I have seen the HUD in a Mini. I am 6ft tall and when I look at the screen I end up looking down. My eyes are not looking at the road. Also the information appears to float below the hood of the car even after I adjust the height of the HUD. At this point the "transparent" screen doesn't really make a difference. For example it could be opaque and it would not block the road. I am curious do you have the same issues with the built in HUD in the Mini and how did you like it? Why is this better than just placing my phone where the HUD is and look at my phone?
In my 2017 Mini Clubman All 4, the head up display could not be seen reasonably while wearing polarized sunglasses. This is really poor engineering on Mini's part. None of the other screens or displays in the Mini have this problem. To make this even worse, if you opt to use regular, non-polarized sunglasses, there is a distracting reflection in the windshield from the head up display frame and mechanism. The end result is that the head up display works great at night, conveniently displaying the local speed limit, the Mini's speed, and nifty intersection depictions for upcoming turns from the navigation system. But, during the day, forget about using it in bright sunlight.
I agree, it is odd that MINI/BMW does not fix this on all their models. They have fixed it on some (I understand from reading on various blogs). There is a simple solution. If you add a retarder plate (forgive the optical engineering, MINI didn't do it, so I have to say it) the polarization of the light from the display can be rotated so that it is not dimmed by your polarizing sunglasses. The retarder plate takes the form of a special piece of clear plastic about the thickness of a business card. I cut one that is just the right size to lean up against the heads-up projection screen. I dropped it into place and no more problem. The plastic does not interfere with the motion of the display and stays in place without adhesives. I know I sound like a salesman, and I would like to sell these little bits of optical magic, but I haven't found a way to get the word out and money in. So far I have sold one on recommendation from my sales guy at MINI. Maybe I should send you to him, and he can send you to me. I have been looking at a 2018. I thought I noticed that MINI had fixed the problem for 2018. We'll find out next week when I pickup my new MINI.
Love this feature... lets me keep my eyes on crazy NY drivers and my navigation system at the same time.... but you know that you can toggle it off right?
Unfortunately I know what a real HUD is suppose to look like and this is nothing more than a gimmick. It really is not in the field of vision and if you use polarized sunglasses it's display properties are insufficient. I base my opinion that I flew for the Navy on and off aircraft carriers and know what a real heads up display should look like. My problem with MINI is how do I get the technology package with the lager screen without the HUD? It is this reason why I have not purchased a new Countryman.
You are missing the point... there is no such thing as a "real HUD" - There are all kind of HUDs in all kinds of settings (lots in manufacturing.. and Google Glass is an HUD as well!) Each HUD is designed for its own application. Your limited experience with one for one specific specialized purpose (military, I'm guessing?) doesn't make it a "real" one versus all the others. As far as my experience with HUDs, this one works great for me in this particular setting... but if someone found it distracting, rather than an aid in focusing on the road, a simple toggle switch on the center console lowers it away behind the drivers instrument panel and you wouldn't even know it was there, It's not an option in the package that you are forced to look st or even forced to see.
Peggy Berk no you missing the point. You tout it as a safety device. It is no more safe or less safe that a speedometer in the dash. It is a worthless gadget that I should not have to include in my vehicle and therefore I will not buy another MINI until this changes. I am glad you succumbed to BMW marketing.
how do you get the windows and sunroof to close when you lock the doors?
I have seen the HUD in a Mini. I am 6ft tall and when I look at the screen I end up looking down. My eyes are not looking at the road. Also the information appears to float below the hood of the car even after I adjust the height of the HUD. At this point the "transparent" screen doesn't really make a difference. For example it could be opaque and it would not block the road. I am curious do you have the same issues with the built in HUD in the Mini and how did you like it? Why is this better than just placing my phone where the HUD is and look at my phone?
Xlt très belle toiture
I have a 2017 mini cooper S Clubman, but I'm confused why my car doesn't have the heads up display.
Head up display is only in the Hot chili (most equiped) versions
Can it be adapted to a 2016 cooper 3 cylinder?
yes
Would be great to get Waze directions on the HUD
No
Waze sucks
Yes. In the new Mini you can!
In my 2017 Mini Clubman All 4, the head up display could not be seen reasonably while wearing polarized sunglasses. This is really poor engineering on Mini's part. None of the other screens or displays in the Mini have this problem. To make this even worse, if you opt to use regular, non-polarized sunglasses, there is a distracting reflection in the windshield from the head up display frame and mechanism. The end result is that the head up display works great at night, conveniently displaying the local speed limit, the Mini's speed, and nifty intersection depictions for upcoming turns from the navigation system. But, during the day, forget about using it in bright sunlight.
I agree, it is odd that MINI/BMW does not fix this on all their models. They have fixed it on some (I understand from reading on various blogs). There is a simple solution. If you add a retarder plate (forgive the optical engineering, MINI didn't do it, so I have to say it) the polarization of the light from the display can be rotated so that it is not dimmed by your polarizing sunglasses. The retarder plate takes the form of a special piece of clear plastic about the thickness of a business card. I cut one that is just the right size to lean up against the heads-up projection screen. I dropped it into place and no more problem. The plastic does not interfere with the motion of the display and stays in place without adhesives. I know I sound like a salesman, and I would like to sell these little bits of optical magic, but I haven't found a way to get the word out and money in. So far I have sold one on recommendation from my sales guy at MINI. Maybe I should send you to him, and he can send you to me. I have been looking at a 2018. I thought I noticed that MINI had fixed the problem for 2018. We'll find out next week when I pickup my new MINI.
By far the dumbest feature offered by MINI/BMW. Really wish there was an option to delete this from the technology package.
Love this feature... lets me keep my eyes on crazy NY drivers and my navigation system at the same time.... but you know that you can toggle it off right?
Unfortunately I know what a real HUD is suppose to look like and this is nothing more than a gimmick. It really is not in the field of vision and if you use polarized sunglasses it's display properties are insufficient. I base my opinion that I flew for the Navy on and off aircraft carriers and know what a real heads up display should look like. My problem with MINI is how do I get the technology package with the lager screen without the HUD? It is this reason why I have not purchased a new Countryman.
You are missing the point... there is no such thing as a "real HUD" - There are all kind of HUDs in all kinds of settings (lots in manufacturing.. and Google Glass is an HUD as well!) Each HUD is designed for its own application. Your limited experience with one for one specific specialized purpose (military, I'm guessing?) doesn't make it a "real" one versus all the others. As far as my experience with HUDs, this one works great for me in this particular setting... but if someone found it distracting, rather than an aid in focusing on the road, a simple toggle switch on the center console lowers it away behind the drivers instrument panel and you wouldn't even know it was there, It's not an option in the package that you are forced to look st or even forced to see.
Peggy Berk no you missing the point. You tout it as a safety device. It is no more safe or less safe that a speedometer in the dash. It is a worthless gadget that I should not have to include in my vehicle and therefore I will not buy another MINI until this changes. I am glad you succumbed to BMW marketing.
B Ehlenberg if so then what is the real HUD and beat position of the HUD???