Convenience Package for 35i Premium and Sport Activity a ripoff?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by santo

We have local laws that prevent us from driving while on the phone. I can't imagine what it would be like without this integration up here.

It is quiet, and peaceful, and you get to concentrate on driving, look out the window, talk to passengers, listen to the stereo, etc instead of driving a mobile phone booth. Our laws in BC ban all handheld devices, so I carry my BB out of reach of the driver, but still in the car in case of an accident.

[Aqua Bliss]

You know on the 2011 35i standard the included options are different:
Panoramic Moonroof
Auto-Dimming Mirrors
Wood Trim
Ambiance Lighting
BMW Assist

$2,700 for this!

[santo]

Originally Posted by JCL

It is quiet, and peaceful, and you get to concentrate on driving, look out the window, talk to passengers, listen to the stereo, etc instead of driving a mobile phone booth. Our laws in BC ban all handheld devices, so I carry my BB out of reach of the driver, but still in the car in case of an accident.

I know the type you are talking about but I actually rarely take phone calls (never really make them) but when I do, I don't feel like a criminal. I do manage the support of some large systems so those calls are not personal.

My daily driver for the last few years has been a Dodge Viper roadster and I guarantee you that I NEVER took calls in it. Firstly, I couldn't hear the phone ring and secondly, you don't want to take your eyes off the road nor tie up your hands or even attempt to lose concentration on the road. With a passenger next to you, you couldn't hear them either

Hopefully with voice control, you don't even have to push a button to take a call. We'll soon find out.

[Viperfreak2]

Top up on my SRT-10 was actually not so bad, until I changed the exhaust system!

Roof off on my RT/10? Fugetaboutit.

Even my 135 cabrio is barely acceptable top down with hands-free bluetooth. Most people say "call me back when you stop the car"

For the X5 and X6 a bluetooth hands-free system is heaven.

[rh71]

Originally Posted by Viperfreak2

For the X5 and X6 a bluetooth hands-free system is heaven.

Unless you have both front windows down and then they say they can't hear you clearly which has happened to me. It's GREAT otherwise... i've never owned a bluetooth headset and don't intend to - this is perfect.

Anyway, as far as what I find useful:

auto tailgate (very useful with kids/gear/BJs - no the store) - just wish it was easier to open via remote - the whole timing thing sucks. Just finished moving recently and used my dad's minivan where it was a manual tailgate and that was such a major PITA if you're carrying stuff up to it and have to put it down first.

ambient lighting (just a cool feature for a higher-end vehicle)

homelink (once you get over the programming hurdle, it's great)

Rear manual side window shades (even with tint, this comes in handy)

[apw2607]

Flat battery. No cellphone. BMW Assist ? Well, maybe ... if there was power to the vehicle, but since I had a flat battery all the electronics in the car were off ... so you do question how useful some of this stuff really is.

Bluetooth is good though. I think BMW does it better than most other manufacturers. Also do like the MyInfo capability, where I can send an address from Google maps on my computer to the car. Then use that address for navigation.

Lumbar is a must though. Not sure if its worth $2750 though. Good luck with your decision.

[quackbury]

Used BMW Assist once. We were on vacation, neighbors called, said our X5's alarm was going off (SAV locked in our garage). Called BMW Assist, had them do the remote door unlock. Result: no more alarm, peace restored to the neighborhood.

BFD.