The Bayerische Motoren Werke, or more popularly known as BMW, is one of the leading luxury car manufacturers in the world to this date. One if the key innovation that cemented the German automaker in the car industry was their introduction of the Head-Up Display (HUD) back in 2004.
The electronics and technology then were not as advance as they are today. Futuristics as it may seem, the technology behind this feature was fairly simple and straight forward. It simply enabled the car to project important driving information onto the windscreen, straight into the driver’s field of view.
However, despite its technological advantages, the Head-Up Display had its fair share of issues that every electronic devices succumbs to.
In this article, we will explore and layout common issues with the BMW Head Up Display not working and a step-by-step guide on how you can fix them on your own.
What is BMW’s Head-Up Display (HUD)
BMW’s Head-Up Display (HUD) is an innovative technology that projects vital information directly onto the windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road while being able to view essential data.
How to Fix Heads Up Display Not Working?
Fixing a BMW’s Heads Up Display can be quite overwhelming especially if you own a BMW that comes with one and you have no versed knowledge when it comes to electronics.
Furthermore, like any advanced feature, the HUD can encounter technical issues that might lead to system malfunction that can ultimately cause its features to not function correctly.
With this in mind, let us explore some common problems associated with BMW Heads-Up Display and how to resolve them effectively.
Why is my BMW Heads-Up Display not working?
If you find that your BMW’s HUD is not working for an unknown reason, then there can be several factors that can cause this issue that you need to consider. Let’s explore some of the common causes:
HUD Settings: Unknowingly to most owners, the most basic explanation for a non-functional HUD could be that it is merely turned off and is at times overlooked at. It’s quite common that drivers inadvertently disable the HUD via the car’s infotainment system and tend to forget about it, leading to confusion.
To fix this problem, simply go to your car settings, depending on the model you have, and enable it. For BMW’s made between 2004 to 2018, look for a button that enables it under your headlight controls.
For later models, you can do so through the iDrive settings. Keep in mind that the method to enable or disable the Head-Up Display can be different for each model and manufacturing year.
Electrical Issues: One of the most common issues that affects your BMW’s HUDs are electrical issues. Powered by a sophisticated electrical system, if there is a problem with the car’s battery, fuses, or other electrical components, it can affect the HUD’s functionality.
Fixing this issue would require some knowledge, patience, time, and understanding because you would need to perform a troubleshooting technique.
This technique is a kind of method that will help you pinpoint the root cause of the problem if it is an electrical issue. To start;
- Inspect the electrical wiring components and verify that they are connected tightly.
- Verify that the wires have no burn or cuts.
- Using a multi-meter tool, verify that components are receiving power. For more advanced approach, check and verify if the voltage rating satisfies the system requirements.
- Try replacing your car batteries.
- Verify that there are no blown fuses.
Software Glitches: As with any advanced technology, HUDs rely on software to function correctly. A glitch or bug in the system software may cause the display to malfunction.
Software glitch or a bug is a kind of issue that you pretty much can not do anything about. The best thing you can do is to perform a system restart or restore everything to factory settings. Or, check if there are any software upgrade available.
To perform a system restart of software upgrade, proceed to your car HUD settings and launch either the software upgrade function or the reset data function.
Optical Unit Malfunction: The HUD operates with the help of an optical unit that projects the display onto the windshield. If there is a defect or misalignment in this unit, the HUD might not work correctly.
To address this issue, check if you can realign the optical unit. If you, for some reason, can’t do it on your own, it’s best to seek a professional help. Otherwise, you may do more harm than good if you are not confident in performing DIY fixes.
How do I turn on my BMW Head-Up Display?
In many cases, BMW’s Head-Up Display might appear to be non-functional, but it is merely turned off. To turn it back on, follow these steps:
- Check HUD Activation: Ensure that the HUD feature is activated in the car’s infotainment system.
- Look for an option related to HUD in the settings menu and make sure it is turned on.
Adjust HUD Brightness: Sometimes, the HUD might be active, but its brightness is set too low, making it challenging to see.
- Locate the brightness adjustment setting and increase it to an appropriate level.
Verify Vehicle Speed: The HUD often displays speed and other relevant information. It may not be visible if the vehicle is stationary or moving at a very low speed.
- Start driving.
The display should become active as the car gains speed.
Consult the Owner’s Manual: If you are still unable to turn on the HUD despite trying the above steps, it’s best to refer to your BMW owner’s manual for specific instructions related to your model’s HUD activation.
BMW Heads-Up Display Greyed Out
Sometimes, BMW owners may encounter a situation where the HUD option in the settings menu appears to be greyed out, preventing any form of interaction with it. Several reasons could lead to this issue:
Incompatible Package: Depending on the BMW model that you own, some variants offer the Heads-Up Display as part of an optional package. If your vehicle does not have the specific package that includes the HUD, the option to enable it might be greyed out in the settings menu.
Check with your dealer from whom you got your unit from if that model you got comes with a Head-Up Display feature.
Software Update Required: As mentioned above, manufacturers regularly release software updates to address bugs and improve system performance.
So, if your BMW’s HUD is buggy or having some performance issue, or it is simply outdated, all of this can potentially lead to conflicts, resulting in the HUD option being greyed out.
Faulty Sensor: The HUD system relies on multiple built-in sensors to gather and display information accurately. If any of these sensors are faulty, it could cause the HUD to remain inaccessible.
To resolve the issue of a greyed-out HUD:
- Check Vehicle Specifications: Refer to your vehicle’s specifications or consult your BMW dealership to confirm whether your car is equipped with the HUD feature.
- Software Update: If the HUD option is greyed out due to outdated software, consider visiting a certified BMW service center to perform a software update. Additionally, you may also perform an on the air update by launching the Remove Software Upgrade option in the general settings.
- Sensor Calibration: If the issue persists, have your car’s sensors checked and calibrated to ensure they are functioning correctly. You may also want to consider seeking a qualified professional to fix the issue for you if the problem is bigger than you can handle.
BMW Heads-Up Display Brightness Problem
Another common problem with BMW’s Heads-Up Display not working is related to brightness. The display might be too dim or too bright, causing discomfort or making it difficult to read the information. Here’s how to address this issue:
Adjust Brightness Settings: Use the car’s infotainment system to navigate to the HUD settings and adjust the brightness to a level that suits your preferences. Make sure it is neither too bright nor too dim for comfortable visibility.
Check Ambient Light Sensor: The HUD’s brightness is often automatically adjusted based on ambient light conditions. If the ambient light sensor is covered or malfunctioning, it may not adjust brightness correctly. Ensure that the sensor is clean, unobstructed, and is functioning correctly.
To check if the ambient light sensor is working properly, try to park your BMW in a well-lit area and compare the HUDs clarity when its park in dark place like a covered garage.
Night Mode Activation: Many HUDs have a night mode that reduces brightness to prevent glare during nighttime driving. If your HUD seems excessively bright at night, enable the night mode feature in the settings.
Windshield Condition: The HUD’s visibility might be affected by the condition of the windshield. If there are any cracks, scratches, or impurities on the glass, it could impact the display’s clarity.
Consider getting the windshield checked and replaced if necessary. Otherwise, try to clean it using tools and cleaners that are designed to clean windshield.
Conclusion
BMW’s Heads-Up Display is an invaluable technology that enhances driving safety and convenience by providing essential information right in the driver’s line of sight. If, for whatever reason, your BMW’s Heads-Up Display is not working such, don’t panic.
Start by checking the settings and ensure that the HUD is activated. If the problem persists, consult your owner’s manual or reach out to a certified BMW service center for expert assistance.
By understanding the common causes of HUD malfunctions and following the troubleshooting tips provided in this article, you can quickly resolve the most common issues and enjoy the benefits of this cutting-edge technology once again.
Ultimately, with proper and regular maintenance as well as keeping the software up to date can go a long way in ensuring the seamless performance of your BMW Heads-Up Display for many miles to come.
Sources:
https://www.just-auto.com/news/bmw-group-rolls-out-huge-ota-upgrade/