One Week, 1k - Observations
 

I picked up the diesel on March 3rd, 5 - 6 weeks after ordering (in line with the SA's original estimate). It has been far better than I had imagined it would be. I have about 1,000 km on it now. I'd like to share my findings but I also have a few questions.

Exceeded Expectations:
General: The feel of the X5 is much better than I remembered or imagined. It feels very high quality, very solid, and very well designed. Handling is superb. At 140 kph on highway, it is calm and stable; composed at all speeds and road surfaces. It feels stylish but unpretentious.
Comfort Seats: I am totally blown away with how comfortable these are and how infinitely adjustable. And the heat comes on quick and strong.
Heated Steering Wheel: How can any new vehicle not have this? Spectacular.
Diesel: I suppose the best way to describe it is that it is not noticeable. Many friends and colleagues have looked at the X5. All have said: What? It's a diesel? It's quiet and a non-factor from a driving perspective.
Nav / Comm: Perhaps too early for me to say that Nav has exceeded my expectations. But so far and in general, the iDrive and performance of the DVD, sat radio, etc. is fantastic. Once I got into the groove of how to operate it, I can now bring up what I want relatively nimbly. Phone is clear both ways. I've sent a Google map from my home computer to the nav - that is very cool. Sound? I'm very happy with it; also quite adjustable using the EQ.
Glass: Huge windshield, side windows and panoramic moon roof. Very easy to see out of. The wipers are huge and clear most of the gigantic windshield.
Headlights: Great illumination by low and high beams. The assistance by the one fog light while turning - very cool.
Cameras: The side cameras on the front work great. I am not entirely certain just yet how applicable they are in daily driving but they should prove to be very useful (e.g. peaking around a snow bank at an intersection). Back up cameras - super.
Cold Temp Starting: I've started this thing at -25 degrees Celcius many times without plugging in. No hiccup, burp or hesitation of any kind. Outside during day at the office. Inside heated garage at night.

Met Expectations:
Mileage: Average 10.1 L/100km on the computer right now. I would have been happier to be in the single digits but with mixed driving and still breaking-in, it's alright. I hope to be averaging 9.5 or so.

The Jury is Still Out On:
Climate Control: It works fine. I have no real issues. Heat comes relatively quick. Once in awhile, a stream of cool air (like a draft) can be felt.
Run Flats: They seem fine and better than I thought. If they remain how they are in terms of traction, ride, and noise I would move them to met or even exceeded expectations, depending.
Homelink: I've easily programmed two of my garage doors. However, I have an aluminum gate at the end of my long driveway. I cannot (I have tried everything I can possibly do) program my gate remote to the Homelink. It is the one with dip switches. I have no idea where to go next. I contacted the gate opener manufacturer, following the steps without luck.
Speed Perception: 120 kph, or higher, feels like 100 kph. I suppose that's a great thing, if I can keep from getting a ticket.

Questions:
a. Is there a way for the magnitude of the volume (for stereo or phone) to be shown on the display? It's kind of nice to see what level you are at sometimes.
b. Any suggestions on programming Homelink? I have read many posts and tried many things. I have no doubt that the signal is recorded in Homelink. However, when I press the button, gate does not open. When I press the gate remote, it works fine. I would hate to have to carry a remote on an expensive vehicle with Homelink but I may have to.

I think that's it for now. For sure there will be some other things that spring to mind once I post. And I will be posting pictures. It is very dirty but, what the heck, I'm going to take some anyway and post them.

Cheers.

Great posting - and great to hear it's exceeded your expectations. I'm also getting excited - only a few weeks left for me to get my diesel X5 ! Many thanks, and hope you continue to enjoy!

Our x5d is in transit, I couldn't be more excited! Thanks for the great post, just makes me want it to get here faster!

Congrats! I am so happy you are loving your diesel. You have the 35d? Are you in the UK? I thought you guys get the awesome 40d? Or can you choose between the 35d and 40d?

I now have about 2500 miles on my '11 35d, and I honestly & seriously love it more each and every time I drive it. This is not usually the case with me, as with most new cars I get...I start to "find" problems and faults or little things annoy me. For me, my E70 is almost perfect. I love it!! Freude an Fahren!

About the gate. You can probably get one of the newer receivers for it that does not have the dip switches and get it to work.

Chuck

Good post. Not too many non-hockey fans outside of Canada may know what Oilersville means though.

There have been a few posts over the years about the differences in Homelink programming for various gates/doors, and for Canada configurations vs US configurations. I had a similar problem with the 535. I figured it out at the time, eventually, but statdoc went further and documented it. He is in the US, but found instructions that were supposed to be specific to Canada. They worked for him. See this link:

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...ogramming.html

Thanks for checking in and the comments.

Yes, I am in Canada. Small ranch on the outskirts of Edmonton.

I have an additional category for my original post:

Pet Peeves:
a. The Homelink (for the garage door) will not work with engine off. So, as I drive into my stall to park, I need to press Homelink to close the overhead door before turning off the engine. Not a big deal but does require a break in habit. [Kind of humorous actually since the stereo is blairing with the engine off and I can't close the door because there's no power to the Homelink]

Thank you for the instructions JCL. I have been using the Canadian instructions (i.e. cycling the remote) but to no avail. Again, much appreciated - I will continue to retrace my steps in the event there's some glitch in my approach.

By the way, the SA told me just before I drove away that my wife would love this car. She finally drove it today. He was right.

Don't know if it's applicable in this case, but I could not get my garage door opener to program with the X5 until I tried holding the remote directly against the mirror, rather than the 1-3 inches recommended, during the programming procedure. Then it worked fine.