What options would you take (in the order of preference)?

[iamcrom]

Hi All,

I am in Canada, and I will need to make an order for the new X5 tonight, but I am not sure which options should I order. (My wife wants to have Navigation + rear view camera option)

The dealer suggested that I get Technology Package + Panoramic Sun Roof as option. I would like to know which options are considered "essential" when ordering:


Here are the options available in Canada:
1. Real Climate Package: Includes: Heated Seats Rear, Automatic 4-Zone Climate Control.)
2. Dynamic Handling Package: Includes: Active Steering, (Replaces Sport Suspension when ordered with Sport Package), Adaptive Drive, (Includes Active Roll Stabilization and Electronic Damper Control).
3. Activity Package: Includes: Aluminum Running Boards, Ski Bag, Storage Compartment Package, Headlamp Washers.
4. Sport Package: Includes: AG Sport Package, (3 Spoke Leather Sport Steering Wheel, High-Gloss Shadowline, Anthracite Roofliner), Sport Suspension, Sport Seats, 19" Star Spoke Alloy Wheels - Style 212.
5. Premium Package: Includes: Universal Garage Door Opener, Panorama Sunroof, Auto Dimming Mirrors (Power Folding), Auto Dimming Mirror, Int., Lumbar Support, Compass Mirror, Comfort Seats, (Replace Sport seats when ordered with Sport Package), Light Package.
6. Technology Package: Includes: Rear View Camera, Park Distance Control, BMW On-Board Navigation, Voice Control, Canada-US Navigation DVD.

[midwesterner]

I would have to put in votes for Premium package, Technology package (although quite expensive), and Rear Climate Package. I am sure most people on the forum would probably throw in sport package. If your trying to limit cost, I think sport would be the first to throw out since your wife really wants the Technology package. The sport package is nice, but offers a slightly more aggressive ride since you can feel the tighter suspension.....

Just my two cents...

[330i2X5]

Im in Canada too and went through the same dilemna but heres my 2 cents:
Tech Package is great if you want Nav..otherwise I've heard a lot of negative reviews of backup Camera.
Premium is a must especially if you get the comfort seats but last I was told that comfort seats have been removed as of March prod in Canada however this pack INCLUDES the panoramic sunroof.
I was concerned as to ride quality woth Sports pack but having driven almost 3 times the sport and non sport model I foind very little diff in ride quality, but happy that I get a sportier ride.
Activity package unnecessary.
Rear Climate - dont know, didnt get it...put that money towards one of the other packages.
Dynamic Handling - considered this very carefully but read somewhere that $4700 is not justified as very minimal improvement in ride...double wishbone suspension anyway and very smooth.
So for me Tech,Sports and Premium was enough....I got the PDC as part of Tech and sunroof as part of Premium so all is taken care of.
Hope that helps.

[iamcrom]

This is great!

I really appreciate your comments!!!

Initially, I was thinking about getting Premium Package + Park Distance Control since we're not going to need much of navigation... But for some reason, my wife is very convinced that the rear view camera will help her going in and out of parking spots. Personally, park distance control will cover most of her worries.

But I am going to let her pick what she thinks essential this time, and add what I want if it's affordable. (Previously had Honda Pilot, and she was overpowered by the size of the car... Ended up getting a horrible traffic accident)

She finds X5 manageable and she feels she's in control when she took the test drive. So, I will provide everything she needs in order to get her feel comfortable driving X5. (I remember test driving Pilot three years ago... Oh boy, what a feeling... I felt my heart pumping up as soon as I took it to the highway... That insecure feeling will never be forgotten!)

[X5FX]

My favorite features in order (US model)
1. Comfort Access (a must)
2. Active Ventelated Seats (you have to try these, amazing)
3. Tech Package (I cant live w/o this even though it has shortcomings)
4. HUD (really is usefull)
5. Sport Package (for me the ride is far better than non-sport w/ sport mode turned off)
6. Premium Sound
7. 3rd Row ( even though I will only use it 2-3x's per year)
8. Cold Weather Package ( didnt think I needed heated steering wheel, but I really love this feature)
9. Rear heated seats ( you will probably use these alot more than I will down here in Louisiana).
10. Rear Entertainment ( I didnt want this feature, but the kids love it...now I have to buy it for the wife!)

Hell, just get everything....its only money. That way you wont second guess yourself later. BTW- I really love the Panoramic moonroof, but reality is I keep it closed all the time because the sun is always in my eyes and it heats up the interior too much.

EDIT- regarding rear camera, I wouldnt get another vehicle w/o it especially if you have kids. It also makes parking much easier.

EDIT2- The Sport Steering wheel is awesome...be sure to look at it. It is much thicker than the normal one and feels great in your hands. Obviously not enough alone to justify Sport Package, but is nice nonetheless.

[AzNMpower32]

1) Sport package
2) Activity package.
3) Moonroof if it's a a la carte option.

Uh yea, that's about it. The dealer always wants you to order more luxury/tech-oriented options, and that's not my taste at all. If I wanted lux and tech, I'd go buy a Lexus. If your wife wants nav and backup cam, then get Tech package to that list. But I would never substitute sport seats for comfort seats, so premium isn't what I'd do based on Canadian packaging.

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

But I would never substitute sport seats for comfort seats,

Have you ever sat in comfort seats??

[ryan5446]

I ve written the stuff down that I really wanted. Prices here (europe) are very high, so I really thought hard of the things I would really need/use. Some stuff I added while thinking practical (Navigation, heated seats) , then with the left over budget I ordered the stuff that I really liked...panoramic roof(I have that in my 325i touring aswell), 214 style 20" wheels and the Hifi Professional system.

I guess it is just a matter of taste & budget, and what for one person is a must, can be useless for another.

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by X5FX

Have you ever sat in comfort seats??

Not in the X5, but I have sat in the 530i's 20-way multicontour comfort seats. Yes, I did know all the adjustments and I did adjust it to my heart's (and backside's) content. Amazingly comfortable and it's awesome!

But in general, sport > luxury. It's not like I had complaints with the sport seats, and I was just as comfortable. I still want to enjoy driving the car, without thinking "hmm, is that upper backrest at the best possible angle?"

[Outrageous]

Originally Posted by iamcrom

But I am going to let her pick what she thinks essential this time, and add what I want if it's affordable.

Good thinking! Go with # 6 definately, add #5 if you feel you can afford it, and if you have rear seat passengers, add #1. And hang around to tell us your choices!