The newest BMWs no longer have a key slot regardless of what key option one orders. The remote is recognised once it is within the vehicle. So that part of the "Comfort Access" benefit is disappearing on the newer BMWs. This is already in place on the new X3, 5er, and 7er.

The CA option essentially allow the user to open/lock the doors via the handle versus pushing the key fob on the newer cars.

Heh after driving my other car for a while then getting back to the X5, when I stop the car I try and remove keys from the ignition... WHERE ARE THE KEYS?!

Seems many of us agree..

I love..

HUD (also added it at the last minute, but I LOVE this option)
Comfort seats
Comfort access
Premium sound (and *I* still listen to CDs, thank you!)
Top view camera is very cool.. Of course, now I'm forgetting how to park "normally"
NAV, but that goes without saying (you do get a bigger display)
19" wheels (versus 18")

What I'm ambivalent about..

Panorama roof is nice, but I probably would not miss it if it were gone.
It does feel more like you're "on the road" rather than "in the car," though.
I use my automatic high beams and they work well, but they are confused by highly reflective signs, which are everywhere.
Ventilated seats are nice, but they are very.. subtle. Other vehicles with this feature it's plain and obvious.

Don't miss..
Running boards are not useful.
Didn't like the sport package myself (didn't get it, but my test drive had it)

Wish I had gotten the adaptive cruise control, though.

I agree on most points.
What I like:
HUD
Comfort Seats
iPod integration (wish I had the updated features)
Active steering (makes parking a breeze)
side and rear cameras
Active suspension (impressive handling for a 5300 lb 'truck')
Nappa leather (everybody has complimented how nice the interior is)

What I dislike:
Not much
Glove box (very deep but still doesn't seem big enough)
The A/C (it never seems to get the fan speed right, even compared to several previous BMWs that worked just fine)
Lack of a temp gauge

Adaptive Drive.... I'm into handling.

Looks, gadgets much less of an interest to me (all personal opions here)

Most useless (in order)?
HUD, comfort access, running boards, leather upgrades, sport pkg, rear climate

(Although I got the last two, plus tech, nav, etc, etc) :)

A

+1 for comfort access

* Heads up Display for sure - makes everyday driving that much less boring.
* Adaptive drive
* Top down camera.


A question - does anyone out there have Adaptive Cruise Control as part of the Sports Activity trim?

I don't have it in my car (2011 X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity) but the BMW.com's X5 Sports Actvity specs pages seems to indicate this.

Dynamic Cruise Control is just a braking function to keep you at the set speed going down hill. Active Cruise Control optionally adds the laser distance sensing and automatic pacing functions in traffic. It's not worth the cost in my opinion.

Funny.. That's what the dealer told me too. :)

I love everything I got, but the Technology package is so cool.