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).

[FirstBMW]

Sparky,

I agree with everything that you have said, and I have pretty much the same packages. The one thing I would agrue it the confort access, I have it and love it. Key always stay in my pocket. period. No need to put it in, etc. Also no pushing buttons to get into the car, just walk up and open the door. When you leave the car, just touch the door handle.

One thing I did was change the control in the Idrive to unlock all doors rather than just the driver's door. Great for letting everyone in, again with just the touch of the door.

The one other thing I would RAVE about is the heated steering wheel! Being in the north east, there have been many a cold morning, press that little button and the wheel starts getting warm in moments... no gloves required!

[wb488641]

I have a fully loaded x5, I love the HUD and Comfort access. You make the right choice.

[E5M1R]

TIP:
Dissconect headlight washer pump during spring and summer, that way you will have your hood nice and clean. (just pul the black power plug conecting to it)

BTW, i dond have E70 or have seen BMW Comfort acces in action, i had Benz with that feature and all i can say is that it was about time for BMW to introduce it (same goes for active suspension)