Agree with what everyone else has mentioned. I do have the vents in the 3rd row which do blow cold air (I do have rear climate Pkg), no spare tire and have rarely used the 3rd row. Haven't been able to get return on that 1700 investment yet.

Used my 3rd row seats more than I expected to. Just nice fitting everyone in the car without having to drive another car (great justification of not getting a mini van too).

I dumped my polarized glasses for regular sun glasses just to be able to use the HUD. Absolutely love the HUD. Plus in the areas that I drive, I can't visually distinguish the difference between polarized and non-poloarized.

As for the vent seats. Not worth it, until they can actually have it blow out cold air immediately (like how you can feel the effect of heated seats immediately).

A couple of weekends ago I was home for a buddy's wedding. My wife is expecting so she was our DD from the reception to the bars. We got 12 people in our X5. 2 up front, 6 across the middle, and 4 in the penalty box. The bar has an outside patio overlooking the parking lot. I noticed quite a few point-and-laughs when we pulled up and everyone started piling out after I hit the auto tailgate.

Ive only used the third row a few times. Mine blows cold air in the third row seats (but I also have rear climate control)

The problem w/ BMW rear ac is that its not a second compressor, so when the rear ac is activated the front ac capacity drops 50%. When my rear ac is on, I cant cool the front cabin.

If you live in a hot climate like me, BMW AC simply sucks. It makes summer travel with the family a sweaty affair.

ditto on that. the a/c back there is just no good.

:iagree: You can tilt the second row seats and my 2011, I have rear climate too so have the a/c button in the third row. Used it already a couple of times already and it worked fine in S. Florida weather.

Hello, if anyone is still watching this topic please give me a hint on the following.
I have understood that the legroom of middle row seats is the same either having the 3rd row seats option or not. The only difference is that with the 3rd row seats option middle seats can slide forward to allow for more room for the rear 3rd row seats. Additionally, the backrest of middle seats have a recline adjustment up to 12 degrees whith 3rd row seats option. So my question is, given that the standard legroom of X5 is not spacious, does the backrest reckline make things any more comfortable?
I would appreciate to have a few critics from your experience on that.
Also somewhere it is mentioned that the cushioning of the middle seats is more firm when 3rd row seats are present thus making them less comfortable. You might want to comment on that please too.
Best regards, from Athens, Greece.

I have the X5 with third row and a Jeep Commander. The second row of seats is a much roomier and comfortable ride than what is available in the Jeep. And the Jeep is a much larger vehicle. I've always been extremely happy with how large the X5 is on the inside, compared to how small It looks from the outside.

As to the seats being firm, they seem about the same as my friends x5 without the third row. The recline is definitely nice though for taller people as you don't scrape your head against the roof lining since you're more reclined.

Thank you Cravin!
I see that you have also the active ventilated seats.
Are the seat's fans audible when operate?
Do you have also the active driver seat that makes some kind of changing form of the seat which is supposed to avoid driver's fatigue, is it so? is it effective?

Yes, the fans in the seats can be heard, but it's very quiet. You have to have the radio off and be standing still to be able to hear them working. One of the best features of my truck though. Show up to a meeting on a hot day, and no sweat on my dress shirt.

And yes, also have the active seat, and it's a nice feature on long drives. I only tend to turn it on when I've been on the road for over an hour. It's not a feature that I'd pay extra for, but it's nice to have if I decide to turn it on.