Thanks to all of the folks on this board, especially Opasha, I am thrilled with my new ride. The options I ended up with were the result I the advice of so many on these boards but I found that it was sometimes difficult to find advice on each option. While Opasha was helping me code (actually I was watching Him code my car through Team Viewer) he reminded me of how many of his thoughts helped guide me and so many others. Accordingly, I thought I would share my thoughts on each of the options I ended up with in my build and provide some insights on why I passed on others so that some guidance might be provided on everything in one place. I spent countless hours wrestling with each option and whether it made sense for me. Accordingly, I hope this post might help save at least one person some time and agnst!
Before you read this, the only perfect build is the one that you design for yourself and properly reflects your personal desires, needs and budget! There are no right or wrong answers for any of the options. Only right or wrong answers for you that only you can answer. With that caveat, here is what I very happily ended up with.
1) 35d - After having driven all versions, the diesel had the best combination of Torque and HP. If you add the Racechip, you get near 50i stock performance with twice the gas mileage at a far less cost. All versions are great, but no matter what you get, consider the Racechip. For the 35d, the Racechip even improves the throttle performance in the Eco Pro mode making it a great mode for everyday driving.
2) Sapphire Black Metallic - Despite being tough to keep clean, I just love the depth of the color. I am also a fan of Carbon Black, but I believe the chrome accents work better with the Black Sapphire. Jet Black is also good but does not have the same depth. Again, you have to be willing to keeping the car reasonably clean if you go this route. White and silver look much better when dirty. When clean, I would go black all day long.
3) Luxury Line - I went with the Luxury Line for a couple of reasons. First, I prefer the front end in this line to all others. Second, the trim around the wheel wells is upgraded to body color like the M line . Moreover, if you go with the 20" wheels, the trim flanges out like the M line as well (this feature is not listed anywhere by the way). I like the look of the Xline, but I do not like the flat black plastic that goes around the wheel wells. I also prefer the thin chrome piece on the rear as opposed to the Xline which has a larger gray piece coming up from the bottom. Many comment that they do not like the chrome trim of the Luxury Line but you should know that the trim is not true chrome. It is matted, but not as much as the Xline. I like the M line as well, but because you cannot get a third row with DHP, it was not an option for me. Also, I prefer the look of the running boards that you also cannot get on the M Line.
4) High Gloss Roof Rails - The Luxury Line allows you to get the High Gloss Black roof rails. On any black car, I believe it is a must look. They are standard on the M Line.
5) Black Dakota Leather - I love the look of black on black so this was the only option for me. I have spent time in the Mocha Nappa leather and it is MUCH softer and has a great feel. It is also darker in person than it appears in pictures which is a big plus. If you do not have kids, I would highly recommend the option as the car does look classier with it - unless you just like the black on black look (which I do
). If you have kids or pets, the Dakota leather is definitely the way to go as the material is far more durable.
6) Leather Dash - This will make a big difference in the look of your car UNLESS you have Black Dakota Leather. With Black Dakota, the surface of the standard dash actually blends a little better with the rest of the interior than the Nappa leather dash (See picture). Regardless, it is not that noticeable if you have all black otherwise. You can probably save money here. Any other color interior other than black, it will make a difference you will notice.
7) Luxury Seating Package - The Multi-Contour Seats are FAR more comfortable than any other option and are worth the money. The Package gives you the addition of cooled seats. After coding, they work pretty well. Without coding, not nearly as well. Some have reported that the Seats without this feature are more comfortable, but I have recently been in both and have seen no difference. This feature is not available for Nappa leather.
8) Ceramic Controls - These just make the car look classier - period. Some complain about finger prints showing up, but they always wipe off easily. The feel is also far superior to the standard controls. Seriously consider them as they also change the look of the dash by removing any cheap looking silver plastic around the knobs. I originally thought this might be a waste of money, but I am so glad that I have them.
9) Premium Package - You will never regret having the Comfort Access. Do not skip this one. It makes accessing the car soooo much easier and convenient. Plus there are many things you can code as well.
10) Lighting Package - I did get them. It is definitely a better look for the car, and the visibility is somewhat better. If you can afford it - do it. If you are trying to fit under a budget, this is an item you can probably skip.
11) Drive Assistance Package - This may be the single most important item on the car. The HUD is fantastic and once you use it, you will never want to go back. The rear view camera for the this vehicle is also a must. Do not skip this.
12) Driver Assistance Plus - The additional safety features are great, but the surround view camera is the most valuable thing in the package. Again, you will not be sorry if you have this. If you skip this package, definitely make sure to at least get the surround view.
13) ACC Stop and Go - I never use Cruise Control so I passed on this. In part, because many of the the safety features for frontal collision are already included in the Driver Assistance Plus package. That said, if you are in traffic regularly, people on this board swear by it. The question you have to ask yourself, just like any other feature is, will you use it. If so, go for it. I also find that I use the Auto H park feature quite a bit. This still requires me to use the accelerator, but I get relief from having to keep my foot on the break. This ACC system works incredibly well if you are the least bit tempted by it. I just know I don't like to give up that much control. Probably a good feature to have for resale, however.
14) Cold Weather Package - As I have written before, for $550, just get it. You may never use it, but there is no downside to having a heated steering wheel or the heated rear seats for your passengers. I passed on this but it is the only regret I have from my build. The only complaint I have read is that the headlight washer will sometimes go off and mess up a clean car. Look into this if you have any concern.
15) Dynamic Handling Package - This was the most important feature to me. The difference in driving dynamics between a car with or without this feature is substantial. It changes how the car feels in all modes and at all times. It is much stiffer without losing ANY comfort. You will also be able to take ANY turn at much great speeds and the car will just handle better than you could imagine. Do not pass on this if you care at all about having a sporty feel. The M tune suspension will make the car feel a little tighter, but it is nothing compared to DHP. The Adaptive Suspension with DDC will make the car far more comfortable for rear passengers if you do not get DHP. This is probably the toughest option for most to gauge since dealers do not typically keep cars on the lot that have this feature. You are going to have to trust the folks on this board on this topic.
16) Third row - If you have kids - get it. You will not be sorry as it also gives you the comfort second row seats. Despite what has been reported otherwise, the second row seats are not flimsy and are far more comfortable than the standard. This is not just about the padding, but because of the recline angles that you will now be able to allow the back passengers to enjoy. Without it, the passengers will be far more upright. The third row itself is more useable than people report. An adult could get in but not for any long period of time comfortably. If you do not get the third row, get the comfort rear seats.
17) 451 20" Wheels - These are by far my favorite X5 wheels and they fill the space nicely (These are not available for the M Line). 20" wheels look much more substantial on the X5 and change the posture of the car quite a bit. As stated above, in the Luxury Line the 20" wheels also give you the sportier trim over the wheel wells.
18) Harmon Kardon - This system rocks and is FAR Superior to the stock system. I have also heard the B&O system and, for rock/pop, I prefer the HK. It is definitely worth the upgrade.
19) Park Assist - You should only get this if you have to have it and know you will use it. I will never trust this feature over my own ability, especially since the car is already equipped with great PDC sensors. The surround view camera is terrific for parallel parking in any regard. I passed.
20) Night Vision - Great feature if you are in an area where you NEED it. This would be important in locations where you do a lot of night driving on poorly lit roads. Otherwise, you will probably never use it.
21) Extended Blue Tooth - Do not get it because you can add it through coding.
22) Assisted Steering - I did not get this because I want responsive steering at ALL times. While this system might help in a parking lot, I have found that the standard electronic steering makes it very easy to navigate the car. Not sure why more would be needed. Also, many have reported that at higher speeds it can make you a bit unsure of how the car will respond. Only get this if you have tried maneuvering the car in a parking lot and had difficulty. Do not get it UNLESS you have tried it.
I am sure I forgotten something but I hope this helps someone. Again, these are mostly my opinions. There are some great folks on this board that can answer almost anything no matter what your taste. Good luck.
Here is what I picked up at the PCD last Friday. If you have the opportunity to go - DO IT!!! You will not be sorry. It will also help you appreciate your car so much more.