Figuring out how to order 2011 X5

[CarbonX5]

Hi,

I live in the San Jose CA area and I am ready to pull the trigger on ordering a new 2011 X5. I'm having trouble understanding all the 3-letter option codes for the 2011 model, little bit unclear what is included with what package, and what items can not be ordered together. This seemed like a perfect task for a BMW sale representative, who could help me navigate this and place my order. So I went to Stevens Creeks BMW, went to the front desk, ask to work with 2011 X5 ordering expert and was handed over to a sale reps who was not knowledgeable on how to order a 2011 X5. It was clear he relied on the bmwusa.com website to walk his customers through the ordering choices, however with 2011 X5 not being on bmwusa.com he was outside his comfort zone in figuring out how to order the options I wanted. so I left. I came back the next week tried another sales rep who seem fine with just using the ordering sheet. However, I felt I knew more then he did, like if I ordered 5ZD (side cameras) you won't see your car for a long time, or what package you need to order to ensure you get the extended wheel arches (which is not explicitly listed in any options or packages). He seemed more focus on getting my deposit then ensuring the my 2011 was a valid build. so I left.

I'm surprised I'm having so much trouble with this part of the process, the BMW sales team is usually good at this stuff. Any recommendations?

[by350]

I'm in San Jose as well and my experiences at Stevens Creek BMW have been hit or miss. I finally worked with Jackie Smith and was very impressed. He's extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I think he's just now getting used to the ordering details for the 2011 X5's, but I feel like he'll go out of his way to get it right. You might want to ask for him. I'm still making up my mind as well. Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss further.

[Armand]

I like the people at Stevens Creek. I shopped all over the bay area before I bought my '10 x5 there. Try Jae Lee. He is one of the sales managers. I haven't done any repair or maint work yet but every time I have dropped by or called they have been very helpful.

[8ball]

what package you need to order to ensure you get the extended wheel arches=sport activity model.

[335xray]

Originally Posted by 8ball

what package you need to order to ensure you get the extended wheel arches=sport activity model.

With 20" wheels. You only get extended arches with 20"s. 19" are a no go.

[8ball]

Originally Posted by 335xray

With 20" wheels. You only get extended arches with 20"s. 19" are a no go.

Sport Activity Pkg comes with 20's.

[deutsch100]

We purchased 2 cars from Stevens Creek BMW, even though we live in Los Angeles. We used Steve 'Papa' Hill. He is AWESOME, and has been with BMW for ages. He is honest and usually very informed. Tell him Adam Johansson sent you (we bought an Interlagos Blue M3 with comp. package and a Z8 Alpina from him).

[bimmer_buachaill]

Originally Posted by 8ball

Sport Activity Pkg comes with 20's.

Be careful.

The sports activity *package* comes with 19s standard, 20s if you pay additional money for the ugprade

The X5 35i Sports Activity trim level comes with the sports activity package and the 20s standard.

Of course the X5M has 20s stock.

[335xray]

Originally Posted by bimmer_buachaill

Be careful.

The sports activity *package* comes with 19s standard, 20s if you pay additional money for the ugprade

The X5 35i Sports Activity trim level comes with the sports activity package and the 20s standard.

Of course the X5M has 20s stock.

Thank you. To the OP, to get fender flairs, get 20"s regardless of package or options...

[CarbonX5]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the contact names and suggestions. I went to another dealership this weekend (BMW Mountain View), I still didn't find any CA that I would call an expert in the X5 ordering process. My litmus test question for this skill set is to point to the X5M inside the show room, tell them how much I like the Napa leather dash mixed with Nevada leather seats and how I would like to order this exact combination for my 2011 X5 50i, if they say 'no problem sir, I be glad to order that for you', I run away fast. (Cuz, that is not a valid build option for 2011 X5 50i, and they should know better). If they say 'sorry sir that would not be possible in your base model car choice'. Now we are talking and I chat with them more.

So enough of my whining about that, the good news is that I pretty much figured out want I'm going to order on my own and I think I have figured out most all of package codes and option code to use, Thanks to Xoutpost and the wonderful search tool. But, I do have a few questions....

First, here are some details on where I'm headed with my order.

2011 X5 xDrive50i, with every package (ZAP, ZCW, ZPP, ZPS, ZRC, and ZAV) with the exception of M-sport package (ZMP). I'm one of few people that does not like the new 2011 M-sport look, my plan to add the BMW LCI performance parts fairings to 50i base model to give it more of that classic X5 4.6is look that I have always enjoyed. I am adding the 2VA -adaptive drive to get the M-sport handling.

Questions:

1) I plan to go with the 20" 336 wheels (which I think come with no extra charge?) exactly what kind of tires will I be getting with those wheels?
2) With the options I have listed, am I getting the self-levelling with pneumatic rear suspension or is that removed with adaptive drive option I had added separately?
3) The seats are important to me, not clear on what I'm really getting. ZAP adds Sport seat, and ZAV makes them Multi-contour. are seats I'm getting both Sport and Multi-contour? or is this an OR thing.