Newbie 4.8 M Sport owner - help pls

[TransientWolf]

Hi

Picking up 4.8 X5 M Sport this Saturday. Mind if I ask a couple questions - can't find answers searching:

1) It's a July 07 build - anybody know if this makes it a MY07 or a MY08 car?

2) Whilst messing when test driving it didn't have an option for the reversing camera to be in the main window with the PDC in the right hand window - does this indicate a MY07 car? And if it does will a software update make it available?

3) The Sport button behind the Auto stick didn't seem to do anything when I pressed it - like not only do nothing but didn't even light up (or couldnt see that it did). The car has the Adaptive Drive option - is that why?

4) I know the dealer won't upgrade the software without faults - can anybody tell me what software version would be on an 07/07 build, what the latest version is, what the changes are, if its worth getting, and what you think the cost would be in workshop time? (Sorry - rather anal)

Thanks. Appreciate your answers.

TW

[Fastbuck]

Hi Welcome to X5World.

1) 07
2) Needs SW update
3) Some folks state that there is no perceptible difference between the two suspension settings, other say it does. You only get that button with Adaptive Drive.
4) Most people used the excuse that the sterring wheel didn't routinely return to its normal position each time to force a free SW update.

I'm sure you'll love your new wheels!

[autoque]

^Or you could just say that you want both camera and PDC to be on the same screen, then they'll have to upgrade the software.

:xoutpost:

[tomwid]

Depends on the dealer actually, some will charge you $350 for a software update for an "08" feature. You're better off telling them your transmission shifts roughly or something along those lines...

Originally Posted by autoque

^Or you could just say that you want both camera and PDC to be on the same screen, then they'll have to upgrade the software.

:xoutpost:

[y5choi]

tell them that your idrive loads slowly and that your rear view camera doesn't come up right away---> software upgrade. Oh and it is most definitely worth it.

It will take a day or so. Enjoy!

[TransientWolf]

Thanks for all your answers guys. Really helpful.

The dealer has said the car has Adaptive Drive but I am certain the sport button didnt light up when I pressed it. Wonder if he is misrepresenting that as an option - will try and get him to do ascreen print of all the options from his system. Are there any VIN decoders that will tell me options on the vehicle??

On the software update sems like I need to try and get him to do for me or wait a month or so then take in into my local dealer and complain of problems. Not ideal - always struggled to get them to do under warranty!

[ca911]

what is a 4.8 M sport? Is this the same as a 4.8i? Just noticed the thread from the home page, I spend most of my time on E53.. I don't think it is an "M" series vehicle as far as I know.. Or is that how you term the manual transmissions on the e70?

To answer your VIN decoder question, if you are buying the car from a BMW dealer, if they run the vehicle service history it should show all the options on the vehicle. They can do this either by VIN or by putting the key in the reader.

[TransientWolf]

In Europe we have a specific 4.8i M Sport model which essentially comes with the Sport pack, revised front bumper/dam and rear apron, larger rectangular exhaust pipes, body coloured bumpers (no black anywhere), M steering wheel, M alloys (type 227M 20 in) and possibly a few other bells and whistles. Tried adding pictures below.

Spoke to the dealer this morning and now have the print from his screen with the 'Specification Enquiry' which confirms all the options and the build date. It definately has the Adaptive Drive (option code 2VA) so I am perplexed by this Sport button not a) seeming to light up and b) not appearing to do anything. maybe I was just mistaken - I will check this weekend when I collect it.

Dealer has also said when prepping the car he will arrange for software update to be done. Whether he will of course is a different matter entirely. Didn't push him or try and offend or upset him by insisting on seeing a copy of the output showing new software CIP (he has been helpful so far) as would imply I didnt trust him but I guess I will be able to check if the camera plus PDC option is suddenly available (I hope that is a feature of new software cos camera alone was very confusing I thought).

Hate the software update process at BMW. I also have a 650Ci Sport Conv and the hassle I had to go through to get a software update was unbelievable. Eventually got it couple of months ago and the difference is amazing. It's like new graphics card drivers being released for a computer and they charge you for the drivers - how mad is that!! If the software is updated to address problems, then the software should be available to everyone for free - period. Why should some pour souls be driving around with a half baked operating system running their car whilst others have faster, better and more features. It's wrong, plain and simple and my biggest BMW gripe (ok rant over )

So.....all looks good. Bye bye to E53 3.0d and hello to E70 4.8i. At least I now got matching engines in the 650 and the X5 . Mind you, at about $10 a gallon over here for gas I think I need a fuel hedge.........!

TW

[davidy1688]

Don't like the wheels....hard to clean it

[TransientWolf]

Not as bad as these on my other one Real pig and take ages. Hate them