I have a 2007 XK and it is almost impossible to read the analogue speedometer if my steering wheel is adjusted where I want it + my progressive lens eyeglasses don't help either. I'd like to have a digital speed display possible near the base of the windshield but something subtle. I'm not that keen on the HUD. I see there are many GPS based units available but I don't want a big black box on the dash. Any suggestions?

 

There is a way to have the MPH on the center dash display, it's part of the Diagnostics Screen. I don't know the procedure to GET there though, but I'm sure someone will be along with that info.
It may be a bit ghetto in appearance though, if I recollect correctly.

 

I ‘think’ it’s available via the OBD port, so a ‘small’ display on the dash ‘should’ be possible,

 

I was able to find an option to display an analogue clock in digital format or a Jaguar symbol but that was it. I will look again.

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...n-menu-193739/

I dunno if it works with the car running, assuming it would but seems like a PIA to do this every time.

 

I know purists will shudder. I bought the most recent Garmin and a custom vent mount.
Now I have the car's speed and accurate map info all at a glance.

 

On my 2014 cycling through the displays by pressing the button on the end of the indicator stalk eventually give a digital speed display beneath the clock

 

I wear progressives as well and I don’t have that issue. Begs the question, ‘How’ have you adjusted your driving ergonomics such that you can’t see the speedo and the tach? Besides, you may miss a warning if/when a dummy light goes off…

 

Oh, I can sympathize with the OP. In every car I’ve had, I cannot see the speedo due to comfortable placement of the steering wheel.
Annoying to have to peek over or under the wheel when needing to do a ‘speed check’.

 

Agreed! I've owned over 35 cars in my driving career, and only a small handful let me read the entire dash after setting the ergonomics properly. (For comparison purposes I am 6' and 180 lbs).
Adding to this misery is the evolution of giant mirrors, both inside and out. Some cars I've owned had a driver side mirror so big it could completely obscure a pickup at an intersection. In other cars, the inside rearview mirror obstructed direct view over the fender which forces you to duck your head to see below it when attacking some twisties. The advent of cameras in the mirror housing have made it impossible to adjust the inside mirror high enough to get it out of the way.

 

Thanks. I can only get "average speed" through the trip computer. It appears Jaguar upgraded the system after '07. I think my solution is a simple HUD or digital read out accessory.

 

Specifically the issue is the relatively small size of the speedometer plus it's offset to the left so the steering wheel blocks the 60km/h to 120km/k portion of the dial. For under $100 I can get a simple HUD or digital read-out unit, so I think that will be the solution.

 

How about if you engage the Cruise Control and set it to anything? Mine shows the SET SPEED and CURRENT SPEED in the center display. Course I have ACC, so that may make a difference.

 

One possible option for an add on speed readout is some radar detectors have a gps based speedometer in them. As they're designed to be unobtrusive, you could probably mount one in a fashion that does not really hinder your forward view and give you the info you need.

 

That's a good idea - I will look into that, thanks

 

Navigation apps on your mobile phone can also display speed. I use Waze but not sure if I can change the font size to make current speed more visible.

 

I second the phone app. Google maps and the like have GPS speedos. There are also other apps that are GPS speedometers in the app stores. Seeing that a phone is likely already owned and can be strategically placed, this seems like an easy work around. I use an app called Torque which connects via bluetooth to the OBDII port. There is both a GPS and vehicle speedometer reading, among other things. Display is very configurable with option for large gauges.

 

A piece of pin striping tape placed at strategic intervals on the speedo glass like 45mph, 70mph, 100mph, 150mph etc.

 

Hii, I have a 2008 XKR, and bought an "Autool X60" OBD multi function meter. It displays a host of parameters including Speed and any item can be selected to display in large characters. I bought the unit to show engine coolant temperature. It plugs into the OBD2 port and sits nicely on provided double sided adhesive gel. I use a Garmin for a street directory and speed camera warning, this also displays speed. Regards Mark (Australia)

 

I'm with the OP a hundred percent. With the steering wheel where I like it, haven't seen my speedometer ever. Also, I'd prefer the wheel to telescope out further. Still feel like I'm reaching too far forward for the wheel and on long drives it's a little tiring. (I suspect all this has to do with airbag deployment.)
And CJ is right (and I'm sure this would work on cars without the Adaptive Cruise): simply set your cruise speed lower than your desired speed, so you're using the gas pedal all the time. You'll see CRUISE OVERRIDE, and your speed, on the center readout.
Otherwise, yeah: get a speedometer app on your phone and clip it to the center AC vent. A little ghetto but would work fine.