My new 2011 X5 35d and PCD Experience

[riguy231]

Congrats! Great choices. We'll be right behind you. Just ordered a 35D and hoping to do a PDC delivery in late March. Really sounds like an awesome experience!

[SJCFlyer]

Welcome to the "secret" club of X5d (who is going to come up with the "secret handshake?"). Our club must be growing exponentially, as I was driving this weekend and saw 6 2011 X5's...and all but one of them was a diesel!

Have a blast!

[ttopper]

Great review of the X5 D

I wondered if you got the smartphone option?
I have a 2011 to pick up in a few days and from what I hear of the 2012 due out in April that the X5 diesels are going to have a better electronic and smartphone system if that matters?

[mpriceii]

Don't know about self-leveling suspension...think the adaptive drive is more electro-magnetic shocks that auto-adjust when cornering and where you can adjust the suspension stiffness via a button or iDrive...more of a performance feature than towing feature...know lots of people were complaining when they removed it from the sport package.....not sure what towing ratings are on X5, but I don't see where it would have a problem pulling 5k pounds...tons of torque...make sure to get a OE hitch and light assembly and maybe a load-leveling hitch assembly if it squats it down in rear....they are great and leveling out a tow vehicle

[F150 Duke]

Originally Posted by mpriceii

Don't know about self-leveling suspension...think the adaptive drive is more electro-magnetic shocks that auto-adjust when cornering and where you can adjust the suspension stiffness via a button or iDrive...more of a performance feature than towing feature...know lots of people were complaining when they removed it from the sport package.....not sure what towing ratings are on X5, but I don't see where it would have a problem pulling 5k pounds...tons of torque...make sure to get a OE hitch and light assembly and maybe a load-leveling hitch assembly if it squats it down in rear....they are great and leveling out a tow vehicle

What do you mean by better electronics? I also wonder if they'll still have the $3,500 eco credit then.

[mpriceii]

Yes, the PCD is amazing. I did not get the smartphone option...don't need it. Its just a cradle inside the armrest storage...takes up a bunch of space and only works if iphone is 'installed/plugged into the cradle. Better to just use bluetooth....our iphones work great
I have heard of some smartphone/idrive improvements coming out in 2012..but not sure how much you need before its too much of a distraction...its getting close to being a laptop computer on your dash now!

[mpriceii]

When I took my X5 to dealer last week to get state registration and plates (and for salesman to see it for first time....had never seen a tobacco interior!) he said he expects all eco diesel credits to expire for good at end of month. Be sure you are locked into yours now. Said demand for diesels in both the X5 and 3 series is thru the roof

[Orientexpress]

I thought there were side cameras in the front reflectors on an x5d. Maybe its the gas model it is available?

[mpriceii]

optional item on any X5 models if you get nav/tech package....they call them front cornering cameras I think...I have the new cameras in the side mirrors for the 'overhead' view when backing up..not that great IMO....straight rear view is the best....might be useful if you parallel park a lot

[Orientexpress]

I believe the front cameras were for narrow alleyways when approaching a street so you can see either side without getting your front end clipped or hit a pedestrian . I saw a few diesels with the cameras. Was yours with Tech Package?

BTW Congrats on the new X