Interior vents on new BMWs - why the odd design change?

[g3org3y]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 10 September 2025 at 14:50

[Chris Peacock]

Because modern car design = fixing things that aren't broken.

[Baldchap]

It's just modernising an older feature to make it look the way the designer wants. It happens all the time across virtually every consumer product on the market.

Can you imagine if the PH dinosaurs were in charge of new car design? Those new Model T wheels would be causing outcry!

[Alex_225]

I suppose potentially cost but most likely just modern designs.

Admittedly, I struggle to find many modern takes on things in cars necessarily better. I think some things just don't need messing around too much but progress isn't always progress haha.

[Peterpetrole]

Never liked the old designs anyway

[Triumph Man]

Have BMW brought back the independent control of the face level vents yet? A brilliant feature

[OverSteery]

Probably an easier design to fit a little servo motor. Next step you will have to use a touch screen the adjust them....

[MDT]

OverSteery said:

Next step you will have to use a touch screen the adjust them....

Latest Harry's Garage vid on the BMW M5 shows the touch screen being needed to move the vents..... yep mad and a step way too far......

[wolfracesonic]

OverSteery said:

Probably an easier design to fit a little servo motor. Next step you will have to use a touch screen the adjust them....

New M5’s got you covered…

[F166]

Triumph Man said:

Have BMW brought back the independent control of the face level vents yet? A brilliant feature

Pretty sure you can adjust this in the climate screen of iDrive.

[4Q]

MDT said:

OverSteery said:

Next step you will have to use a touch screen the adjust them....

Latest Harry's Garage vid on the BMW M5 shows the touch screen being needed to move the vents..... yep mad and a step way too far......

That’s how it is on my Taycan, both for direction and flow. Absolutely ridiculous!

[OverSteery]

OverSteery said:

Probably an easier design to fit a little servo motor. Next step you will have to use a touch screen the adjust them....

and there was me thinking I was joking.

Do any modern cars have front sun visors touch pad deployed? If not - I saw it coming....

[Triumph Man]

F166 said:

Triumph Man said:

Have BMW brought back the independent control of the face level vents yet? A brilliant feature

Pretty sure you can adjust this in the climate screen of iDrive.

[g3org3y]

I already posted this observation on another thread in this section. Was specifically posted in GG to get a wider POV and see if other manufacturers did the same.

Mods can you move back to GG?