Map/Reading Lights

[02fireman]

Originally Posted by Penguin

OK, I have to correct my own post.

I went out and checked my 2010 Diesel, and the rear lights are switchable and do have the reading lights. Two possibilities:

(1) The "deluxe" lights with the switch and reading lamps comes with the lighting package of the Premium option, i.e., if you did not order the Premium Package, perhaps you get the non-switchable rear lights, or

(2) Perhaps it has something to do with having, or not having, the third-seat. I do not have the third seat, and I have no idea if they add any lights for the third seat or not.

I suspect it is most likely (1), not (2).

I did not get the premium pkg and do not have the switchable rear lights.Unfortunately the list of what comes with the pkg does not explain well what you will be missing if you do not get the option. I ordered leather and Bluetooth, so for the extra $ I could have just ordered the rest. Should have!

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by 02fireman

I did not get the premium pkg and do not have the switchable rear lights.Unfortunately the list of what comes with the pkg does not explain well what you will be missing if you do not get the option. I ordered leather and Bluetooth, so for the extra $ I could have just ordered the rest. Should have!

Odd are they do no use a different wiring harness for Premium and non-premium, e.g., the connector for the switchable lights is probably there, and you could perhaps upgrade it by simply buying the two light assemblies and replacing the ones you've got.

Not 100% sure about this so you need to check it out in more detail before trying it.

[maX5]

Absolutely. How do I go about just turning the back light on for the kids ? Ahh makes no sense at all.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by maX5

Absolutely. How do I go about just turning the back light on for the kids ? Ahh makes no sense at all.

Considering what the X5 is suppose to be, a luxury SAV, it's mildly irritating that one must go to some trouble and cost to put things back in that they have cost reduced after purchasing it. Do I really need a gas cylinder to keep the rear floor lid raised? No, but on a $60,000 vehicle it is not an unreasonable expectation.

Do I really need the emergency roof closing tool/handle? Probably not, but for $9 I'm going to order one just to have handy if the roof won't close and it starts to rain.

Again, minor points, but I'm not sure the little bit of money BMW is saving is worth it, considering the irritation it causes some small portion of their customers. I'm pretty sure that the emergency roof crank, gas cylinder, and read switchable reading lights can't amount to more than $75 or so of extra cost to BMW NA. I don't think an extra $75 would have made a difference in my purchase decision, but these minor irritations might dampen my enthusiasm a little bit when talking to other people about how much I like my new BMW.

Again, minor items, but is it really worth the few bucks of cost savings?

P.S. Yes, I've been in some of those cost reduction meetings many years ago when I worked for a auto company for five years out of college. I remember discussions about taking a small plastic chrome emblem off the inside door trim to save 50 cents per vehicle, taking one screw out of the windshield chrome trim, so that it was held in place with 7 screws instead of 8, etc. But I'd like to think BMW is a bit different when it comes to those decisions.

[twowinns]

Originally Posted by Penguin

Again, minor points, but I'm not sure the little bit of money BMW is saving is worth it, considering the irritation it causes some small portion of their customers. I'm pretty sure that the emergency roof crank, gas cylinder, and read switchable reading lights can't amount to more than $75 or so of extra cost to BMW NA. I don't think an extra $75 would have made a difference in my purchase decision, but these minor irritations might dampen my enthusiasm a little bit when talking to other people about how much I like my new BMW.

Again, minor items, but is it really worth the few bucks of cost savings?

P.S. Yes, I've been in some of those cost reduction meetings many years ago when I worked for a auto company for five years out of college. I remember discussions about taking a small plastic chrome emblem off the inside door trim to save 50 cents per vehicle, taking one screw out of the windshield chrome trim, so that it was held in place with 7 screws instead of 8, etc. But I'd like to think BMW is a bit different when it comes to those decisions.

It's all about extra PROFIT. They won't pass the cost savings on to the consumer - it's passed along to the stockholders.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by twowinns

It's all about extra PROFIT. They won't pass the cost savings on to the consumer - it's passed along to the stockholders.

As I said, if they raised the price $75 to cover the cost of these items I would not have changed my purchase decision, e.g., if you need an extra $75 of profit, I'd prefer they raise the price $75, not take-out features.

I think such decisions are often "Penny wise and Pound Foolish" in the longer term.

[AzNMpower32]

My X3 doesn't have a cover over the front reading lights and I don't see any problem with that. As long as it does not cause glare, it does not matter.