-repair.html

[DWill]

Originally Posted by alexmish

TheX5 - what you described is exactly the reason why I did NOT get the HUD option... The need for special windshield, the fact it does not work with polarized eye glasses (I have those) lead to this decision.

Hope your issues get sorted out soon, my feeling is that you are right - they got the wrong part number.

Nice feature though (and safety-wise good idea too!)

I wear polarized sun glasses all the time and haven't noticed any issue with the HUD and my glasses.

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by DWill

I wear polarized sun glasses all the time and haven't noticed any issue with the HUD and my glasses.

you must have "special" polarized glasses then.

[Rac10000]

Originally Posted by DWill

I wear polarized sun glasses all the time and haven't noticed any issue with the HUD and my glasses.

Originally Posted by X5FX

you must have "special" polarized glasses then.

Yea, that's interesting. The first thing I realized when I test drove the new 550i was that I could not see the HUD as a result of my polarized sun glasses.

[DWill]

Originally Posted by Rac10000

Yea, that's interesting. The first thing I realized when I test drove the new 550i was that I could not see the HUD as a result of my polarized sun glasses.

Maybe I should make sure my glasses are polarized. I possible I'm mistaken.

[998M]

Two sets of polarized glasses. Neither work with HUD. Unless you tilt your head slightly. A real bummer. I love my glasses almost as much as i love HUD.

M