[Michael1316]

It’s crazy to me BMW doesn’t have a traditional looking gauges option. Isn’t the main point of a digital gauge cluster to give people more customization options? I have to imagine a large portion of the people buying M cars are enthusiasts who would appreciate having that as an option.

[Covfefe]

Originally Posted by Michael1316

Isn’t the main point of a digital gauge cluster to give people more customization options?

The main point of the iDrive 8 suite is cost cutting. It's cheaper to design one widescreen panel that's inelegantly slapped onto every dashboard in the range than it is to give each interior its own consideration and character. It's also cheaper to cram as much information as they can into a $100 panel than it is to produce the buttons, switches, and gauges of old.

[Michael1316]

Originally Posted by Covfefe

The main point of the iDrive 8 suite is cost cutting. It's cheaper to design one widescreen panel that's inelegantly slapped onto every dashboard in the range than it is to give each interior its own consideration and character. It's also cheaper to cram as much information as they can into a $100 panel than it is to produce the buttons, switches, and gauges of old.

Yeah that’s true, but if they’re going to do that they should at least try and help justify it by offering a bunch of customization.

I do like the ID8/8.5 graphics better than ID7 but they are still behind on the customization versus a lot of other brands.

It’s not a deal breaker for me, it just would have just been nice to have more options.

[CarsRFun!]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

So the salesmen just gave you random incorrect information about something you didn't ask? Exactly my point above, they rarely know much about the product they're selling.

Nobody assumed anything about how you buy vehicles, in fact nobody in this thread was talking about you at all. We were discussing the misinformation and the car salesmen. Guess what, I've purchased a lot of vehicles too, 43 in 30 years, and no I don't spend a lot of time talking with an assigned sales person. I talk with the individual with whom I made the deal, the sales manager or internet sales manager. Now who's assuming how others do business.

So, let's be clear since a few here are driving over the cliff about something that started out simple and benign.

The "sales person" assigned to me by the GM just "mentioned" as I said earlier, about what he maybe thought, or heard was available.
I didn't take that as "gospel" and of course that is why I asked the simple question here...to you "experts."

But, what I got instead was a couple here going off the rails.
I NEVER assumed anything about your buying habits. You did start it by telling me what was the best way as you have done....and as I replied....so have I...for many yrs, since I'm older than most here.

Really, that simple. The fact I'm lucky enough to indulge in my car fun and hobby....so what?? Jay Leno sure outdoes all of us and no one complains about him. I sure don't. Envy him for some of his cars for sure.

So, some here don't like to play respectful or nice. And, IF someone feels it's really justified in blocking me or whatever....go for it. No skin off me. I'm just here to learn, ask questions, and hope I get respectful answers and not crap answers that don't help anyone...me or others here.

My intentions and knowledge and common sense are all aligned in the right places. Be nice if yours could be too. Again, here to learn, ask questions. Some people go out of their way to "find something" and jump on it just because. That's not what these forums are for.

[CarsRFun!]

Originally Posted by M2siast

You went off the rails. That was just you.

We were telling you your dealer lied to you or is ignorant. That's it.

You, instead, got defensive about it, and to defend someone's "honour", decided to talk about your buying history and what-not. Why, nobody knows.

Dealers lie. Dealers are misinformed. These are facts. That's all. When we say it to you, don't take it personally as us saying you are "gullible", we didn't imply that. That is where it should end, and I 100% agree with you, what the heck happened and how the heck did you turn a simple question and answer into your buying habits or prowess? Rhetorical question, not meaning to argue or continue on with the deprived conversation.

Let's go back to the start:
"My dealer told me I can swap dials to analogue looking ones, is it true, and how can I?"

Answer: "No, you cannot. And it doesn't surprise us someone who lies or is misinformed would tell you so. It sucks that we can't, but we can't change the dials to analogue-looking ones".

Response we expected: "Oh, ok, they must have been mistaken then. Thanks, bye"

The end

LOL...Yep, I ended you. You are a troll. Already been told that.
Always are those on every kind of forum. You aren't here to help, just find something to try and be a "tough guy" over and point fingers.
Momma didn't teach you well. Mine did.
Be helpful, not finding fault with what you THINK or hope is something you can use to belittle someone. Didn't work on me.
And for those you agree with your BS.....well, they are like you.
Good Bye.

[Bret]

Originally Posted by CarsRFun!

My intentions and knowledge and common sense are all aligned in the right places. Be nice if yours could be too. Again, here to learn, ask questions. Some people go out of their way to "find something" and jump on it just because. That's not what these forums are for.

Well said and spot on!

[Carefree]

Originally Posted by KelseyParks

BMW's iDrive system usually leans towards digital displays, but there are ways to tweak it without causing any major issues.First off, check your iDrive settings thoroughly. Sometimes there are hidden menus or settings buried deep that let you adjust the gauge appearance. Look for options related to display themes or instrument cluster settings—they might offer different styles that lean more towards traditional dials.If you can't find what you're looking for in iDrive, consider reaching out to a reputable BMW tuner. These folks often have software tweaks or mods that can give you the analog look you want, while still keeping everything functional and factory-safe.

It can’t be done in iDrive.

I’ve been through the entire menu fully on numerous occasions, selected every setting in every category just to know what’s possible and what’s not. OCD? Maybe, but I gots to know.

Maybe a tuner as you suggest. If so, as an analog guy, I’m in.

[CarsRFun!]

Originally Posted by Carefree

It can’t be done in iDrive.

I’ve been through the entire menu fully on numerous occasions, selected every setting in every category just to know what’s possible and what’s not. OCD? Maybe, but I gots to know.

Maybe a tuner as you suggest. If so, as an analog guy, I’m in.

Yep, I played today and found nothing. I looked again at the '24 Mustang on web site, and they have a screen similar to ours. AND THEY put in the "old style gauges" as a choice...a blast from the past! Actually going back just 1 year!! LOL! But, their gauge option is a look a like one from earlier Mustangs. It's just not hard to do for the IT folks who set up the screens, info, etc. BMW just didn't choose to do it. They should do surveys of owners...past and future on what they'd like to see done. Ford does that. You won't get everything you'd like, but, they do listen and have made design and build changes based on surveys. At least as a co. they listen. I don't think BMW cares all that much. They want to be the "techy leaders" it seems.