new to BMW...

akim47 · #1 07-26-2011, 09:12 PM

I'm new to BMW... well check that... not really. I used to have a JCW Mini Cooper... but family dynamics have changed over the past couple of years and its time to start looking at a family car. I really like the current LCI for the E70. Specifically the X5 diesel. I've been told that on top of whatever I negotiate with the dealer, I get the $3500 ECO credit + the $1000 Drive for Team USA coupon (I participated).

So... I've been playing around with the bmw website and I find the options to be VERY confusing so I was wondering if I could get some help...

1) Apparently you can't just get the power tailgate option... it has to be part of a package. It wasn't like that before, but I guess it is now? That stinks. I'm very minimalistic with my cars, meaning I really don't care for fancy options. I just want the car.

2) There is a $150 smartphone integration option that says you can plug in your iphone. What additional functionality does this provide? Or is it just a fancy $150 phone charger? Do you have to specify what phone you have? I carry a bberry, and my wife an iphone. This car will be are 3rd car so I envision split duty.

3) There is a $400 ipod/usb adapter. Is this all you need to have your ipod integrated with the stereo system or is there something else you have to buy or some other option you need to select? Does it work well at all? Also, if you have an iphone, does #2 above take care of playing music off it, or do you have switch back and forth from #2 to #3 depending on what you are using the iphone for?

4) The bluetooth option is $750. That's quite pricey!!! I know you get the BMW assist, by I doubt I'd sign up for it or use it. I had onStar for 4 years in my old Denali and used it once (what a waste). My personal take is that my bberry serves a multitude of purposes, including GPS.

Lastly, I'm trying to figure out if I'm missing out on any "must haves", but I don't think so. Power tailgate would be nice, but to me not worth $3400 for the premium package. Again, I don't require many options. What I love about the X5 is the looks, the gas mileage, and the torque. Period. We drive around everyone, have 2 car seats that will do a number on leather, a dog that sheds like crazy, and kids that will destroy anything and everything.

Assuming everything works out, I could get out the door for under $50K, which in my opinion is stellar... Thanks!

3)

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relapse · #2 07-26-2011, 11:38 PM

it looks like your on a tight budget but id suggest that you get the technology and premium package at least. you will enjoy it and it'll be harder to sell a basic truck. just my 2 cents.

popster · #3 07-26-2011, 11:41 PM

With the options you've mentioned and with the team USA and eco credits, you should be well under $50K - I'd say you're possibly looking under $46K. Invoice with the options you listed (bluetooth, iPod adapter and smartphone) comes in right at $50k and then taking away $4500 - well you get the math (all numbers assuming a 2011 35d)

Honestly, I don't think you need either the smartphone integration nor the iPod adapter. You can listen to your iPod (or BB for that matter) via the aux-in port in the center armrest. I've been able to also listen to music via bluetooth for devices that support A2DP (like the iPhone or possibly your BB).

You might also want to consider the roof rails and the spare tire (so you're not tied to run-flats down the road). Those are inexpensive options ($90 and $135) that you'll probably find useful down the road. And depending on your climate, I'd also think about the cold weather package.

Naz24 · #4 07-26-2011, 11:59 PM

I would definitely get iPod adapter. It integrates the software into the idrive screen. Meaning less looking down at your iPod, and more looking at the Road and using steering wheel controls.

DWill · #5 07-27-2011, 02:13 AM

IPod/iPhone adapter is junk and a waste of money.

Smart phone integration actually works okay but is expensive and if you change or update your phone you'll need a new tray each time.

Just put your music on the hard drive in the car. It's formsome minor issues with the interface but works well in general.

Spanky Deluxe · #6 07-27-2011, 10:34 AM

I don't particulary trust iPod adapters in cars because Apple could simply change the dock connector specifications etc such that an older model BMW iPod interface no longer works with newer iPhones/iPods. This has been true as recently as the iPhone 3G compared to the original iPhone on older iPod adapters in other cars. The aux in port would be enough for most people. I can't talk on how user friendly the GUI on the iDrive is when controlling an iPod but in my experience with other manufacturers' systems, it is far harder and clunkier to use than on the iPod directly. The only thing that is definitely better with a USB/iPod adapter vs Aux in is the ability to change tracks up and down using the steering wheel controls.

Bluetooth, however, is something I would never buy a car without again. In fact, for myself looking at second hand cars, I'm not even looking at cars without it (well, no cars without the Media Package that they did here with Sat Nav, Bluetooth etc - same as the Technology Package in the US.

I'd also go for heated seats. Again it's something I will want in any car of mine from now on - the option of staying warm without having to have the engine on is worth it in my opinion. Also, X5s that don't have front seat heating have two buttons blanked out which think makes the car look a bit 'cheap' but maybe it's just me that spots things like that in cars a mile off.

I don't see the point in the smartphone integration and besides which, I think you have to buy an additional cradle at $100+ or something per phone model you want to use with it. If it let me use the TomTom app from my iPhone on the big iDrive screen or something then I'd go for it in a flash but otherwise, I don't see the benefit.

BGM · #7 07-27-2011, 10:53 AM

Most people I know that just use the aux port for the iPhone/iPod do not like the looking down, not having everything it in front of you on the iDrive screen + like Naz said it is a safety issue at some point pretty much like texting and driving. I've been using the same iPod Nano since '06 in my cars (had a Dension iPod integration in my old '01 X5 and I use the same Nano in my new one with the iPod Adaptor). Even if Apple somehow changes (which at this point why would they) you could always buy a previous iPod for cheap and put your music on it.

akim47 · #8 07-27-2011, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by relapse

it looks like your on a tight budget but id suggest that you get the technology and premium package at least. you will enjoy it and it'll be harder to sell a basic truck. just my 2 cents.

Thanks. I'm always tight on the budget. It's just part of life. Any dollar saved helps my retirement fund.

I don't plan on selling the truck any time soon. I'm not sure if modern diesel engines are anything like the old, but they seem to run forever! Also the reason why I want to cut down on the fancy...

akim47 · #9 07-27-2011, 11:29 AM

Thanks for the responses. Seems to be (as with everything in this world) a split opionion on the ipod adapter. I'm not going to get the smartphone integration. Everything changes with these phones and I was annoyed when apple changed their plug. My old soundock, and flurry of chargers went out the door... Even with the blackberry when the switched from mini usb to micro...

As for the ipod interface, I might have to go with that. It's just a couple of hundred. Bluetooth, I feel the same, I'd never get another car without it. Of course, I'm going to get the roof rails to accomodate our box.

My wife has a zero-option '10 prius since her commute is long. No frills. Just bluetooth. The car is perfect for our use. Conversely, I have an everything option '06 997 C2S - I NEVER use the nav, heated seats, etc. (just the sport button)...

I tried working with Crevier (now Penske?) BMW here in Orange County on some numbers and they are ridiculous. They try to upcharge you on lowjack and paint protection... and then told me that the ecocredit was "factored in" to their price...

BGM · #10 07-27-2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akim47

Thanks for the responses. Seems to be (as with everything in this world) a split opionion on the ipod adapter. I'm not going to get the smartphone integration. Everything changes with these phones and I was annoyed when apple changed their plug. My old soundock, and flurry of chargers went out the door... Even with the blackberry when the switched from mini usb to micro...

As for the ipod interface, I might have to go with that. It's just a couple of hundred. Bluetooth, I feel the same, I'd never get another car without it. Of course, I'm going to get the roof rails to accomodate our box.

My wife has a zero-option '10 prius since her commute is long. No frills. Just bluetooth. The car is perfect for our use. Conversely, I have an everything option '06 997 C2S - I NEVER use the nav, heated seats, etc. (just the sport button)...

I tried working with Crevier (now Penske?) BMW here in Orange County on some numbers and they are ridiculous. They try to upcharge you on lowjack and paint protection... and then told me that the ecocredit was "factored in" to their price...

Even though I am in Dallas I bought my '08 4.8 as a CPO from BMW of Beverly Hills and there was one also at Crevier in Orange County that was similar--Crevier's pricing wasn't very good.

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