Introduction - ready to buy 2008 X5 3.0

[polodigital]

I'm just about ready to give the go ahead to the purchase of a new X5 for my wife and I'm looking for input with regard to the 'Comfort Access System'. Got it? Like it? Can or can't live without it?

We're looking at a car on the floor at my local dealer that does NOT have it and I've been offered a fairly large discount to purchase it rather than order with the option.

Base 2008 3.0si
Platinum Bronze
Black Nevada
Premium Pkg
Rear Climate
Technology Pkg
Auto Tailgate
3rd Row seats
Heated seats
iPod & USB

This pretty much is what we wanted, save the keyless operation.

I'm looking at a delta of approximately $3k to take the one on the floor.

Opinions? Am I nuts? WWYD?

Thanks!

[polodigital]

Oops. Forgot to introduce myself...

I've owned two BMWs myself. 1995 E36M3 & my current ride a 2004 E46 330i. I'm very happy my wife has chosen the X5 over the Acura MDX (yuck!)...

[X5WannaBe]

My two cents worth: go for it!

I have an '07 vice '08 model that I ordered direct from factory to get the equipment and color selections desired. Even though I thought the comfort access would be handy to have, especially for wife to avoid "digging through the purse," she opted to give it a pass and save $1000. Not having had it, we probably can't appreciate what we are missing. But no real regrets...

My "discount" off list was $2k, so you are getting a better deal than we did IMHO even if you have a few more options.

The above notwithstanding, you probably need to hear from several somebodies who DID get comfort access to really have worthwhile feedback. Good luck and enjoy whatever version you get!

[rh71]

It's not a necessity for me even though I got it. It comes in handy in that you don't have to bother with keys but I already have my keys out to lock the door going out or needing to get the keys out to open the door coming back anyway. It's a nice convenience but not necessity. Maybe I'll sing a different tune when our twins arrive and our hands are full all the time.

If you can save $3k by not getting it, save it. You'll also save yourself a 5-week wait for build too.

[pseto]

i personally love CA and it sucks that its not standard. Not sure if its worth $3k, but since you've never had it before, you won't know what you're missing.

It is very convenient however to not have to fumble with the keys and when I drive the X5, it feels weird to get in and out, and having to stick the fob into the dash.

Honestly, I would always order from factory so I can get what I want and not have any regrets later, plus take advantage of PCD.

[polodigital]

Thanks for the quick replies. I'm going to pull the trigger this afternoon. The dealer is offering me the $3k off plus I get another $1k back from the BMW CCA rewards program (been a member for years). Add to that it will cost me $1k to add the option on an order and I'm really saving a total of $4k. Hardly worth having the key in my pocket :-)

I'm looking forward to reading posts here. Thanks again!

[sirees01]

I have CA on my 650cab & its not as good as the MB version.
it's tempremental to say the least, because there are no actual buttons on the door handles like MB the doors don't close on first touch sometimes.
I personally would'nt pay for it again until Bmw improve it, I would go for the car without it & get a bigger discount.

[drod]

few notes on the comfort access...

one...it allows you to keep your keys in your pocket when hitting the start button to start/stop the engine....plus you can touch any of the door handles and it locks/unlocks as needed...

compared to the standard model that requires you to inject the keyfob into a slot then hit the start button to start/stop the engine...

the standard model's keyfob uses a rechargeable battery that gets recharged while inserted into the slot on the dash...

the comfort access battery is not rechargeable and will not be charged in this slot...

you'll need to monitor the battery to make sure you don't lose the ability to arm/disarm your vehicle's alarm system...

and even if you did manage to get inside....i'm not sure if the dead battery will still allow you to start the engine once you insert it into the slot...

something to think about...

do I like the comfort access option??? hell yes!!

more of a show and tell and less of a function...

[AzNMpower32]

Bargain harder if you want the one on the floor. My friend ordered a 4.8i a couple months ago AND got $2,265 off the MSRP (about $2000 over invoice........the profit margins on these things are big, go figure). They did not get Comfort Access, but they don't mind.

My parents have it in the 325i and while it is nice and makes sense of the stop/start button, you need to decide how much you need it. It definately is NOT a "must have", but rather the "nice if you have the money" kind of option.

[soldmystang]

take the deal. i have CA and it is a gimmick at best. not worth the price, but i had no choice as it was on the build sheet when my dealer pulled the truck in production.

don't get me wrong it is a nice gimmick but not a necessity.