Options

[Lubehead]

So many decisions; I am having a hard time deciding on the various options available. Other posters have stated that no one should own an X5 without the Sports Package. I've yet to drive one with the package, but I respect the enthusiasm others have for it making me lean towards it.

I have no use for the 3rd seat but the self leveling suspension is a must have for me as I do a fair amount of towing and routinely carry a couple hundred pounds of gear and who knows what else.

Then I was set on the active ventilated seats and I see a few have stated that they were not worth the cost.

Finally the 10th anniiversay model intrigues me. Any one have info on availability/pricing for ordering at this time?

I am interested in any input others may have related to these and other options.

[mtech8]

I wish I saved the money on the active ventilated seats and put it towards nappa leather instead. I was concerned at the durability of the nappa (due to Mercedes' nappa being so easy to rip) and the fact that the X5 is more of a luxury rugged vehicle not a luxury sedan. But when I saw and felt the nappa in the X5, my mind completely changed. It's fine in a SUV, feels great and feels durable (I'm guessing Dakota would still be more durable, but the nappa would have been good enough for me). The ventilation on the seats is so disappointing. It's just loud and doesn't really do a decent job cooling me down at all. As for the active part, I've used it on a few long trips. It's okay. I much prefer the dynamic chairs in a Mercedes over the active one in the X5. It feels like things just just getting pushed up from below the chair in different quads at a time. I wouldn't miss it if I didn't get it (the second time around).

I've never driven the X5 without sports package. I liked the drive of it with the sports. I couldn't imagine how it would be like with a softer set-up. I really just went with it for the looks though.

[Full Speed]

Lubehead, I just went through the same process a few months ago & am waiting for my new build to arrive here in about another week.

The sports package is possibly the most important option to me (with all due respect to those that bought an X5 w/o it - this is just my personal impressions). I did drive one with and one w/o it back to back. The non-sport was fine but I felt some body roll. The sport made me want to drive more aggressively and it makes the X feel more like a big sports car. I also liked the sport seats; if you're going to drive it hard, the bolsters are nice.

I dwelled on the ventilated seats, but decided that ultimately I really don't need them. I don't think they blow air conditioned air - but the circulating air does provide some cooling effect. I live in the Pacific NW and it's really only hot here for a few months out of the year. Further, I am a Realtor and a lot of my driving has frequent stops (ie getting out to show properties). Seems like the vent seats would work better for longer trips than shorter ones.

No 3rd row seat for me. Seems like a afterthought/marketing gimmick. My 5'4" wife definitely couldn't fit, even in a pinch. My toddler's seat won't fit either.

I did choose space saver spare, heated front seats, rear seat entertainment (got to keep my toddler happy!), ipod + usb adaptor, rear climate package (got to keep my toddler comfy), sport package, dark bamboo trim, black Nevada leather, and black sapphire paint. I've been content with these decisions for the 6 weeks that I've been waiting for my auto - though certainly realize that different people have different needs.

[motordavid]

Lubehead,
I am rolling in the old E53, (with sport), so other than a couple of spins in the E70,
I have lil' personal experience with the newer model...as to Sport or not, I would
highly rec'd that you drive both and, for more than a trip around the dlr's block.

Depending where you are in MA, and your daily travels, you may or may not like
the slight additional firmness, etc. Surely a dlr or two in your area would have
both versions...or hunt up some local MA posters here and hook a test drive with
them.

I can offer no opin on the other E70 "pkgs", as our '01 is pretty low tech in comparison,
but sport is important, to get it or not, but you need a comparo/baseline to make that
decision, imo.
GL,mD