X5 Coinectomy and where not to place coins

[ukwildcat]

Originally Posted by vitaman

Going to SC next week to pick up my 1st X5(M version) which will also be my first SUV.
Is there not a dedicated coin holder? Is the ashtray lined or will coins rattle around there? What about sunglasses? Is there a special sunglass holder? If not, will a pair fit in the center console storage area? Are there features that you have had in less expensive cars that you were surprised were not in your X5?

Well, there is a little "cup" in the center that LOOKS like it's meant for change - it even looks like you "stack" them (horizontally) and that would probably hold fine. I don't know that's what it's FOR, though, but that's what it LOOKS like it's for.

My GX470 didn't have a change holder either - I used the ashtray (worked well as it was very convenient). The new GX has a change holder thing in the center console, which is one of those stupid-but-indispensible-nice-things.

The GX also has a sunglass holder. The X5 does not. I seem to be cursed this way - my old sunglasses would not fit in the GX, and I bought new ones for the X5, only to find there isn't a "proper" place to put them.

These sorts of things ARE annoying, but certainly no reason to diss such an otherwise excellent auto.

I completely sympathize with you wondering who in their right (#$($# mind thought you could leave these out in a vehicle whose market is so US-focused, you built the plant there, but hey.

I will say the cup holders are EXCELLENT - they will grip right on to whatever you want to put there. I was surprised (and a bit impressed). The Lexus didn't have cupholders, it had plastic voids shaped as though drinks could fit there.

At least these little design quirks are not BMW (or X5) specific. I'm sure they have good reasons for what they do.. I just think it would help them to no small degree to SHARE these reasons with us ignorant plebes.

Don't even get me started on the GX's tailgate, as an example of an extremely poor design choice. Even when they gave a reason "it would ruin the weight distribution" it doesn't hold any water. The entire rest of the Lexus / Toyota lineup doesn't have this problem, not even the 4Runner on which the GX is based.

BMW makes 50/50 weight distribution a huge priority in this vehicle (if not also much of the rest of their product line) and they got it right (REALLY right, actually). AND.. It's even a bit HEAVIER than the GX. WTF?

My advice would be use the little cup thing or the ashtray for your change and get on with driving the beast.