6WA vs 6WB

[Mgm 05]

Interested in everyone’s opinion. I currently have the most basic Instrument Cluster and am thinking about upgrading to either the 6WA or 6WB. I don’t have a HUD but do have adaptive cruise.

Are there any functionality differences between the 2 or just a stylistic preference? Seems like the cost is maybe $500-600 different and i’m leaning towards the 6WA

[CeeTeeX5]

Originally Posted by Mgm 05

Interested in everyone’s opinion. I currently have the most basic Instrument Cluster and am thinking about upgrading to either the 6WA or 6WB. I don’t have a HUD but do have adaptive cruise.

Are there any functionality differences between the 2 or just a stylistic preference? Seems like the cost is maybe $500-600 different and i’m leaning towards the 6WA

There's something more basic than 6WA? I thought that was the standard cluster for the F15 X5.

[CatalinP]

There is the full analogue cluster, then there is 6WA which is like hybrid, analogue gauges and digital display in the lower half, and then there is 6WB which is fully digital.

[CeeTeeX5]

Originally Posted by CatalinP

There is the full analogue cluster, then there is 6WA which is like hybrid, analogue gauges and digital display in the lower half, and then there is 6WB which is fully digital.

cool, thanks for the clarification. I have the 6WA, just wasn't aware there was another more basic cluster.

[Mgm 05]

Originally Posted by CeeTeeX5

cool, thanks for the clarification. I have the 6WA, just wasn't aware there was another more basic cluster.

Yea it has a single small digital display on the right side, doesn’t span the bottom. I think it came standard with older models w.o HUD.

[turboawd]

Even the 6wa is way nicer than the basic cluster

[SCA]

Originally Posted by Mgm 05

Yea it has a single small digital display on the right side, doesn’t span the bottom. I think it came standard with older models w.o HUD.

I originally placed my 2017 order without the drivers assistance package which included the heads up display, rear view camera, and the extended cluster (6WA). I later changed the order when I realized that the extended cluster was not included as standard equipment.

[CeeTeeX5]

OP, someone is selling a 6WB in the for sale section. Might want to take a look at picking that one up as the price I think is close to 6WA.

With that said, I’m very happy with my 6WA and don’t feel any need to swap to 6WB.

[deutsch100]

I love the cluster I have with my HUD. Love the combo of mixed analog and digital, and that the instruments are fully electroluminescent during the day! Classic, but very modern BMW look!

[Mgm 05]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

I love the cluster I have with my HUD. Love the combo of mixed analog and digital, and that the instruments are fully electroluminescent during the day! Classic, but very modern BMW look!

Yea i think i’m in this camp. Without nav in-dash or something really unique functionally I think i prefer the mix of analog and digital.

[IndyJer]

My only experienice with the all digital cluster was a few weeks in a loaner. I wasn’t impressed personally and actually really like the 6WA.

With that said, there are several people here that have swapped into 6WB and love it as well.

[Wardman]

I went with 6wa installed. Bryan did it for me, love it. I was not a fan of the all digital and some of the work needed to make a used cluster work did not appeal to me.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...cy1ei84SxeyZut

[geye1970]

LOL, call me crazy but I prefer the more basic bottom right half LCD than the full bottom LCD.

Maybe it's because of the HUD, but the bottom half LCD never changes, only shows the same metrics and it's too spread about.

[monkiboy]

i'm selling a 6WB on the cheap here:
http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1470520

to each their own but i think a lot of the features of the 6WB don't get noticed until ownership and have clean they are implemented. like the speed limit in a given zone is clearly indicated and your speed above or below that with blue or red highlight in the speedo. how crisp information is. how the different modes are represented with drastic changes to graphics and colors vs having almost no idea who mode you're in on a 6WA or otherwise if not for a simple lettering. i'm not crazy about new tech but the 6WB was a huge upgrade in the cockpit experience.

i took all the hassle of making mine work in a new car by clearing the EPROM already so it's just ten minutes to swap and code it and you're done.

[sbinshihon]

Originally Posted by monkiboy

i'm selling a 6WB on the cheap here:
http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1470520

to each their own but i think a lot of the features of the 6WB don't get noticed until ownership and have clean they are implemented. like the speed limit in a given zone is clearly indicated and your speed above or below that with blue or red highlight in the speedo. how crisp information is. how the different modes are represented with drastic changes to graphics and colors vs having almost no idea who mode you're in on a 6WA or otherwise if not for a simple lettering. i'm not crazy about new tech but the 6WB was a huge upgrade in the cockpit experience.

i took all the hassle of making mine work in a new car by clearing the EPROM already so it's just ten minutes to swap and code it and you're done.

This. If I was going to spend 1k+ on a cluster it would be on the 6WB for sure.

[Wardman]

Originally Posted by monkiboy

i'm selling a 6WB on the cheap here:
http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1470520

to each their own but i think a lot of the features of the 6WB don't get noticed until ownership and have clean they are implemented. like the speed limit in a given zone is clearly indicated and your speed above or below that with blue or red highlight in the speedo. how crisp information is. how the different modes are represented with drastic changes to graphics and colors vs having almost no idea who mode you're in on a 6WA or otherwise if not for a simple lettering. i'm not crazy about new tech but the 6WB was a huge upgrade in the cockpit experience.

i took all the hassle of making mine work in a new car by clearing the EPROM already so it's just ten minutes to swap and code it and you're done.

Does the fuel gauge show "Diesel Only" in your 6WB? That was a spec that I would not deviate from since I have an x5d. Would give away the mod right away since I am going to sell as is once I switch vehicles.

[monkiboy]

Originally Posted by Wardman

Does the fuel gauge show "Diesel Only" in your 6WB? That was a spec that I would not deviate from since I have an x5d. Would give away the mod right away since I am going to sell as is once I switch vehicles.

I have a gas engine so no it does not. that is coded accordingly. will work with diesel or gas engines accordingly.

[Kzang]

My problem with the all digital dash is the quality of the image is average and you see a lot of pixels in them. If 6WB were HD then I'd be happy with it.

[CeeTeeX5]

Originally Posted by Kzang

My problem with the all digital dash is the quality of the image is average and you see a lot of pixels in them. If 6WB were HD then I'd be happy with it.

I agree with this. I'm also looking at the HUD 90% of the time anyways. I only find myself checking the dash to check if lane departure is recognizing the lines or my fuel level.

I plan to code lane departure to show up in HUD so I will end up looking at the dash even less.

[alphaod]

I have the regular 6WB with only the display on the bottom. I drove a loaner with the half display and non-backlit during the day, I can't think of a thing reason why BMW even makes that.

[Mgm 05]

Originally Posted by alphaod

I have the regular 6WB with only the display on the bottom. I drove a loaner with the half display and non-backlit during the day, I can't think of a thing reason why BMW even makes that.

Believe you have the 6WA, wish I would have caught before purchase tbh, good FYI for anyone looking at '15 and '14 model years without a HUD, $2k mod that's pretty close to a must have

[Wardman]

Originally Posted by Mgm 05

Believe you have the 6WA, wish I would have caught before purchase tbh, good FYI for anyone looking at '15 and '14 model years without a HUD, $2k mod that's pretty close to a must have

Agree - BMW is cheap on this one. I believe the same for stereo on a 60K+ car. I would not have done it, but ended up buying my lease and: added 6WA, lowered with springs, fixed crappy seat with upholsterer, added better sound with BAVAudio, added RaceChip. Windows were tinted early on....