About to buy -questions

[sbonder]

What is the general satisfaction level with the 35d? I drove it for a 15 minute test drive and liked it. Never had a diesel, so have some general concerns like fuel availability. Does the Nav have a diesel finder on the 35d?

Active steering -worth it? My two x5 test drives did not indicate a need for active steering. but, i did not parallel park or have it for a long day in city traffic.

sound system- i listen to talk radio and on some vehicle (the mdx test drive for example) i had a hard time hearing what people were saying. when i do listen to music, i am not an audiophile. any thoughts on the sound system? is the premium worth it?

i realize these are all personal preference type questions, but the voice of experience would help me decide. your thoughts would be appreciated on these topics.

[Craig]

Originally Posted by sbonder

What is the general satisfaction level with the 35d? I drove it for a 15 minute test drive and liked it. Never had a diesel, so have some general concerns like fuel availability. Does the Nav have a diesel finder on the 35d?

Active steering -worth it? My two x5 test drives did not indicate a need for active steering. but, i did not parallel park or have it for a long day in city traffic.

sound system- i listen to talk radio and on some vehicle (the mdx test drive for example) i had a hard time hearing what people were saying. when i do listen to music, i am not an audiophile. any thoughts on the sound system? is the premium worth it?

i realize these are all personal preference type questions, but the voice of experience would help me decide. your thoughts would be appreciated on these topics.

I've had my diesel since Jan 2nd. No problems at all. I don't have a problem finding diesel in my area. You can't order active steering with the diesel. I have the premium sound. The standard sound system wasn't good and the premium isn't great in my opinion. I wouldn't order it without premium sound. I also have the satellite radio option.

Good luck,

Craig

[TI Master]

I second it, I've had my 35d for about a month and a half, finding diesel is not hard here either (and right now diesel is back to being cheaper than unleaded). I do have the premium sound, which is adequate (I definitely recommend doing premium sound), the satellite radio, and about the only feature I wish I'd ordered (and am going to have added) is the smartphone integration. The ability to use a USB memory stick for my mp3 collection is great too. I'm definitely very satisfied with my 35d.

[AzNMpower32]

By the way, a bit off topic. But due to the recent slight climb in petrol prices, diesel is actually a fair amount cheaper than premium . Like, almost $0,20 per US gallon cheaper........

Don't go for the active steering if your sole purpose is to make parking easier. You'll be missing the point.

I'd skip on the audio system.........the standard US system is more than adaquate for most folks.

[spyderdoc]

I have 3500 mi on mine and love it. No probs. Avg 22mpg on computer (but I am still driving it rather hard). I have premium package and iPod adapter for radio and satisfied. No probs finding diesel, and in San Jose area, it is actually significantly cheaper than regular unleaded (very cool indeed). Enjoy!