The Heads-Up-Display feature has been an option in specific BMW models for years. With the latest iDrive generation, BMW has improved its HUD to display more information, and they have added this system onto more models than ever.
On most BMW models, the HUD is an optional extra, included within a package or as a standalone option. On higher-end models, it is still a standard feature, though, with no extra cost.
What is the BMW Heads-Up-Display?
The BMW HUD allows you to access various information whilst keeping your eyes on the road. The HUD system projects a set of details onto your windscreen, just above the steering wheel, so you don’t need to look down at your dials to find out essential info such as speed or navigational details.
The Heads-Up-Display can be fully customized in the iDrive menu. This includes adjusting the information displayed and the height of the HUD.
How to access the HUD on your BMW
To access the HUD settings, go into your iDrive menu, into settings, and then into displays.
Once in the displays menu, you can adjust all HUD settings and turn the system on or off.
Which BMW models have the Heads-Up-Display as standard?
The HUD system is standard on most high-end BMW models. These include luxury models like the BMW 7 Series and high-performance models like the M850i and X6 M.
- X5 M60i
- X5 M
- X6 M60i
- X6 M
- X7 40i
- X7 M60i
- XB7
- 740i
- 750e
- 760i
- i7 e50
- i7 x60
- i7 M70
- 840i
- M850i
- M8
- iX M60
- XM
Which BMW models have the Heads-Up-Display as an optional extra?
Most standard BMW models have the Heads-Up-Display option as an extra. In most cases, the HUD comes as part of the Premium, Convenience, or Executive package. The HUD is a standalone option on some BMW models, like the M2.
- X1 28i
- X1 M35i
- X3 30i
- X3 M40i
- X3 M
- X4 30i
- X4 M40i
- X4 M
- X5 40i
- X5 50e
- X6 40i
- 230i
- M240i
- 228i
- M235i
- M2
- 330i
- M340i
- 330e
- M3
- 430i
- M440i
- M4
- 530i
- Z4 30i
- Z4 M40i
- iX 50
- i4 e35
- i4 e40
- i4 M50
- i5 e40
- i5 M60
How much does the Heads-Up-Display option cost?
As a standalone option, the BMW HUD is around $1,100. However, BMW combines this feature into a larger options package on many vehicles. You’ll need to order a full package if you want a Heads-Up-Display on your BMW. For some of these BMW models, the HUD comes with Live Cockpit Pro, which we’ll cover later in the article.
- X1 28i – $4,200 (part of the Premium package)
- X1 M35i – $2,800 (part of the Premium package)
- X3 30i – $1,100
- X3 M40i – $1,350 (part of the Premium package)
- X3 M – $3,650 (part of the Executive package)
- X4 30i – $1,100
- X4 M40i – $1,350 (part of the Premium package)
- X4 M – $2,250 (part of the Executive package)
- X5 40i – $2,550 (part of the Premium package)
- X5 50e – $1,100
- X6 40i – $1,100
- 230i – $3,350 (part of the Premium package)
- M240i – $1,950 (part of the Premium package)
- 228i – $3,550 (part of the Premium package)
- M235i – $2,450 (part of the Premium package)
- M2 – $1,100
- 330i – $2,250 (part of the Premium package)
- M340i – $1,350 (part of the Premium package)
- 330e – $2,350 (part of the Premium package)
- M3 – $1,450 (part of the Executive package)
- 430i- $2,100 (part of the Premium package)
- M440i – $1,350 (part of the Premium package)
- M4 – $1,300 (part of the Executive package)
- 530i – $2,250 (part of the Premium package)
- Z4 30i – $3,000 (part of the Premium package)
- Z4 M40i – $1,350 (part of the Premium package)
- iX 50 – $2,000 (part of the Convenience package)
- i4 e35 – $1,900 (part of the Premium package)
- i4 e40 – $1,900 (part of the Premium package)
- i4 M50- $1,650 (part of the Premium package)
- i5 e40 – $2,850 (part of the Premium package)
- i5 M60 – $2,500 (part of the Premium package)
What is BMW Live Cockpit Pro?
The live cockpit pro feature is BMW’s most advanced infotainment system and driver display. What that means in the real world is a set of larger screens with more information. So does it make a lot of difference, and is this option available on every BMW?
What does Live Cockpit Pro improve?
The difference between the standard setup and Live Cockpit Pro depends on your BMW. On recently updated models, such as the 2 Series and new X1, you get iDrive 8 and the single BMW curved display screen. There is a fully digital display as standard on these models, so Live Cockpit Pro only adds a HUD to your setup.
On models with iDrive 7, the Live Cockpit Pro option adds a customizable digital driver display. This is a separate screen (unlike the iDrive 8 option) and looks more ‘traditional’ than the latest BMW options. Without Live Cockpit Pro you get analogue dials with some customization.
As we get into 2024 I expect to see iDrive 8 on every new BMW so that Live Cockpit Pro will become standard.
FAQs
Can you adjust the Heads Up Display?
Yes – in the iDrive menu, there is an option to change the height of the HUD info and also the angle. You can also change the brightness settings here.
Can I see the Heads Up Display at night?
Absolutely, the HUD is still visible in low light, and if it’s difficult to read, you can increase the brightness.
Can I see the Heads Up Display if I’m wearing sunglasses?
The heads-up display menu has a ‘rotation’ setting. This allows you to change the angle so it is still visible through sunglasses. The angle affects the polarization filter on your glasses, so adjust until it’s clear
Is the HUD on each BMW different?
There are a few differences with the HUD design, depending on your BMW. M models, such as the M4 and XM, come with a different style of HUD, with a different layout to your standard BMW.
Can I install a HUD as an aftermarket feature?
In short – no. There are a few third-party HUD systems out there, but installing a BMW heads-up-display is incredibly difficult, and you need a specific type of instrument cluster. If you want a HUD system, it’s definitely easier to look at third-party options.
Is the Heads Up Display worth buying?
In our opinion, this is one of the better features you can choose from on your BMW. In past generations, the HUD has felt like an expensive add-on, but on recent models, the level of information and the details have seriously impressed us. As with most current luxury cars, the BMW heads-up display is definitely worth investing in here.
Which other BMW options should you look at?
With extensive options on most BMW models, picking which features you want can be challenging. We’ve covered a few more examples of popular options here, so if you’re interested, check out our guides below:
