Is Head Up feature useful
 

My X5 is on its way so I can't change anything at the factory. But while waiting , I keep reading the brochure and I saw head up feature where the informaiton is projected onto a windshield. It looks rather cool.
I am thinking of inquiring whether it is possible to install it at the dealer.
Hence I wanted to see whether others have this feature and if so whether they have found it to be useful.

I love the heads up display! So much so that I had to have the car ordered (and endure the long wait) because they couldn't find one with heads up in the color combination and with the options I wanted. Whether it is a must have really depends on the individual.

The reasons why I deemed this a have feature:
(1) I know if I don't get it, I'll end up wishing I had.
(2) Really distinguishes the car from other brands. I don't think anyone else besides BMW current offers this. At least I didn't see it in Mercedes and Lexus.
(3) If you are getting navigation, then heads-up really compliments it well. No need to take your eyes off the road
(4) An X5 already cost so much, whats the extra $1200 for something that can be used everytime you drive? Just like Comfort Access (yes. we can all insert the key and then start the car, but it's really nice not having to look for the key).

Most used feature
 

It is the most used feature that I have besides the back up camera. I use it everyday, everytime i drive. I love the HUD. I can't imagine my X without it. I never even look at the dash anymore. If you can do a test drive with a HUD you'll know what i mean,.

Don't think it can be dealer installed, as the projector opening is cut right in the dash board, nav has to be connected with it and also it requires a specially layered windshield.

CA, HUD, camera and Nav are the most used features and the most appreciated as well. ;)

hope that helps

I love mine as well, has saved many a few tickets too as its alot easier to see your speed.

It would be impractical to add this after the fact, it requires a new dash, new windshield and a monitor install...if you didnt order it, you are out of luck!

Test drove with it and I think $1200 just for this particular feature seems too pricey to me. Usually I'm on the same boat of "look what you're already spending anyway" (which I applied for the premium package) but in this case, and also the comfort seats... $1k here and there for 1 feature each adds up. I mean, with the comfort seats, it would be nice if they can credit us some back for the sport seats they'd take away, right? ;) I already fought myself to get the comfort access.

That's like saying, if we don't get in accidents, then the insurance company should pay our money back..

perfectly intuitive, never happends..
:p

Another factor to look at is whether or not you are leasing or buying.

I tend to load up the car more when I buy. Thus say "Yes" on HUD.

Granted with leasing you are only paying a portion of HUD (not the entire amount). But at the end, you don't own the car at the end of the term. I like to keep my payments lower and get the bare essentials in that situation. Thus if I were leasing, I'd say "No" to HUD despite the reasons why I liked them so much earlier.

Thanks for the informaion. My dealer just told me that it has to be done at the factory. So it's not in cards for me this time. It's my first BMW that I am leasing for 3 years, so then I will have another chance of getting it unless they come up with something even more cooler.