3.0si Option Thoughts...

[mellow_sparky]

OK... After months of lurking here, we finally have our X5. During that time, I learned a ton from this community about the different options. I want to share my thoughts on the options WE ordered to help others. Please jump in on this thread and share your thoughts!

Our car: 2008 X5 3.0si

• Rear Climate Package = we ordered this for the sole purpose of having the rear privacy glass. Having factory tinted glass in the back is great - people can't see your stuff and it shades the kids. On the minus side, the climate control knobs are easily kicked and damaged by kids. The rear sun shades are nice for the kids too.
• Sport Package = kinda pricey, but another must have for BMW lovers. The wheels are much better (IMO) and the handling is fabulous. The sport steering wheel is also great. The other items (sport seats, anthracite headliner, shadow trim, titanium lower grills) are nice, but not the reason to get the sport package.
• Premium Package = If you want leather, have a bluetooth phone and have automatic garage doors, get this. Like the Sport Package, kinda pricey.
• Comfort Access = well, I don't really think this one is worth it. we got talked into it, and I'm not sure it was worth the extra bills. My wife likes it (can simply keep her keys in her purse), but for me it's not that big of a deal. Personally, I'd pass on this one.
• Heated Front Seats = I have the cold weather package on another BMW and I hate how the headlight washers spray up on the hood of the car. The only feature of the CWP we care about is the heated seats. Happy with this decision. If you ski (like us) you'll get a roof rack, so the ski sack thing is pointless.
• 3rd Row Seats = If you are a "soccer mom" family and you occasionally need to haul a few extra kids around, this is a must have. Be aware that these seats are only good for kids. Unlike our Volvo XC90, you cannot squeeze an adult back there (even in a pinch).
• Running Boards = this is another feature that we could "take or leave". Personally, I think they look great. Functionally...well, they make washing the roof easier, and that's about it.
• IPOD Adaptor = absolutely a must have for Ipod owners. And if you don't have an Ipod, get this feature anyway and go buy one. The I-drive interface for the Ipod is very well done.

That's my 2 cents. We almost ordered the RSE (our Volvo had this), but decided to pass based on comments from others on the screen location. We have absolutely no need for Nav, so we passed on that too and don't regret it. I'm happy to have the PDC, but I'm glad we don't have the camera thing (again based on comments here).