Cool "Hidden" features of the E53 X5

[Gobbleoff]

I spent hours looking for the socket in the passenger footwell, and its just not there.... im figuring its an option or us aussies didnt get it?

Originally Posted by Zoomie

Just finished reading all 26 pages - awesome thread guys and gals.

Once I get this oil-separator issue fixed, I will be out with a vengeance to try some of them out.

Already found the flashlight and the socket on day one - the light doesn't work tho and I can't dissemble it to check the battery - any hints?

[X Foomph]

Hey Gobble,
I also had an extended look for mine but couldn't find it. I'd say your right and that its an option on Euro (Aussie) delivery vehicles. Did you find a torch in the glove box ?? 'cause I couldn't find mine either.
On a different note have you noticed how all Aussie X5s have running boards as stnd and we also get the safety triangle plus the first aid kit whereas our friends stateside have to order these as an option I believe (correct me if I'm wrong).

[Gobbleoff]

yeah, thats what i thought as well... i dont have the power socket or torch either... no biggie, i got running boards :p

[eddii]

Aussie spec X5 dont come with running boards as standard, I had to ticK that option . Also, if you push the volume knob, it'll turn on your cd/radio for about half an hour before it swiches off again (without ignition keys) I've done this a few times when washing the car

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by X5HogTown

I just scanned all 16 pages and have not seen this...

If you open the driver's door with the right rhythm/momentum and climb in quickly, the door will magically swing shut most of the time (on level ground of course). I have great fun trying this every time.

ahahah i do that everyday! it makes me feel awesome!

[TaMbALoLoNg]

Originally Posted by Freddy

ahahah i do that everyday! it makes me feel awesome!

Me too !!

[manfrmbklyn23]

This thread is awsome!!! I've had my x now for 5 months, and learning all these new things made me feel like my new toy had some hidden gadgets.
things I tried and worked to perfection.
1•hold unlock button down to open windows and sunroof
2•found flashlite
3•found power plug on passenger side under the glove box
4•Flash high beams when leaving car and zenons shined for 30 sec
5•held trunk button to activate panic alarm
I will be sure to read my manual theraly now because I'm sure I could have learned some stuff by just reading.

[mccalia1]

Originally Posted by crosvs

?!?!?!

how is mpg and especially arrival time "stupid stuff?!" the main reason i enter destination in my satnav is precisely so i can keep track of my ETA!!

anyway ... in an effort to help contribute, i'm thinking hard about what else i can add since so many of you have already addressed so much.

but here's something:

If, like me, you often prefer to use the manual shift mode while negotiatin heavy freeway traffic so that you're always in the optimal gear to juice the car for a quick passing maneuver, you've probably noticed two frustating things: (1) the car takes a few precious moments to downshift and (2) it does so without blipping the throttle like newer automated manuals, resulting in a downshift that is anything but smooth, not to mention absent the awesome sound produced by blipping the throttle on downshifts!

This explanation will be easier for those of you used to driving a manual transmission car, especially those of you with heel/toe downshifting technique, but hopefully others will also appreciate this small but useful -- albeit tricky -- technique.

Basically, use the delay between downshifting to your advantage and manually blip the throttle just like in a manual transmission car. Here's the steps, enumerated:

1. Tap down a gear
2. brief (heretofore annoying, now useful!) delay
3. gearbox shifts into neutral
3. blip throttle
4. gearbox engages lower gear

Result? Almost seamless downshifts accompanied by the oh-so-satisfying sound of blipping the throttle, an especially awesome sound if you have aftermarket exhaust and/or the windows are down and you're driving beside a wall of some kind! But most importantly, the car won't make that sloppy downshift like a beginner trying to downshift in a manual transmission car!

Only caveat is that it's easy to mess up the timing, especially since the delay before the gearbox goes into and out of neutral is NOT always the same: just as with a manual, if the timing is off, the result is an annoying jerk.

BONUS: becuase the brake/throttle placement seems to be the same in the auto-transmission X5s as in the manual-transmission BMW models, they are fantastically placed for -- you guessed it -- heel/toe downshifts! Yup, you can use this technique even while braking if you know how, and the result really is fantastic for those occasional canyon roads or open track days where you need to brake while downshifting into a corner.

Ok that was a rather lengthy explanation, but I hope you liked it! Hm. I should try and demo this by video.... I'll see what I can do

Can you explain what you mean by sound of blipping the throttle? I noticed yesterday when I was driving my car in Auto mode than when I accelerated hard and the turbo kicked in, I noticed a heart beat machine style bleep....wasn't sure what it was?

[rajx5]

Here's an obvious one that in my recent experience is worth mentioning.

The plastic pencil/coin tray just behind the shifter and under the sliding retractable cover is removable and hidden below it are the two front cup holders! (... be nice if these were a bit bigger... but I can at least fit one large coffee thermos for my commute).

Believe it or not the previous owner had no idea and complained of no front cup holders (after owning and driving the car for 4 years).... said he would typically reach back to the passenger side cup holder for the rear seats in order not to dislocate his shoulder or crash getting to the driver side one.

Thanks to all for this thread. Keep it up.

[TaMbALoLoNg]

Originally Posted by rajx5

Here's an obvious one that in my recent experience is worth mentioning.

The plastic pencil/coin tray just behind the shifter and under the sliding retractable cover is removable and hidden below it are the two front cup holders! (... be nice if these were a bit bigger... but I can at least fit one large coffee thermos for my commute).

Thanks to all for this thread. Keep it up.

I cant picture where this is. can you please show pic? the only front cup holder i know of is in the middle console next to the e-brake. thanks