[n00bim2015]

http://www.autoblog.com/2017/02/28/b...-illumination/

The color was chosen to allow the driver to clearly see the instrument cluster, but also to be able to adjust to the darkness outside the vehicle quickly after looking up. The eye doesn't tire as quickly trying to read gauges illuminated with red-orange light,

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by n00bim2015

http://www.autoblog.com/2017/02/28/b...-illumination/

The color was chosen to allow the driver to clearly see the instrument cluster, but also to be able to adjust to the darkness outside the vehicle quickly after looking up. The eye doesn't tire as quickly trying to read gauges illuminated with red-orange light,

This topic has been discussed many times before. My only question is, if this is the case, why is BMW the only company to use this color?

[Billfitz]

Red is better. Night vision is mainly handled in the eyes by the rods, which work best in the low wavelengths. Cones, responsible for color perception, work in the upper wavelengths but are ineffective in low light. Since red light is at the low wavelength end of the spectrum using red light accustoms the eyes to low light levels. Submarines switch from white light to red light before surfacing at night, so when the lookouts emerge from the boat their eyes are already at close to their maximum night vision effectiveness. Orange is close to red, so it has a similar effect.

this is the case, why is BMW the only company to use this color?

The better question is why doesn't every company?

[jeffc83]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

The better question is why doesn't every company?

Preferences vary greatly; I prefer white regardless of eyestrain issues so the Cadillac night lighting was a perfect match for me. I don't hate the BMW color choice but I certainly don't prefer it.