Display and instrument cluster brightness

hlothery · 12-13-2019, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

There's a guy down the street that has the identical vehicle to mine with the same wheels that you have. You don't happen to live by Memorial Park do you? LOL

I really wanted the 668M wheels, but I needed a car in a hurry and I could not find one that had them.

Nope, live in North central San Antonio. Bought my car in Grapevine, and the wheels probably sealed the deal.

VirtualGuitars · 12-13-2019, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlothery

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

There's a guy down the street that has the identical vehicle to mine with the same wheels that you have. You don't happen to live by Memorial Park do you? LOL

I really wanted the 668M wheels, but I needed a car in a hurry and I could not find one that had them.

Nope, live in North central San Antonio. Bought my car in Grapevine, and the wheels probably sealed the deal.

The 668M wheels are dope, no doubt about it.

b74heavy · 12-16-2019, 07:39 AM

[QUOTE=hlothery;25568901]Yea, have considered talking to my tint guy to see if he can remove and reapply lighter tint to the front windows. Not sure I want to get that radical yet, still experimenting with another possible aid. Will let you know. This is definitely an annoying and IMHO riduculous situation, where there should be some iDrive way to modulate the function of these sensors for tinting. I'll bet, if we could require the engineers who designed it to live in South Texas all next summer........:lol

Just got a quote from my tint guy. I think I'm gonna go with a clear tint that just takes out the UV rays. I got skin cancer on my left arm from the sun coming in the window. So I have to stop the UV rays. Interesting about the sensors in the instrument cluster though.

VirtualGuitars · 12-16-2019, 08:22 AM

[QUOTE=b74heavy;25575860]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlothery

Yea, have considered talking to my tint guy to see if he can remove and reapply lighter tint to the front windows. Not sure I want to get that radical yet, still experimenting with another possible aid. Will let you know. This is definitely an annoying and IMHO riduculous situation, where there should be some iDrive way to modulate the function of these sensors for tinting. I'll bet, if we could require the engineers who designed it to live in South Texas all next summer........:lol

Just got a quote from my tint guy. I think I'm gonna go with a clear tint that just takes out the UV rays. I got skin cancer on my left arm from the sun coming in the window. So I have to stop the UV rays. Interesting about the sensors in the instrument cluster though.

I have 70% on my windshield and it doesn't even look like it's there.

CoolWave911 · 12-16-2019, 05:10 PM

My car is 2016 built 2017 delivered 530i and it automatically adjusts the brightness of the HUD with the ambient daylight. If I drive against the sun it will brighten up the HUD to increase visibility and vice versa. At night time I find the HUD was a bit too bright when I first got the car but has got used to it ever since (and found my perfect settings for brightness).

VirtualGuitars · 12-16-2019, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolWave911

My car is 2016 built 2017 delivered 530i and it automatically adjusts the brightness of the HUD with the ambient daylight. If I drive against the sun it will brighten up the HUD to increase visibility and vice versa. At night time I find the HUD was a bit too bright when I first got the car but has got used to it ever since (and found my perfect settings for brightness).

He's not talking about the head-up display. He's talking about the instrument cluster.

b74heavy · 12-17-2019, 07:32 AM

I took out my flashlight today when it was a cloudy day and the display was dim and pointed it at the instrument cluster. The display got brighter. So I guess it works by looking at the brightness of the driver. For what it is worth.

VirtualGuitars · 12-17-2019, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b74heavy

I took out my flashlight today when it was a cloudy day and the display was dim and pointed it at the instrument cluster. The display got brighter. So I guess it works by looking at the brightness of the driver. For what it is worth.

Yes, as I mentioned above there are sensors in the dash facing the driver.

hlothery · 12-17-2019, 09:20 AM

Yep, have tried everything I can, opening the sun roof cover, wearing bright clothing, etc. Nothing works consistently, except rolling down the drivers window a little....that works every time. Just have to decide if I can live with this, or if I need to replace the tint with 70%. Time will tell. Absolutely love everything else about this car. Have had skin cancer twice myself. This feature stinks.

VirtualGuitars · 12-17-2019, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlothery

Yep, have tried everything I can, opening the sun roof cover, wearing bright clothing, etc. Nothing works consistently, except rolling down the drivers window a little....that works every time. Just have to decide if I can live with this, or if I need to replace the tint with 70%. Time will tell. Absolutely love everything else about this car. Have had skin cancer twice myself. This feature stinks.

Trust me from someone that's in the same exact situation, I have learned to live with it. The car looks better evenly tinted. Period.

hlothery · 12-17-2019, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

Trust me from someone that's in the same exact situation, I have learned to live with it. The car looks better evenly tinted. Period.

No doubt....and the UV protection is worth it. I'll probably learn to live with it, as you have. Frustrating that this level of technology can be defeated by window tint, but there it is.

VirtualGuitars · 12-17-2019, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlothery

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

Trust me from someone that's in the same exact situation, I have learned to live with it. The car looks better evenly tinted. Period.

No doubt....and the UV protection is worth it. I'll probably learn to live with it, as you have. Frustrating that this level of technology can be defeated by window tint, but there it is.

I totally agree with you. It affects me every single day, but not to a level where I can't functionally see everything. It's more of an annoyance than anything else.

hlothery · 12-26-2019, 10:18 AM

Well, had finally decided, per my last post on this issue, to just live with it. Then, on Monday I drove to Southlake (DFW) for Christmas with my Son and his family. On the way, I was pulled over by the Texas Highway Patrol (was doing 75 in a 75) for a window tint check, which I failed. Seems the 30% tint they applied, on top of what little factory tint existed, puts me at 19%, and 25% is the maximum allowed on the front windows. I was surprized...the officer was very nice and courteous (as was I), and gave me a warning ticket. The installer will come tomorrow to remove the old tint and retint at 50%. Will let you know if this solves the display issues. Merry Christmas?

SteveinArizona · 12-26-2019, 10:48 AM

use a nano ceramic tint. You can get it with high uv blocking but low visible light blocking. Will stop heat but not light.

hlothery · 12-26-2019, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

use a nano ceramic tint. You can get it with high uv blocking but low visible light blocking. Will stop heat but not light.

Yep, took your advice on that when it was originally installed. I have 70% on the windshield, and it is incredible, cannot see any tint, but it blocks significant heat. Still debating whether to go with 30% or 50%, since they said removing the tint will also remove the factory tint, so 30% should be accurate this time. Will make that decision tomorrow when I talk to them. The idea of fixing the display problem and still blocking UV and heat makes me very happy. DHP may have done me a favor, since I apparently would have failed my state inspection anyway.

VirtualGuitars · 12-26-2019, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlothery

Well, had finally decided, per my last post on this issue, to just live with it. Then, on Monday I drove to Southlake (DFW) for Christmas with my Son and his family. On the way, I was pulled over by the Texas Highway Patrol (was doing 75 in a 75) for a window tint check, which I failed. Seems the 30% tint they applied, on top of what little factory tint existed, puts me at 19%, and 25% is the maximum allowed on the front windows. I was surprized...the officer was very nice and courteous (as was I), and gave me a warning ticket. The installer will come tomorrow to remove the old tint and retint at 50%. Will let you know if this solves the display issues. Merry Christmas?

I'm very surprised you got pulled over for that. I've been running 20% for years (in Texas) and I've never had any trouble.

hlothery · 12-26-2019, 02:06 PM

Trooper probably was 23-24, followed me for about 5 miles, then pulled in behind me and turned on his lights. Came to the window with his tint meter in his hand. Guess he was bored......or doesn't like BMWs? I thought it was insane, but what are you going to do? At least he gave me a warning, not an actual fine. Installer said he got pulled over last month for the same, was running 20%. He thinks it is a new emphasis........you better watch out.....

VirtualGuitars · 12-26-2019, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlothery

Trooper probably was 23-24, followed me for about 5 miles, then pulled in behind me and turned on his lights. Came to the window with his tint meter in his hand. Guess he was bored......or doesn't like BMWs? I thought it was insane, but what are you going to do? At least he gave me a warning, not an actual fine. Installer said he got pulled over last month for the same, was running 20%. He thinks it is a new emphasis........you better watch out.....

I wouldn't worry about it and would keep what you have. Sounds like he was a newb.

hlothery · 12-26-2019, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

I wouldn't worry about it and would keep what you have. Sounds like he was a newb.

Appreciate the advice, but I must decline to follow it. Tint gets changed tomorrow. I pretty much paint inside the lines. Certainly don't want to give anyone an open invitation to stop me. Besides......it may solve the reason for this thread, and then you won't have to listen to me whine anymore! Hope ya'll had a Merry Christmas, and have a Happy New Year.

VirtualGuitars · 12-26-2019, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlothery

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

I wouldn't worry about it and would keep what you have. Sounds like he was a newb.

Appreciate the advice, but I must decline to follow it. Tint gets changed tomorrow. I pretty much paint inside the lines. Certainly don't want to give anyone an open invitation to stop me. Besides......it may solve the reason for this thread, and then you won't have to listen to me whine anymore! Hope ya'll had a Merry Christmas, and have a Happy New Year.

This is not the first time someone didn't follow my advice. 😂😂😂

hlothery · 12-30-2019, 01:10 PM

Installer came over today, same guy who installed the tint. He was able to very easily strip off the layer of tint he installed, leaving the factory tint intact. I decided I was good with that, as he estimated it looks about 30-40%. I'll get it metered eventually to make sure. The display is noticeably brighter since having this done. I will live with this legal solution. This problem is now solved. Thanks to everyone who commented. I will let my SA at BMW San Antonio know about this, since they were totally without any explanation. You guys rock!

VirtualGuitars · 12-30-2019, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlothery

Installer came over today, same guy who installed the tint. He was able to very easily strip off the layer of tint he installed, leaving the factory tint intact. I decided I was good with that, as he estimated it looks about 30-40%. I'll get it metered eventually to make sure. The display is noticeably brighter since having this done. I will live with this legal solution. This problem is now solved. Thanks to everyone who commented. I will let my SA at BMW San Antonio know about this, since they were totally without any explanation. You guys rock!

When you say factory tint, are you talking about the hue inside of the glass?

12-16-2019, 07:39 AM	#47
b74heavy Alpine White\|19" Wheels\| 33 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 2023 M340i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	[QUOTE=hlothery;25568901]Yea, have considered talking to my tint guy to see if he can remove and reapply lighter tint to the front windows. Not sure I want to get that radical yet, still experimenting with another possible aid. Will let you know. This is definitely an annoying and IMHO riduculous situation, where there should be some iDrive way to modulate the function of these sensors for tinting. I'll bet, if we could require the engineers who designed it to live in South Texas all next summer........:lol Just got a quote from my tint guy. I think I'm gonna go with a clear tint that just takes out the UV rays. I got skin cancer on my left arm from the sun coming in the window. So I have to stop the UV rays. Interesting about the sensors in the instrument cluster though.
	Appreciate 1 VirtualGuitars7865.00 Quote

12-16-2019, 05:10 PM	#49
CoolWave911 Private 37 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW G30 530i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Sydney, NSW Australia iTrader: (0)	My car is 2016 built 2017 delivered 530i and it automatically adjusts the brightness of the HUD with the ambient daylight. If I drive against the sun it will brighten up the HUD to increase visibility and vice versa. At night time I find the HUD was a bit too bright when I first got the car but has got used to it ever since (and found my perfect settings for brightness).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-17-2019, 07:32 AM	#51
b74heavy Alpine White\|19" Wheels\| 33 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 2023 M340i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	I took out my flashlight today when it was a cloudy day and the display was dim and pointed it at the instrument cluster. The display got brighter. So I guess it works by looking at the brightness of the driver. For what it is worth.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-17-2019, 09:20 AM	#53
hlothery Seeking mental floss 482 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Join Date: May 2016 Location: San Antonio, Tx iTrader: (0)	Yep, have tried everything I can, opening the sun roof cover, wearing bright clothing, etc. Nothing works consistently, except rolling down the drivers window a little....that works every time. Just have to decide if I can live with this, or if I need to replace the tint with 70%. Time will tell. Absolutely love everything else about this car. Have had skin cancer twice myself. This feature stinks.
	Appreciate 1 VirtualGuitars7865.00 Quote

12-26-2019, 10:18 AM	#57
hlothery Seeking mental floss 482 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Join Date: May 2016 Location: San Antonio, Tx iTrader: (0)	Decision made Well, had finally decided, per my last post on this issue, to just live with it. Then, on Monday I drove to Southlake (DFW) for Christmas with my Son and his family. On the way, I was pulled over by the Texas Highway Patrol (was doing 75 in a 75) for a window tint check, which I failed. Seems the 30% tint they applied, on top of what little factory tint existed, puts me at 19%, and 25% is the maximum allowed on the front windows. I was surprized...the officer was very nice and courteous (as was I), and gave me a warning ticket. The installer will come tomorrow to remove the old tint and retint at 50%. Will let you know if this solves the display issues. Merry Christmas?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-26-2019, 10:48 AM	#58
SteveinArizona Brigadier General 3086 Rep 4,210 Posts Drives: BMW 530e Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Greater Phoenix iTrader: (0)	use a nano ceramic tint. You can get it with high uv blocking but low visible light blocking. Will stop heat but not light.
	Appreciate 1 hlothery481.50 Quote

12-26-2019, 02:06 PM	#61
hlothery Seeking mental floss 482 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Join Date: May 2016 Location: San Antonio, Tx iTrader: (0)	Trooper probably was 23-24, followed me for about 5 miles, then pulled in behind me and turned on his lights. Came to the window with his tint meter in his hand. Guess he was bored......or doesn't like BMWs? I thought it was insane, but what are you going to do? At least he gave me a warning, not an actual fine. Installer said he got pulled over last month for the same, was running 20%. He thinks it is a new emphasis........you better watch out.....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-30-2019, 01:10 PM	#65
hlothery Seeking mental floss 482 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Join Date: May 2016 Location: San Antonio, Tx iTrader: (0)	Final Verse Installer came over today, same guy who installed the tint. He was able to very easily strip off the layer of tint he installed, leaving the factory tint intact. I decided I was good with that, as he estimated it looks about 30-40%. I'll get it metered eventually to make sure. The display is noticeably brighter since having this done. I will live with this legal solution. This problem is now solved. Thanks to everyone who commented. I will let my SA at BMW San Antonio know about this, since they were totally without any explanation. You guys rock!
	Appreciate 1 VirtualGuitars7865.00 Quote