New 2011 X5 xDrive50i owner checking in!

[JKashat]

Sorry I didn't have a chance to take any pictures today. I will 100% tomorrow.

Since I'm a complete X5 and BMW newbie, I thought I'd share my impressions, after 1 day, lol. OK, here goes...

Driving home from the dealership was exciting. Until, I got on the highway and tried to get on the throttle a little bit. It didn't do anything. I tried again, still nothing. Then all of a sudden I got "Engine Malfunction-Engine Power Reduced" pop up on the NAV screen. I didn't bother turning around because it was like 8PM and the service department was already closed. I called this morning and was told of a recall. OK, no problem. But, they can't get me a loaner until November 19th? Seriously, I just got it last night and already a recall and crippled performance? I was pissed, but whatever.

Aside from the recall issue, we're loving the X5. I believe that we have the new iDrive software, and the phone integration is great. It works great with our iPhones. I need to get a cord for our iPod though, and figure out where it actually plugs in.

The Sirius wasn't hooked up either. I thought I was supposed to get 1-year free. I called Sirius last night a got 1 year for $136, plus an addition year free. So, I guess same thing. I was fun getting the ID to show up on the screen. Thought it'd show up under the toll free number but I had to search for it a bit. The Premium Stereo is great, you really feel the Bass in you a**, lol. It gets pretty loud to, while being crystal clear. I do with it would get a 'little' louder though. I guess I expect too much from OEM systems. I did work in car audio growing up so I just like the potential for being loud.

We definitely need some time to get familiar with the iDrive. The additional buttons do help, a lot. The older style iDrive was one of the main reasons I never bought a Bimmer in the past.

Can't seem to find a button to unlock the doors from the inside, lol.

And, was a little surprise to realize that my X5 doesn't have heated rear seats. I guess, I assumed that heated rear seats came with the rear climate control. I must've forgot to check a box, lol.

I originally didn't want the HUD, but I'm glad I got it. I don't have to look take my eyes off the road when I 'may' be going a bit over the speed limit.

I wanted rear seat entertainment but really just didn't like the center console mounted 8" screen. I felt like it was in the way of my elbow when folded down and didn't necessarily integrate that well. After my daughter turn 1 year old and I can switch her car seat to be forward facing, I will get the BMW dealer installed dual 8" screens. I think it'll be more versatile and integrate better with the interior.

I really wanted the perforated seats with the ventilation feature, but I guess with a 7 month old it's probably better that the seats don't have the perforation so that if any milk/formula was spilled it wouldn't seep through into the seat and stink up.

Originally, I wanted the 20" M-Sport wheels but decided against it because I knew I'd have to either (right away) buy All-Season tires just to be able to drive it once the snow came down here in Michigan. And, I knew I had plans on getting either OEM 21's or aftermarket 22's. So, it was just a starter move. They're still actually not bad looking IMO. They're pretty wide (staggered) and I like the Concave style.

I was really disappointed that it didn't come with the LED Corona's after reading it was coming in October built X5's, which mine was-late October. I guess I'll have to just be happy with changing the bulbs to LED. I'll get over it... until BMW actually starts making the X5's with them, then it'll eat away at me every day until I figure out a way to have them on my (our) X5.

I still need to do some more searches and find out what the high-beam, fog light, and license plate bulbs are so I can upgrade those to LED as well.

I'll probably get the window tinted this coming week. I want to match up with the rears. Anyone care to save me the search and tell me what percentage to go with?

I also need to pay a visit to the dealer parts department to get the winter floor mats and black kidney bean grills.

Anyone near Michigan with a 2011 non-M-Sport package want to possibly trade my aluminum roof rack rails for your black roof rack rails? They look good IMO but if I want to "Black Out" my X, it needs to get done.

I love the Black Sapphire paint. If you catch it at the right angle it sparkles SO nice. I know how much of a P.I.T.A. it will be to keep clean, but we just couldn't resist a blacked out Bimmer, lol. Not that I don't like it, but I'm glad I didn't get Jet Black, I think it'd show scratches even easier. We considered Carbon Black but never was able to see it in person and didn't want to chance getting it and not liking it. I read that it was basically like a dark indigo blue in light and black at night. My wife doesn't like blue.

I REALLY can't wait to drive this thing not in "Engine Malfunction-Reduced Engine Power" mode and feel what 400Hp is like in this thing. That'll make up my mind on either yay or nay for the DINAN Stage 1 Programming. It's $3000 MSRP. I can get it for $2500. I don't know if that's a good price or not.

Anyways, these are my impressions SO FAR...
(If you actually read the whole thing, thanks. And, yeah, I know I'm probably crazy.)