BMW Head Up Display: How It Works and What Information Can You See

The BMW Head-Up Display is a display that projects drive and multimedia related information onto the front windshield of the car. The projected data can include various driving status, system warnings, directional messages, and even multimedia information. The Head-Up Display enhances the safety of driving by preventing drivers from taking their eyes off the road and be able to process information 50% faster according to BMW.

How Does the BMW Head Up Display Work?

The BMW Head-Up Display is controlled via the BMW iDrive Controller. The head-up display system works by utilizing a system of projector and mirrors which projects high-contrast images onto a transparent film on the BMW front windshield. The Head-Up Display is located directly in front of the driver’s line of eyesight on the front windshield. Full-color images are now available on the newer BMW models.

BMW also made the free, Head-Up Screen app available on mobile phones for iOS and Android users. You can control various head-up display settings such as the information being displayed and the display brightness, etc.

What Information Can the BMW Head Up Display Project?

The Head-Up Display is part of the technology package as well as the BMW Executive Package. Specifically, the BMW Head-UP Display can project the following vehicle and driving-related information depending on the model of the BMW:

• Road Speed
• Speed Limits
• Overtaking Restrictions
• Check Control messages
• Vehicle Status
• Warning Messages
• Navigational Turn-By-Turn Directions
• Telephone and Call Information
• Entertainment Menu
• RPM
• Lane Guiding

Which BMW Models are Eligible for the BMW Head Up Display?

The BMW Head-Up Display is available in the following BMWs. Since the head-up display technology was introduced in 2016, only model years 2016 and later BMWs have this option available.

• BMW 2 Series
• BMW 3 Series
• BMW 4 Series
• BMW 5 Series
• BMW 6 Series
• BMW 7 Series
• BMW X1
• BMW X3
• BMW X4
• BMW X5
• BMW X6
• BMW M3
• BMW M4
• BMW M5
• BMW M6
• BMW i8

If you didn’t opt for the Head-Up Display for your BMW, you could always use a car dash smartphone mounts for mobile phones to project your phone’s navigation information. The device can be secured on the car’s dashboard with a non-slip mat to reflect navigation directions to avoid the driver looking down and away from the road.

See our complete guide on the Best in BMW Technology Packages