[Andy203]

Well thought I was going to have to book the X1 in for problem with HUD display. Yesterday while driving for the first time with polorise sunglasses the HUD display was barely visible, very dim as if it was at night, but even dimmer. Was not till sun went in and I removed sunglasses that display returned to normal. Put sunglasses back on to check and again display was barley visible. Another slight flaw!
Posted for information.

[smv]

Not sure if it's a flaw. I've been driving BMWs with HUDs from 2007 ever since the E70 X5, and in all cars, much like my current X1, HUD is not visible with polarising sunglasses. It has to do with the optics involved to project info on your windshield, which is an illusion btw. Apparently polarising glasses do fade the information because of the angles, orientation of lenses etc.. I imagine it would take an immense effort of design and development to ensure HUD is visible with polarising sunglasses... my 2 cents.

[sdb123]

It's not a flaw at all...it's a known effect polarising sunglasses can have on your ability to see the HUD.

[Bill_P]

I am also getting the HUD when my X1 arrives next month (at last I can say next month - ordered in January). Not sure where I saw it - maybe the USA Manual that is available online, or may have been one of the Technical Documents available on this forum - but I am sure I saw a warning to this effect. At the time I was about to get new specs and had thought about getting Transition lens instead of Prescription sunglasses - then realised the transitions do not work behind windscreens and suspected they may also affect the HUD - so I am holding off until I have the car.

[smv]

To add to my previous comment, and of those who deal with photography, this is the same effect you get when placing a polariser filter in front of your lenses (eyes). One of the effects is to eliminate all reflection light. Reflection in that case is the projection image on the windscreen coming from the HUD..

[jksgoh]

Originally Posted by smv

To add to my previous comment, and of those who deal with photography, this is the same effect you get when placing a polariser filter in front of your lenses (eyes). One of the effects is to eliminate all reflection light. Reflection in that case is the projection image on the windscreen coming from the HUD..

Not quite true.
When light is reflected off a surface, such as your wind screen, part (not all) of that light will be plane polarised. This polarised light is, unfortunately, in the same plane that polarised sunglasses eliminate.

[ttimbo]

As others have said, it's the polarized sunglasses lenses, not a BMW defect. Same issue with other HUDs as well as certain LCDs

[AusF20/F48]

Originally Posted by Andy203

Well thought I was going to have to book the X1 in for problem with HUD display. Yesterday while driving for the first time with polorise sunglasses the HUD display was barely visible, very dim as if it was at night, but even dimmer. Was not till sun went in and I removed sunglasses that display returned to normal. Put sunglasses back on to check and again display was barley visible. Another slight flaw!
Posted for information.

Realistically, you are better not wearing 'Polarised' sunglasses whilst driving a car, as they can distort the vision though the windscreen and tire your eyes. (great for boating, fishing and water sports)

Polarized lenses actually have optical slat 'filters' in them. They let light pass though at a specific angle while blocking others. The light can only enter from straight ahead but not from up or down. This is why you find it is very difficult to see the HUD.

They do not offer any more or less protection than any other types of sunglass and it has nothing to do with UV rays. It's a matter of viewing comfort. They are useful for eliminating glare on water and on the snow fields.

If you want to get the best vision with best optical sharpness for driving, go out and buy yourself a pair of Serengeti non polarised amber-brown, Drivers Gradient lenses Sunglasses.
The lens is darker at the top to lighter at the bottom,
The premium glass lenses shade harsh light from above (UVB) while providing a clear view of the dashboard.
Serengeti use Photochromic technology in their optically-advanced glass which are designed to eliminate eyestrain and fatigue on the road and continuously adjusts to changing light conditions. Engineered directly into the glass
The photochromic properties are inside the glass.
I have been wearing them for several years and will not buy any other brand now.

They are also fantastic for flying.

[KPD]

Originally Posted by Bill_P

I am also getting the HUD when my X1 arrives next month (at last I can say next month - ordered in January). Not sure where I saw it - maybe the USA Manual that is available online, or may have been one of the Technical Documents available on this forum - but I am sure I saw a warning to this effect. At the time I was about to get new specs and had thought about getting Transition lens instead of Prescription sunglasses - then realised the transitions do not work behind windscreens and suspected they may also affect the HUD - so I am holding off until I have the car.

I have transition lenses (Zeiss) and they work fine with the HUD. They also darken in the car. Not sure why you think they won't. The windscreen can only bounce back and filter a certain amount of UV. (EDIT: Never mind. Just Googled it quicky and it looks like only fancy and expensive lenses can work in the car. Cheaper ones either don't darken at all or only change moderately.)

RE polarised lenses, you're absolutely correct. It's in the manual. Page 100, under "Visibility of the display":

Visibility of the display on the Head-Up Display
is influenced by the following factors:

▷ Certain seat positions.
▷ Items on the Head-Up Display cover.
▷ Sunglasses with certain polarisation filters.
▷ Wet road.
▷ Unfavourable lighting conditions.

If the picture is distorted, have the basic settings
checked by a Service Partner or a qualified
specialist workshop.

[X1PGK]

Originally Posted by Bill_P

I am also getting the HUD when my X1 arrives next month (at last I can say next month - ordered in January). Not sure where I saw it - maybe the USA Manual that is available online, or may have been one of the Technical Documents available on this forum - but I am sure I saw a warning to this effect. At the time I was about to get new specs and had thought about getting Transition lens instead of Prescription sunglasses - then realised the transitions do not work behind windscreens and suspected they may also affect the HUD - so I am holding off until I have the car.

You can get Transition XtraActive. These transition lenses do work behind the windscreen albeit at a reduced level. They go extremely dark though when you are outside. Look like proper sunglasses. I wear them and they don't affect my HUD.

[bmtespar]

I find that the hud in my X1 is less dim with my polarized sunglasses than previous BMW vehicles I have driven with the hud. On those vehicles, I couldn't see the display at all unless I removed my glasses.

[andyurq]

Andy203 - I presume you've whacked up the HUD brightness to max in Menu/Settings/Head up display ?

[Bill_P]

Thanks KPD and X1PGK for your feedback - all helps to avoid costly bad decisions

[Andy203]

Originally Posted by andyurq

Andy203 - I presume you've whacked up the HUD brightness to max in Menu/Settings/Head up display ?

Yes and 8th makes no difference, now going to get different set of clip on's

[Cryptoshane]

I wore sunglasses on my test (polar) and there is setting where you can change the angle of the HUD.... it made a difference, but it was much more clear without the glasses (of course), so I'll get some driving glasses when I get the car.

[ttimbo]

For about the last 20 years, I've worn prescription sunglasses fitted with Drivewear lenses, which are a really great aid to minimise glare and to enhance contrast in low light conditions. BUT, they're polarised, and I really can't see the HUD display even on the brightest setting. Seems I'll have to look at other options