building my X5 diesel

[Franklin Joseph]

Hi
Couple quick questions about some options...we are ordering our diesel this week.

Here's what we plan to get:
Titanium Silver
Black Nevada Leather
Dark Bamboo Trim
Rear Climate
3rd Row Seats
Ipod/USB adapter
Running Boards

We definitely want the multi contour seats. Is the active ventilated seat package really good/worth it?

Also thinking about the SAV package. Do i need the SAV package to get the self levelling suspension or is that standard?

Thanks
Franklin

[bimmer_buachaill]

Self leveling rear suspension comes "free" with 3rd row seats in the 6 cylinders and comes standard in the V8. Strangely there is no difference in price for 3rd row seats between the two cars which is odd. So you already have it (but double check with your SA).

I wanted to get the self leveling suspension for towing but not the 3rd row seats but it doesn't appear possible to get it by itself in the 35d. Let me know if anyone finds otherwise.

I like the sports package (SAV) but I don't think I'll bother with the multi contours. Always found the standard or sports seats were great. Maybe it's an age thing (in my 30s).

Keep in mind that the SAV does not change anything about the suspension, just wheels, steering wheel, trim, headliner. The adaptive drive option is the closest option to a sports suspension but at $3185, not sure too many folks will get it unless they're getting the M package (ZMP). The ride is already stiff enough stock I think.

[Franklin Joseph]

thanks for the info...will have a chat with my SA tomorrow.

[DSE]

Originally Posted by bimmer_buachaill

I like the sports package (SAV) but I don't think I'll bother with the multi contours. Always found the standard or sports seats were great. Maybe it's an age thing (in my 30s).

Sit in the actual seats in an x5 before you decide. I like the sport seats in my 330i, but they were disappointing in the X5. The multi-contour seats are actually more sport oriented IMO and far more comfortable.

[FunfDreisig]

Originally Posted by Franklin Joseph

....
Here's what we plan to get:
Titanium Silver
Black Nevada Leather
Dark Bamboo Trim
Rear Climate
3rd Row Seats
Ipod/USB adapter
Running Boards

We definitely want the multi contour seats. Is the active ventilated seat package really good/worth it?....

Having lived in Houston, the active ventilated seats will be necessary with the Black Nevada Leather seats

FWIW One of the quirks of the iPod/USB adpater is that it dumbs down an iPhone into just a Bluetooth phone (which doesn't require this option to work) and a dedicated iPod that can be controlled via the iDrive. So when plugged into the iPod/USB adpater cable, an iPhone becomes almost useless for any of the other apps (e.g. Google maps, Google earth, internet radio, etc..). Because the cable is pretty short and the sound from everything except the iPod app is muted.

Funf Dreisig

[Franklin Joseph]

the active vent seats will effectively add $1100 to my order...so just have to justify that...and the wife changed the ext color to black...so it'll be really necessary.

I sat in my friend's 2010 sport seats and they are great. I sat in a multi contour seat in a 535 and loved it. Unfortunately the dealer didnt have any in the x5.

my friend also told me the usb adapter doesnt charge the phone...has this been updated?

[FunfDreisig]

Originally Posted by Franklin Joseph

.....my friend also told me the usb adapter doesnt charge the phone...has this been updated?

yes and no. which adapter cable you get appears to be the luck of the draw.

Our 35d with the $400 USB/iPod option, came with the Y adapter cable part# 61-12-0-440-796 that did NOT charge our iPhone. But our CA found us a Y cable part number 61-12-0-440-812 that DOES charge our iPhone 3Gs. BUT the iPhone still complains that the 'iPhone accessory' (AKA our X5) was not designed to work with our iPhone and offers to switch to airplane mode. If we tap 'no' the phone DOES charge. Here is a thread with more details.

OTOH you can buy a Kensington cable for $60 retail from the Apple Store that both charges your iPhone and allows ALL of your iPhone apps to play via the X5's sound system. The catch is that you can't control the iPod app on the iPhone via the X5's iDrive. If I had know this I would not have ordered the $400 USB/iPod adapter.

Funf Dreisig

[ard]

Originally Posted by bimmer_buachaill

Keep in mind that the SAV does not change anything about the suspension, just wheels, steering wheel, trim, headliner.

True- and overpriced.

Originally Posted by bimmer_buachaill

The adaptive drive option is the closest option to a sports suspension but at $3185, not sure too many folks will get it unless they're getting the M package (ZMP).

I did on my diesel

Originally Posted by bimmer_buachaill

The ride is already stiff enough stock I think.

Has NOTHING to do with stiffness... all about handling and control of body roll.

[Franklin Joseph]

Funf Dreisig now i'm confused...after reading your thread on the aux cable.

So if i dont get the $400 usb adapter...there's one in the glovebox?

Guess i mainly want to use my iphone for ipod music and possibly pandora. Do i still need to get the adapter?

also trying to decide on the 214 wheels.

thanks
franklin

[bimmer_buachaill]

Originally Posted by ard

Has NOTHING to do with stiffness... all about handling and control of body roll.

I've read the materials, seen the youtube video but most importantly I have test driven an X5 with and without. I can say with confidence that the X5 feels stiffer with adaptive drive using my highly calibrated butt.

The AD X5 with sport off felt "stiffer" than the non AD X5.

Personally, I like AD but my wife did not.