370z multi-function gauge in sunlight
 

:mad:
http://z.about.com/d/cars/1/0/g/a/1/...70z_glare1.jpg
http://z.about.com/d/cars/1/0/h/a/1/..._directsun.jpg

Wow, that thing is useless in direct sunlight!

I wonder what can be done to remedy this horrible goof.
I really wish they used something more similar to what they have in the infinitis.
The purple gauges look really good, especially with normal needles instead of orange LED's

Yikes. I hope Nissan changes this for the 2010 model year.

Here's my advice for all the various complaints about the 370Z:

If the multi-function gauge really bothers you--don't buy the car.
If you think the headlights & tailights are ugly--don't buy the car.
If you dislike the prominent door handles--don't buy the car.
If you don't like the SyncroRev Match system (even though it can be disabled)--don't buy the car.
If you think this version of the VQ motor sounds harsh--don't buy the car.

But please, please stop complaining about every little thing that's not perfect as you see it. We're talking about a 30k car not a 50k+ car so don't expect perfection.

I agree with sbs somewhat...the multi-function display is not a deal breaker for me but is a pretty poor design on an otherwise great car.

When the 350Z came out, people griped a lot about the chintzy plastic door in the dash and a few other things...the 370Z looks to be a big improvement in my books. I loved my 350Z and I think I will like the 370Z even more.

First of all consumers should be aware of flaws. I don’t care if the car is $10K; the decision to place the multi function gauge in that spot is a FLAW. The head and taillights are aesthetics NOT a flaw, same goes for the door handles. It’s merely an opinion if you don’t like the way the lights look. I think a yellow car is horrific, but that’s my opinion. Who am I to tell anyone NOT to buy a yellow car?

To be quite frank, who are you to tell consumers what not to buy. I am an adult and I make my OWN decisions. I’ve read several reviews/critiques and the majority mention the FLAW of the placement of the multifunction gauge. This FLAW will not stop me from buying the 370, but again consumers should be made aware.
With that said, Merry Christmas and I hope you enjoy your new Z with flaws and all! I sure will.

This is exactly what my friend from Nissan was saying. I really hope they go to a traditional needle.

Or better yet... if this type of thread bothers you then DO NOT read it! This is a design problem and needs to be addressed. Period! It looks like crap and does not function correct.

Agree with you Educ8r. Great reply.

That's a ridiculous statement to make. If Nissan is not aware of these issues they won't fix them. A gauge cluster with an important read out like fuel capacity becoming blinded in sunlight is a design flaw that requires reconsideration by their engineering team. Feedback like that is exactly what necessitates these changes.

Why don't you just only drive at night--problem solved.:tiphat:

I've never notice that there weren't some sort of lens cover or glass over the display. If that's the case, the display seem like something that can be broken easily by pushing too hard on it.....(not that you should, but when you are cleaning it)

If there is a lens over it, its an easy fix. Anti reflective coating.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Oh yea, I forgot to mention
I already have a remedy in mind for this design flaw

20% tint on my windows should keep that sun from washing out the gauge:tup:

+10000 on the design flaw for the digital guages. Nissan are you listening? The other two guages are driving perfection. Color, font, etc. Put traditional guages in there and get rid of those wierd LEDs by 2010 (which is when I might by the car :D )

Not a big deal. Doesn't this thing have a trip computer anyway? I mean driving around you should have some idea as far as how much gas you may have used. This isn't a MINI Cooper. Think. No offense.

Yeah I hate it, but it wouldn't keep me from buying the 370Z.

Personally, I like the gauges... Ferrari uses the same type of gauges... Simple race-inspired design. The G37's gauges are more for show, but the 370z is far more race-inspired all together.

How is that fugly LED display "race inspired" ? The other two gauges next to it are just fine. But that thing has to go. :superghey:

I was talking about the analog gauges being race-inspired! LOL

But honestly, the LED system is also race inspired too. Look at F1 carts... They use an LCD/LED combination gauge cluster as well. I tried to find some pics of them but it's past 3am here and I'm tired as hell!

Anyway, search around you'll find them. I'm personally not going to look too much at that thing anyway. When I get my twin-turbo kit, I'll be getting those Defi gauges and a tasteful gauge pod.

I drive the Tumbler at night.

I think it is a legitimate gripe to bring up. But are you going to directly be in sunlight like that for an entire trip? I doubt it unless you are following the sun to the end of the earth.

And just in-case that does happen the low fuel warning light will come on the dash also.

LOL!!! Can I borrow it? Please!?!?!? I want to go to the movies in it! And maybe a club... I won't shoot anything... I promise.

I think the 370 is just to good all around to pass up because you don't like one gauge. If you don't like it why does't someone start working a design to replace it completly. Just cut it out and put something else there. Hey if it turns out good there are obviously gonna be people willing to buy it. Someone is gonna get rich for that mod. Anywho people didn't not buy the S13 because the seats were ugly. Come on .. I think there will be some type of mod to fix this problem within 6 months of its release.

Honestly, I don't think anyone would drive at the exact angle it takes to shine on the gauges for an extended time. I really don't have a problem with the gauge except that I wish the multi-function gauge was where it is on the 350z, the silver can be fixed with some paint or vinyl.
As far as the synchro-rev and lights, 2 easy fixes, don't get the performance package (and buy your own bbk, and lsd) and get a head light and tail light conversion.

One more little detail to add...the sun is only shining on the digi gauge, it seems to me if the sun was shining that bright on any of the gauges it would make any of them kinda hard to see. Also the second pic kinda looks slightly edited it looks like the contrast in the pic was increased which if you increase the contrast in a pic it makes all dark areas look even darker. So maybe a hater wanted some more haters on his/her side. I am gonna do what was touched on already...TINT. Besides We are all gonna be working all day just to pay this off and will prolly only drive it at night. Or someone can do like I said and make some type of multi-func. gauge to replace it. Something like in a Altezza <--Million dollar idea!

Doesn't anyone realize that if you put a sun visor on the gauge (like the Tach has) that will fix the problem? Also, no, if the sun reaches over to the other gauges, you'll be able to see them fine because they're sunk back a bit with the sun visors over them. Also, there's glass over the analog displays which will defuse most of the light anyway.

I'll think about it.

This probably never came up while developing the car since that gauge is towards the center of the dash in a RHD car.

http://www.the370z.com/images/japan%...70Z_com_14.jpg

Good point evolved.

+2 hey...your right!:hello:

I wonder if there might be a way to switch the outside gauges...extend some wires. that could fix the prob.

Actually, that may not be necessary 100% true. The sun is not gonna stay in one certain angel, so the whole area of the dash might be fair game. Put it this way. The navi that is in one of my car gets blinded occasionally by sunlight. I guess we'll find out when it comes out.

Well, I think that it's a good chance that Evolved is very close to dead on... Think about how much of that gauge would be sun-blocked by your arm, steering wheel, etc... There's a LOT more in the way of it getting sun than the navi.

(DAMN that interior looks good!)

Also, guys, if you have the Touring package, you'll likely have your gas/mpg display on the screen as well like the infiniti's. They have the range and mpg display mode.

just because the gauge caught ONE bad angle of light doesnt make it a flaw... if you cant adjust your head 12 degrees to read the gauge then thats a problem...

Im sure you can notice it when its in front of you. Theres alot of cars like that.

Its just in pictures theres a glare from the glass and sun.

also just get tints problem solved stop whining people nissan isnt going to change this back to needle cuz we make a thread about it

Tinting the driver window is a problem in Los Angeles. Cops here can be real dicks about it.

I went through the whole window tint pseudo gangsta phase and it was a major headache b/c front tints were not allowed in my state. Unfortunately, NY and CA are some of the numerous states that forbid window tinting. If the cops don't catch you they'll get you when the car gets inspected. Window tint solves the problem for buyers in TX though.

LOL "ONE bad angle of light" :rofl2:

Exactly. My friend and I were booking it on the freeway one day in his Corvette. We were doing about 100-ish. And we saw a CHP car getting on the freeway just a bit a head of us, so we instantly were slowing down really fast, but he still saw that... We tried to roll the LIMO TINT windows down but he pulled us over anyway. He got to the window and said, "Well, you slowed down fast enough that I didn't catch your speed, but I saw your windows... I'm writing you a fix-it ticket. Slow the hell down!"

We "technically" got lucky.

Easier said than done. I know driving in my car, there are certain parts of the day when the LEDs on my dash are not visible, and when your driving in the same direction for 45min plus; it gets annoying to not see them.

I don't understand why some people are so touchy about others stating that xyz is a "flaw." It's as if they're secretly the designers at Nissan responsible for the piece and are getting all defensive like they're being personally attacked. No car is perfect. All cars have certain flaws. Nobody is saying that because such and such flaw exists, the entire car is therefore crap and nobody should buy it. Settle down, Beavis.