About to order a base X5 35i - feedback
 

I am about to order a base X5, not the premium or sport models. I know that options come down to personal preference, but I would like to hear your opinion on anything you think that I will really be missing out on.

First, I will let you know that I ordered a new X5 in 2001 and drove it for 9.5 years and loved it. I ordered that one with only a sunroof, navigation, and real climate package (no premium package or leather seats). After 9.5 years, the leatherette seats look practically new and no one has ever known they weren't leather.

On the new one, I am going to get the Convenience Package, Navigation, and iPod/USB. I know I won't be able to get the rear climate package and I'll miss that. Also, I can't get the back-up camera and I'd like to have it. But, I've seen that many have installed aftermarket cameras (BMW E90 1 Series - E90 3 Series - E60 5 Series - E63/E64 6 Series - E70 2007+ X5 - iDrive TV Nav Video Input Interface For iDrive. Connect a DVD Player, TV Tuner, Reverse Backup Video Camera, iPod Video, Aftermarket Navigation, Car PC Or Other AV Sou) that work very well. Those are the two things I wish I could choose as options on the base model. Also, I would choose running boards if they were available. And I'm wondering if that is something they just reserved for the higher models, or if there is something that would prohibit me from installing them myself afterward.

Anyway, I would appreciate your comments (good and bad) on ordering the base model.

Hey Tooslo, I've done lots of research on the base model and ended up ordering one myself after going back and forth between 35i base / 35i premium / 35d

This fit me well because I kind of like the leatherette, it is really durable and I've had it for 3+ years on my e92 and looks literally brand new after soap and water. This is without any conditioning. Also stains come off like a champ and I don't mind the feel (I know it's a personal pref as some can't stand it).

Also I specifically didn't want roof rails (it's a must on 35i premium) and didn't want running boards so this was a plus for me.

The options I got are almost exact same as yours except I ordered Rear Shades and Space Saver Spare. A couple other things to note on the base:

1) No Privacy Glass, so no tint throughout, can't add it either.
2) No Power Tailgate, can't add it.
3) 18" Rims (this is fine for me I will swap them probably)
4) No Power Steering Wheel Adjustment (not a big deal as I change this only when the wife drives it).
5) Make sure you stick with Convenience Package as it adds Panoramic Roof and Wood Trim. I think resale will be difficult without these and the aluminum trim will get scratched easily.

But if you can get past that, it's an pretty good price point for an amazing engine.

Not sure about the options, but here is my 2 cents with regards to navigation:

I am not sure about the X5's navigation (given the screen is used for backup camera as well?) , but on my wife's 2007 328i, she wanted navigation, so we got navigation.

That is the worst $2500 I EVER spent in my life on any option, ever. Even now, she or I pull out our iphone to find stuff around us faster than we could using the navigation in the car.

I don't think I will ever buy another BMW with navigation in it. But that is probably just me.

AB,

I haven't had windows tinted in several years, but you could still have them tinted with film like we did in the 80's, right? Did you end up doing that?

Thanks for the feedback.

Haven't taken delivery yet, just placed order a week ago. I plan to get a *very light* tint all around - and yep there are still places around that do that, just like in the 80's!

Nothing wrong with the base model, there is less to break, and it is a good price. You can remind the naysayers that without all the extra weight, yours will be the fastest and best handling 35i. The only things I would miss would be the rear privacy glass, and the heated seats (but you likely don't need heated seats in your part of the world). I would absolutely pass on the navigation, you can do a lot better with a portable Garmin if you need it.

For what it is worth the Nav in my 10 is way better than the 07 was. The I drive in general is faster and the camera is all new softwear they said. It sure is a whole lot brighter and clearer. The birds eye view is trick too. My point is having gone from an 07 to a 10 there are items which truly were not good in the 07 that are fine now.

$1000 over invoice would be a very good price. Tough to get less then $500 over invoice. Be wary of a maaco paint charge ($200) and advertising charge ($150) that my dealership tacked on after we agreed to $700 over invoice. I told them I would split these extra charges.

Ordered my 35i premium last month. Supposed to be here around 6/15.

The old idrive nav ('08 here) is horrible with finding information - it actually pisses me off that it can't find the simplest thing like an Autozone or Babies R Us or the fricken train station down the road - but the traffic information is very reliable. I would be on the fence about ordering it again... haven't seen the new idrive. I have used a $180 Garmin and it's a good value but the integration is important to me - I would hate to carry that thing around, throw the beanie and mount it on the dash, and plug it in every time (FM antenna for traffic), etc.