Options/Features I wish were available

[Penguin]

I'd like to see adjustable side bolsters on the seat bottom, so you can adjust the "flatness" vs. "concaveness" of the seat bottom.

[mtech8]

Originally Posted by rh71

I've lately become annoyed at having to push the fan-down button to turn off the A/C when I want to. Sometimes the fan would be high from the AUTO setting, so I'd have to hit the lower button about 7 times to turn it off completely. Where's the OFF button?!

+1. There should be a OFF/ON button like in Mercedes models that turns the AC off with one push and returns it to the previously used fan setting with one push. Helps people that like using the same fan setting (ie: 3 notches) all the time without having to push so many buttons.

Alsoagree with O8X5 on being able to fully control the rear climate control from the front.

Being able to fully control the RSE. Even making it a feature that is only available when the car is completely stopped is ok. Helps people that are driving alone with a kid in the back that doesn't know how to use the controls yet. Then we don't have to get out of the car and go to the back to play a DVD.

Would like a setting to automatically close the ears (side-view mirrors) when the car is parked and locked. We can keep the button for those that still want to control it manually.

Really like to be able to control the front passenger seat from the drivers side. Think the 7 series has it and is called "Gentleman's" features or something like that. I would find this more useful in the X5 than the 7 since the leg room in the X5 is less, thus when I don't have a front passenger and my wife wants to sit in the back with the kid, I can accomodate her request for more leg room without having to reach over the chair.

Hideable cup holders on the rear passenger doors would be awesome too. When you have a full car and everyone has a drink. The back three are often stuck holding their drink. Accomodating two would be nice. Can't think of how to accomodate the 3rd guy in the center though.

[TahoeM3]

Ok I'll throw in a couple more:

- Cooled steering wheel for the hot Florida sun.
- Insulated cup holders.
- Active glass that can auto tint areas where the sun is brightest.
- Brighter idrive screen with better color spectrum, touch screen, and greater customization through "apps" or "widgets.". For example, a dash screen with a big clock, weather, and song playing, with traffic alerts that pop up.
- Auto venting feature whenever the interior temp goes over 100 when the car is parked.
- Increase the size of the slot on the center console to be able to fit a smartphone.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by TahoeM3

Ok I'll throw in a couple more:

- Cooled steering wheel for the hot Florida sun.

Interesting. Does any manufacturer have one? I understand the logic, but was trying to figure out how this would be accomplished. I googled it, and found a patent application for a heated and cooled steering wheel with a heat pump in the engine compartment, and lines coming up the steering column, with the fluid going through slip couplings to the heat exchangers mounted on the steering wheel rim. The mind boggles at the complexity.

[syhr]

Originally Posted by TahoeM3

I agree completely. I'd hate to see them make it bigger than it already is. If you really need a full-size 3rd row, you should be looking at a Suburban...or one of those mini buses.

Respectfully disagree - I just want an X7 !

BMW 7 series support both normal and long wheelbases, X5 could do the same to adapt for those who want 3 real rows (as opposed to 2.5 rows). It would not make the length that much longer, and with adaptive steering the turning circle would remain small.

[bimmer_buachaill]

Originally Posted by syhr

Respectfully disagree - I just want an X7 !

I think you'd see a minivan (sports activity van) before an X7 or X5L for handling reasons. And neither is likely any time soon. Heck, they're not even bringing the 5 series wagon to the US anymore.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by syhr

Respectfully disagree - I just want an X7 !

BMW 7 series support both normal and long wheelbases, X5 could do the same to adapt for those who want 3 real rows (as opposed to 2.5 rows). It would not make the length that much longer, and with adaptive steering the turning circle would remain small.

I think perhaps you want a V5/V7, the people carrier concept that was cancelled some years ago.

I am very glad they didn't make the X5 any larger, I think it detracts from the brand. A 1 series is more true to BMW traditions than a 7 series IMO.