[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by angelbones

(not sure where the other poster read that a needle register fasters because once I see the number, I know, no figuring out exactly which tick mark it is near).

the truth is that all modern speedometers are very close if not downright spot on. I should also point out that many judges have ruled that the GPS speed readings are not as reliable as the actual speedometers and certainly not as good as what the police use to detect speed, i.e., radar/laser, etc.

To point 1: My point was that with a needle, you don't have to look down and "see" anything; your peripheral vision picks its relative position up. Speed isn't a metric that changes rapidly, so an alphanumeric readout for it isn't a great ergonomic detriment in a consumer road vehicle (as shown in the RX-8) and can be considered a benefit (as demonstrated in first-gen MINIs, in which BMW added a digital speed readout to the center tach for 2006 models because of consumer demand and safety concerns regarding the center-mounted analog speedo). With respect, angelbones: I've studied ergonomic and functional design (once professionally) for many years; my experience goes well beyond "reading" something.

To point 2: Correct, in that a GPS speed reading is technically an actual and predictive average with a fairly long refresh rate and window of spatial error, while a speedo reading is a real-time electromechanical measurement with refresh rates in milliseconds (same for lasers, when conditions are ideal). However, GPS technology doesn't have padding built in for those who don't appreciate (and heed) accuracy, and does automatically account for things that an electromechanical speedo can't (wheel/tire size, for one) because of how it measures. Taken together, those factors make GPS more accurate for steady speed readings, when the GPS is accurate from 10 feet and under (I did read that somewhere).

[den525]

Can't be as bad as the amg speedo on the a45... The proportion is ridiculous BUT they have digital speedo as well...

[golf_234]

I also thought the cluster was one of the weakest points on the car. Small but still important.

[Supernaut]

I, too am biased by coming from an RX-8, so my brain may be "retrained" to a degree.

In my view, current speedometers, with their compressed displays and non-standardized orientations, are much more difficult to read than digital speedos. This is especially true when going from one car to another since 45 MPH is not going to be the same orientation in most cases. I find myself looking more than once to establish my speed when I use our Honda minivan, Mazda3 or a rental car. For my tach, temp gauge or pool pump's pressure gauge, the analog dial is much easier to process as I am in range or out of range; there are not multiple close points I'm trying to distinguish. The functional range of the 2er's speedo is only 90 degrees of the 260 or so it covers (15-75 MPH), so the difference between 25 and 35 is only a few degrees.

I'm contemplating adding an OBDII sourced display in the pod to augment the meager gauges. The display would be electronic, but the format would be analog for temp and digital for speed.

[MrBucket]

Originally Posted by Supernaut

I, too am biased by coming from an RX-8, so my brain may be "retrained" to a degree.

In my view, current speedometers, with their compressed displays and non-standardized orientations, are much more difficult to read than digital speedos. This is especially true when going from one car to another since 45 MPH is not going to be the same orientation in most cases. I find myself looking more than once to establish my speed when I use our Honda minivan, Mazda3 or a rental car. For my tach, temp gauge or pool pump's pressure gauge, the analog dial is much easier to process as I am in range or out of range; there are not multiple close points I'm trying to distinguish. The functional range of the 2er's speedo is only 90 degrees of the 260 or so it covers (15-75 MPH), so the difference between 25 and 35 is only a few degrees.

I'm contemplating adding an OBDII sourced display in the pod to augment the meager gauges. The display would be electronic, but the format would be analog for temp and digital for speed.

You can have the P3 gauge display the speed from the OBDII port along with tons of other things.



Thats mine showing the coolant temperature

[///MCFC]

Originally Posted by den525

Can't be as bad as the amg speedo on the a45... The proportion is ridiculous BUT they have digital speedo as well...

what's wrong with that? I like it.

[angelbones]

Originally Posted by Viffermike

To point 1: My point was that with a needle, you don't have to look down and "see" anything; your peripheral vision picks its relative position up. Speed isn't a metric that changes rapidly, so an alphanumeric readout for it isn't a great ergonomic detriment in a consumer road vehicle (as shown in the RX-8) and can be considered a benefit (as demonstrated in first-gen MINIs, in which BMW added a digital speed readout to the center tach for 2006 models because of consumer demand and safety concerns regarding the center-mounted analog speedo). With respect, angelbones: I've studied ergonomic and functional design (once professionally) for many years; my experience goes well beyond "reading" something.

Fair point about the peripheral vision. Doesn't change my preference, but you make a valid point.

[Supernaut]

Originally Posted by MrBucket

You can have the P3 gauge display the speed from the OBDII port along with tons of other things.



Thats mine showing the coolant temperature

That's an option I'm considering, but I'm going to wait until I get the car to see what sight lines are like.

[MichaelL]

I agree with the folks that think BMW should have added a digital speedo some where in the cluster, for me it easier to read quickly. I will miss mine on my current GTI.

[Kiwi]

Buy heads up display if you are such a driver who cannot do without or don't buy BMW.

[mmmmm235i]

I really don't see the problem with the gauges. I do like the contrast of the needle in the audi gauges, but having driven a BMW the past 5 years I feel very comfortable with the orange cluster. I like that at 90 degrees you are at 80 mph instead of having a more condensed gauge (Audi). If you care enough you should be able to code the digital speedo which should solve the problem. If that is not enough for you then make an appointment to see an eye doctor. The orange is classic BMW, but you could always get an M and have white gauges.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by MichaelL

I agree with the folks that think BMW should have added a digital speedo some where in the cluster, for me it easier to read quickly. I will miss mine on my current GTI.

There is digital speed... it's just no so easy to add it....

[williewonkerz]

Originally Posted by 335BOY

It has a digital readout. How is that unreadable?

As far as I know the digital is only when setting or altering the cruise, but looking at that I have a real hard time glancing and the speedo when driving and knowing my speed.

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by williewonkerz

As far as I know the digital is only when setting or altering the cruise, but looking at that I have a real hard time glancing and the speedo when driving and knowing my speed.

I think that digital speed can be enabled through coding.