Instrument cluster too dark during daytime.

Zethii · 02-29-2020, 06:42 AM

Under certain circumstances my instrument cluster (KI) is too dark in daytime mode. When driving for example towards setting sun, underneath (longer) bridges / tunnels or in forests the display dims to much. Always when light from ahead is brighter than ambient. Often wearing sunglasses and reading the display sometimes gets difficult without taking them off. The HUD however is adapting perfectly.
Changing brightness by knob is only working in night mode, no possibility to set anything in Idrive.

How do you experience brightness of your instrument display?

James_G0540i · 02-29-2020, 07:37 AM

There's a thumb-wheel on the same panel as the head-lights. This increases and decreases brightness of the Instrument panel.
Have you tried turning it up?

TurtleBoy · 02-29-2020, 08:21 AM

Did you tint your front windows and/or windshield? That will effect the brightness in certain circumstances.

radmjk · 02-29-2020, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James_G0530d

There's a thumb-wheel on the same panel as the head-lights. This increases and decreases brightness of the Instrument panel.
Have you tried turning it up?

I believe the OP did try the knob in the light cluster of buttons, as they did state "Changing brightness by knob is only working in night mode", but they can clarify. I too have this issue, but I believe it is due to my windows being tinted. I wish there was a way to override the ambient light sensor in order to increase the brightness.

My question is same as Turtleboy, if windows tinted, that is likely the culprit.

X5_CC · 02-29-2020, 08:51 AM

There was a lengthy thread about this maybe a year ago... can't remember who started it though.

Paladin1 · 02-29-2020, 09:02 AM

My windows aren't tinted and I see the same thing. Even with brightness maxed out, the display is pretty dim - dimmer than other cars I've owned. Also what's up with the top menu bar on the main display panel (selected by pushing the selector wheel forward)? The very dim red highlight for selections is almost impossible to see in many circumstances. Could have been better designed.

Zethii · 02-29-2020, 11:51 AM

Thanks sofar for your inputs. I tried the turning knob indeed. However this knob, per design, has no function during daytime. Try it.
My windows are non - tinted. I'll try to find the old thread..

James_G0540i · 02-29-2020, 07:54 PM

I wonder if the default/day-time brightness settings for the Instrument cluster can be coded?

Expert mode is supported for the Instrument Cluster (KOMBI), I'm going to have a look around.

If anyone else knows or has done this, I'd appreciate a pointer....

Zethii · 03-01-2020, 11:09 AM

I have searched already.. Didn't find anything usable sofar...

bioman · 03-01-2020, 12:24 PM

There are light sensors in the dash that will adjust the brightness during the day. You can’t adjust them. A pain for those folks who have tinted front windows.

One remedy is to keep the moonroof cover open, which helps.

BMWZ4 · 03-01-2020, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bioman

There are light sensors in the dash that will adjust the brightness during the day. You can't adjust them. A pain for those folks who have tinted front windows.

One remedy is to keep the moonroof cover open, which helps.

Correct. Although I've discovered that sensor in the instrument panel seems unaffected with or w/o tinted glass.

Hey OP, shine your mobile phone's flashlight into the upper left corner of the instrument cluster. Watch how bright everything gets on the cluster, iDrive and even the temp adjust cluster. Not a bug, but definitely a design issue with no apparent solution - more importantly, why it even exists

EDIT: per Bioman's post above yes, keeping the moonroof cover open does help a little but not enough to achieve maximum brightness

James_G0540i · 03-01-2020, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bioman

There are light sensors in the dash that will adjust the brightness during the day. You can’t adjust them. A pain for those folks who have tinted front windows.

What a pity. You can adjust the sensor for the windscreen wipers, but not the light senor for the Instrument cluster.

It would have made sense to use the same sensor as the windscreen wipers, so it can detect night/day and adjust accordingly.

Zethii · 03-01-2020, 04:33 PM

Thanks guys, I'll address it to my service partner.. Maybe a future update will bring improvement...

BMWZ4 · 03-01-2020, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zethii

Thanks guys, I'll address it to my service partner.. Maybe a future update will bring improvement...

Let us know what the dealer says please. My dealer said no way there's going to be an update for this, mind you that was for the X3 family. If your dealer suggests a fix, a few X3 owners will probably want to know.

Paladin1 · 03-02-2020, 08:42 AM

It sounds like something just begging to be coded. Just tell the sensor "Light level x2."

James_G0540i · 03-02-2020, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paladin1

It sounds like something just begging to be coded. Just tell the sensor "Light level x2."

You would think right !

You can code the windscreen wiper sensitivity with the latest version of Bimmercode, but not the Instrument cluster sensitivity or brightness.

Before long, we'll be asking if we can code an external color change !

Skilly · 03-11-2020, 11:31 AM

it's a known issue now with BMW. If you have tint they will blame it for the issue. That said, according to the Mag/Moss Warranty Act the burden of proof is on them to prove its soley the tint creating the issue. I can tell you, it's not the tint...logic should tell you that too. Just with the light changes a completely open pano roof can create in simply closing it is far more dramatic a change in light to the interior than tint...

To me its a completely design flaw - there should be no reason for a light sensor in the cabin to affect these settings. This is a case of over engineering without enough field testing. The trouble is that it appears to be quite random - my dealership was able to repeat it, but not before having the car for extended testing and that included removing tint that was originally said to be the culprit.

Having the sensor on the rear view mount would suffice for outside changes in lighting. The inside should have very little bearing on your dash settings - your eyes will be tuned to outside for driving, not inside.

Ringo2712 · 03-11-2020, 03:21 PM

Definitely tints do affect, when I lower the driver side windows it gets significantly brighter as it does when I'm driving with the sun on my back and it gets really dark when driving with the sun in front of me. Definitely a design flaw by locating the sensor on the instrument cluster screen and not somewhere else.

jojo t · 03-11-2020, 06:59 PM

Agree this is a huge design flaw. This sensor should be on dash or somewhere where daylight is daylight and night is night (like most cars). Or have an option in settings to shut it off for daytime and on for nighttime. I am so happy with this 2020 x5 except for this one flaw.

MystroX5 · 03-11-2020, 07:45 PM

BMW should be easily able to recode the thresholds of the sensor on a firmware update.

floridaman100 · 04-27-2020, 05:00 PM

Got my new X5 and like an idiot got the 2 front windows tinted even after I was reassured by a service manager that this wouldn't affect the brightness on digital instrument cluster and Idrive screen. The brightness is all over the place. Tested with front windows rolled down and no noticeable changes to the brightness. Roll windows back up and screens get dimmer. This is a lame design and what was BMW thinking? Now considering removing the tint just so I don't have to deal with this. It is aggrevating to drive your car during the day and see the variances in brightness on the screen. BMW can reimburse me the cost of installing and removing the window tint.

jimbg · 04-28-2020, 04:46 AM

Makes sense to me!

As the daylight fades then I would expect the instrument panel to dim, if you tint the windows then it is not unreasonable to expect the dimming to take place.

Now are the threshold levels used correct, that is a different question.

02-29-2020, 06:42 AM	#1
Zethii Enlisted Member 21 Rep 45 Posts Drives: BMW X5 G05 Join Date: May 2019 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Instrument cluster too dark during daytime. Under certain circumstances my instrument cluster (KI) is too dark in daytime mode. When driving for example towards setting sun, underneath (longer) bridges / tunnels or in forests the display dims to much. Always when light from ahead is brighter than ambient. Often wearing sunglasses and reading the display sometimes gets difficult without taking them off. The HUD however is adapting perfectly. Changing brightness by knob is only working in night mode, no possibility to set anything in Idrive. How do you experience brightness of your instrument display?
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02-29-2020, 07:37 AM	#2
James_G0540i Captain 446 Rep 810 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 G05 40i M Sport Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	There's a thumb-wheel on the same panel as the head-lights. This increases and decreases brightness of the Instrument panel. Have you tried turning it up? Attached Images
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02-29-2020, 08:21 AM	#3
TurtleBoy General 13276 Rep 19,807 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 40i,2021 M340i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Did you tint your front windows and/or windshield? That will effect the brightness in certain circumstances.
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02-29-2020, 08:51 AM	#5
X5_CC Captain 289 Rep 668 Posts Drives: X5 40i Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	There was a lengthy thread about this maybe a year ago... can't remember who started it though.
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02-29-2020, 09:02 AM	#6
Paladin1 Brigadier General 5556 Rep 4,504 Posts Drives: 2022 iX xDrive50, DGM Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 iX xDrive M60 [0.00] 2022 iX xDrive50 [10.00]	My windows aren't tinted and I see the same thing. Even with brightness maxed out, the display is pretty dim - dimmer than other cars I've owned. Also what's up with the top menu bar on the main display panel (selected by pushing the selector wheel forward)? The very dim red highlight for selections is almost impossible to see in many circumstances. Could have been better designed.
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02-29-2020, 11:51 AM	#7
Zethii Enlisted Member 21 Rep 45 Posts Drives: BMW X5 G05 Join Date: May 2019 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Thanks sofar for your inputs. I tried the turning knob indeed. However this knob, per design, has no function during daytime. Try it. My windows are non - tinted. I'll try to find the old thread..
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02-29-2020, 07:54 PM	#8
James_G0540i Captain 446 Rep 810 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 G05 40i M Sport Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	I wonder if the default/day-time brightness settings for the Instrument cluster can be coded? Expert mode is supported for the Instrument Cluster (KOMBI), I'm going to have a look around. If anyone else knows or has done this, I'd appreciate a pointer....
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03-01-2020, 11:09 AM	#9
Zethii Enlisted Member 21 Rep 45 Posts Drives: BMW X5 G05 Join Date: May 2019 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	I have searched already.. Didn't find anything usable sofar...
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03-01-2020, 12:24 PM	#10
bioman First Lieutenant 173 Rep 341 Posts Drives: E30 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	There are light sensors in the dash that will adjust the brightness during the day. You can’t adjust them. A pain for those folks who have tinted front windows. One remedy is to keep the moonroof cover open, which helps.
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03-01-2020, 04:33 PM	#13
Zethii Enlisted Member 21 Rep 45 Posts Drives: BMW X5 G05 Join Date: May 2019 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys, I'll address it to my service partner.. Maybe a future update will bring improvement...
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03-02-2020, 08:42 AM	#15
Paladin1 Brigadier General 5556 Rep 4,504 Posts Drives: 2022 iX xDrive50, DGM Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 iX xDrive M60 [0.00] 2022 iX xDrive50 [10.00]	It sounds like something just begging to be coded. Just tell the sensor "Light level x2."
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03-11-2020, 11:31 AM	#17
Skilly Private 40 Rep 94 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X5 M Sport Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Northern California iTrader: (0)	it's a known issue now with BMW. If you have tint they will blame it for the issue. That said, according to the Mag/Moss Warranty Act the burden of proof is on them to prove its soley the tint creating the issue. I can tell you, it's not the tint...logic should tell you that too. Just with the light changes a completely open pano roof can create in simply closing it is far more dramatic a change in light to the interior than tint... To me its a completely design flaw - there should be no reason for a light sensor in the cabin to affect these settings. This is a case of over engineering without enough field testing. The trouble is that it appears to be quite random - my dealership was able to repeat it, but not before having the car for extended testing and that included removing tint that was originally said to be the culprit. Having the sensor on the rear view mount would suffice for outside changes in lighting. The inside should have very little bearing on your dash settings - your eyes will be tuned to outside for driving, not inside.
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03-11-2020, 03:21 PM	#18
Ringo2712 Private 20 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 40i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Panama iTrader: (0)	Definitely tints do affect, when I lower the driver side windows it gets significantly brighter as it does when I'm driving with the sun on my back and it gets really dark when driving with the sun in front of me. Definitely a design flaw by locating the sensor on the instrument cluster screen and not somewhere else.
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03-11-2020, 06:59 PM	#19
jojo t Private 48 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X5 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Agree this is a huge design flaw. This sensor should be on dash or somewhere where daylight is daylight and night is night (like most cars). Or have an option in settings to shut it off for daytime and on for nighttime. I am so happy with this 2020 x5 except for this one flaw.
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03-11-2020, 07:45 PM	#20
MystroX5 Major General 6290 Rep 5,324 Posts Drives: 2020 X7 M50i/ 911 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Central Pa. iTrader: (0)	BMW should be easily able to recode the thresholds of the sensor on a firmware update.
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04-27-2020, 05:00 PM	#21
floridaman100 Private First Class 47 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X5 xDrive40I Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Bradenton, Fl. iTrader: (0)	Got my new X5 and like an idiot got the 2 front windows tinted even after I was reassured by a service manager that this wouldn't affect the brightness on digital instrument cluster and Idrive screen. The brightness is all over the place. Tested with front windows rolled down and no noticeable changes to the brightness. Roll windows back up and screens get dimmer. This is a lame design and what was BMW thinking? Now considering removing the tint just so I don't have to deal with this. It is aggrevating to drive your car during the day and see the variances in brightness on the screen. BMW can reimburse me the cost of installing and removing the window tint.
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04-28-2020, 04:46 AM	#22
jimbg Private 23 Rep 84 Posts Drives: LR Discovery 5 Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: DEVON iTrader: (0)	Makes sense to me! As the daylight fades then I would expect the instrument panel to dim, if you tint the windows then it is not unreasonable to expect the dimming to take place. Now are the threshold levels used correct, that is a different question.
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