What broke down on your car? I'm buying 2011+ x5 and want to know what to look for.

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Originally Posted by josiahg52

I just bought a 2011 35d. I'm very happy with it so far.

Some features that I am pleasantly surprised with:
- Backup camera and Top View
- Automatic rear lift gate
- PDC
- (LED) Light package
- DVD player

Features that I wanted:
- Bluetooth
- iPod control
- USB/Audio interface
- Sport package
- Shadowline trim

Features/iptions I kind of want now:
- Active Cruise Control
- HUD

Features/options I consciously avoided:
- Comfort Access
- Third row seating

Besides "standard" options like cruise control, heated seats/steering wheel, etc., I would get as many of the technology and premium packages you can. These add full phone control, Bluetooth streaming from phone, iPod control, CIC Navigation, nice iDrive interface, etc. if those are important or desirable features to you.

Use the bmwarchive website to research the VIN and determine what options it has. From there, you can search the Internet and determine what each option is.

The premium package for 2012/2013 (and I think 2011 as well-the package & naming changed slightly) contained CA, nav, top-view, homelink, memory seats and front-seat heaters. I considered this package to be mandatory when I was looking - since memory seats and homelink weren't stand-alone options.

My other necessities: premium sound, sport or multi-contour seats, and cold-weather package - but these things might be optional for you.