question about X5

[slojo]

I am about to order an X5 3.0 with tech, premium, rear climate, comfort access, auto trunk, and Sirius. I was wondering what people's take is on getting the 3rd row and/or premium audio? For now just my wife and baby so don't know it is worth it for the 3rd row.

Also what are people paying for the tow hitch purchased and installed by the dealer?

[Hunter]

I just got an '07 w/3d seat. On first view it is a joke and I was let down when I was thinking Expedition or even MDX scale and saw how small it is. It is so small that when I asked the sales guy he said 4'8" and smaller. That said, it is nice - real leather, seperate ventilation, cup holders, nice head rests and adds load leveling suspension. The second seats slide back and forth and recline (I do not know if they do that w/o 3d row) The 2d row seats move forward ok but the access to the 3d row is VERY tight. I think it would be difficult to deal with a car seat. That said the X had everything else I wanted so I took it. First thing that pops up is I have two extra kids 9 and 3 I have got take for a three hour drive tomorrow and they are going to be in the third seat. I will let you know how it works. I guess if I use it a couple of times a year it is worth it but look closely as it is a pricey option.

[slojo]

If you don't get the 3rd row, does the 2nd row recline or just fold flat?

[Fastbuck]

Originally Posted by slojo

If you don't get the 3rd row, does the 2nd row recline or just fold flat?

Just folds flat.

[drod]

if you need the extra seating space then get the third row option.. bear in mind you will lose the spare tire "feature" since the third row folds into that space...

the second row w/o third row seats do not adjust.

as for the sound system... i ordered my 08 w/the standard sound (12 speakers, and 205 watt amp)

it sounds very nice and can be raised to a nice and pretty loud volume without problem... (i believe this system to be enough for most...) but..

i still like my music just a little more louder and with more bass so the premium sound would have been a better option for me...(16 speakers and 600 watt amp)

i am now upgrading the speakers to aftermarket ones to do the trick!

no matter what you decide you'll enjoy your new ride!!! it's pretty awesome!!

welcom to the board!!

[jwhkc]

I did not get the third row.....my 'kids' are both in college, so there was no need. Based on my examination of them when we test drove they are quite nice for what they are......seats for young children old enough to buckle themselves in but not so old as to be cramped by them. Probably 4 to 5 up to 12 to 13 is the useful range (ymmv!) Little use for mid to late teenagers or adults (with the exception of the very limber and or small frames.)

I did get the premium sound...I like it but it is expensive for what you get ('four' more speakers, '400' additional watts, dsp surround sound and a six disk dvd changer that is largely useless if you use an iPod and or sat radio (i have both.)) I knew that I could do much better for much less $ after market......but finding stuff that would mesh with the iDrive and not void the warranty really led me just to pay up.

[Hunter]

I understand that with the 08 the "premium stereo" (speakers, sub woofers) is standard but does not include the MP3 / does not include the DVD changer, for that you pay extra. Please correct me if I am wrong but when I configure 08 on the bmwusa web page the premium stereo comes up as no charge.