new to BMW...

[akim47]

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!


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