Back in the BMW Game, need advice...

[335i101]

I recently bought the new Supra and forgot how much I liked BMW.

I am looking to pick up a X5M for my wife and was wondering the "must have" options, based on your experience.

Her only "need" is the B&O system, other than that, she doesn't care....but I do.

*No kids, so the rear entrainment package isn't a big deal

*Night vision seems cool, but guessing is over-rated?

*Are there any upgraded comfort options? Massaging seats? Or do all the X5M come with the same comfort options?

Looking at a 2016-17.

Thanks all!!

[aas5]

I love the full leather interior, self-closing doors and B&O.

[unluky]

The HUD is a nice feature I would have never looked for, but now that I have it I would next time. Surround View camera system is nice. These might be standard on M, but not sure. I think the M comes with the sport seats that I hear are pretty good as well.

[KCTiger]

So most that I looked at had the Executive pack and Driver's assistance plus. I think most everyone would want the exec pack. DA+ is more debatable imo. I think HUD and soft-close doors are both in Exec pack. I didn't think I would care about soft close doors but I really like them.

The options that I wish my car had were full leather and CF interior trim. The CF trim is a bit confusing as it was a no cost option. Oh well. B&O would have been nice but it wasn't make or break for me. Mine doesn't have night vision and I am fine with that.

Good luck! It is an awesome ride.

[StatenEye]

My opinions;
Mugello Red interior with Carbon fiber trim was a must have. Very happy with this.
Full leather - must have, again well worth it.
B&O - initially was a must have but I could live without this.
HUD - must have, love this. Makes you well aware of the speed limit and your speed.
Soft Close - for me was a must have but now it feels like its not really worth it. Will not be a must have going fwd.
Not sure if these are standard but the alcantara headliner and LED headlamps are both must haves and very much worth it.
Also 21" wheels at a minimum are essential. The X5 looks like a boat on stilts on anything smaller.. especially if you're not lowered.

I know this is for your wife but without these must have mods, i'd be less happy lol.
ECU flash, BM3 is very cheap $800 and works well.
Catless pipes, changed the sound and adds to the health of the car bc of the significant improvement in heat-soak and air flow.
A font lip.. i prefer the iND.
Spacers are ESSENTIAL again this reduces the boat look and significantly improves the stance.

Mine sits as such, mods done.

[cmyx6go]

I have the order sheet for the '16 M. Packages are as follows:
Driver assistance -
Active Blind Spot
Active driving
Surround view
Speed limit info

Executive -
Heated Steering
Soft close doors
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Adaptive LED lights
Auto high beams
Head's up
Concierge services

Not many options other than B&O, parking assistant, Night vision

[ec_E92]

Following as well as looking to replace our Cayenne GTS (sadly unicorn 6MT).

There is a distinct idrive (hardware+software) difference between 16-17 right? No CarPlay in 16 but option in 17?

I'd want as few driver assist features as possible (they're actually distracting to me), unless can be coded off?

[notyourdadsf86]

Originally Posted by ec_E92

Following as well as looking to replace our Cayenne GTS (sadly unicorn 6MT).

There is a distinct idrive (hardware+software) difference between 16-17 right? No CarPlay in 16 but option in 17?

I'd want as few driver assist features as possible (they're actually distracting to me), unless can be coded off?

You can turn off the driver assistant package features individually. There is also a button that will turn all off or on. I usually turn them off for "spirited" driving, and back on for long cruising. Also yes, NO carplay in 2016. Much to my disappointment after picking up a '16.

[gqgambler]

At minimum:
Full Leather
DA Plus
Executive
B&O
21"

[Kraftwerk AG]

I would suggest a '17 at the very minimum (price difference not that great between '16-'17) with the '16's factory warranty expiring soon.

You will still have some warranty remaining in either case, CPO or otherwise and can extend this, if you so desire. Choose the Executive pack at the very least, with all color combinations/options being a personal preference.

No massage seats in any year, as the F85 generation was skipped. Best of luck in your search.

[Bobby_Drake]

Full leather is a MUST
Executive package - covers LED headlights/adaptive lights, Soft close doors, and on '17 and up wireless charging and wifi hotpsot
DA
B&O - if buying CPO or used, then I would get it. Not much price difference vs those without B&O.
Carbon fiber trim
21"

[superkevin813]

Originally Posted by StatenEye

My opinions;
Mugello Red interior with Carbon fiber trim was a must have. Very happy with this.
Full leather - must have, again well worth it.
B&O - initially was a must have but I could live without this.
HUD - must have, love this. Makes you well aware of the speed limit and your speed.
Soft Close - for me was a must have but now it feels like its not really worth it. Will not be a must have going fwd.
Not sure if these are standard but the alcantara headliner and LED headlamps are both must haves and very much worth it.
Also 21" wheels at a minimum are essential. The X5 looks like a boat on stilts on anything smaller.. especially if you're not lowered.

I know this is for your wife but without these must have mods, i'd be less happy lol.
ECU flash, BM3 is very cheap $800 and works well.
Catless pipes, changed the sound and adds to the health of the car bc of the significant improvement in heat-soak and air flow.
A font lip.. i prefer the iND.
Spacers are ESSENTIAL again this reduces the boat look and significantly improves the stance.

Mine sits as such, mods done.

I'd like to see your rear pic. hitch with diffuser

[secretariat]

OP, you are from North Dakota. Never been there. It sounds cold and there must be wild life running around. Big Elks perhaps? If so get Night Vision, where I am it saved my ass a few times with deer running around. Your wife is going to be driving this car so it's another safety feature well worth it. Good luck

[StatenEye]

Originally Posted by superkevin813

I'd like to see your rear pic. hitch with diffuser

Sorry here you are. This is the modification.

[335i101]

Thanks all!

I found one that I am picking up tomorrow, it has every option available.

I have a 7hr drive home, I can't wait.

[335i101]

Originally Posted by secretariat

OP, you are from North Dakota. Never been there. It sounds cold and there must be wild life running around. Big Elks perhaps? If so get Night Vision, where I am it saved my ass a few times with deer running around. Your wife is going to be driving this car so it's another safety feature well worth it. Good luck

Got it, thanks!

[Kraftwerk AG]

Originally Posted by 335i101

Thanks all!

I found one that I am picking up tomorrow, it has every option available.

I have a 7hr drive home, I can't wait.

Congrats! Post up pics of this unicorn when you have a chance.

[~ViO~]

Originally Posted by 335i101

I recently bought the new Supra and forgot how much I liked BMW.

I am looking to pick up a X5M for my wife and was wondering the "must have" options, based on your experience.

Her only "need" is the B&O system, other than that, she doesn't care....but I do.

*No kids, so the rear entrainment package isn't a big deal

*Night vision seems cool, but guessing is over-rated?

*Are there any upgraded comfort options? Massaging seats? Or do all the X5M come with the same comfort options?

Looking at a 2016-17.

Thanks all!!

I have all of these options.. Despite everyone's opinion on craving more and more Bass.. The B&O is simply amazing.. It's Loud and Clear and its Bass will shake the front seats and the rearview mirror.. I recommend you fine tune the EQ to suit your taste.. It's one of the best (If not the Best) factory systems I have ever had.. 1200w of near endless volume.. And I have had the BOSE system in my 2012 CTS-V Coupe and the 9 Speaker Alpine system in my 2015 Rubicon HardRock And the Individual Sound option with BavSound Ghost Subs in my 2013 E71 X6M.. And BTW the subs are so good in the 2015 + B&O models that BavSound doesn't even offer subs that better them.. Yes, there Ghost Subs for Individual, Top Hifi will fit but you will not gain anything besides mutilating a great, well balanced system..

*Tip.. The B&O has special lighting effects for all three of its front tweeters which can be turned on or off under the lighting menu, B&O lighting on/off.

The Night Vision is truly remarkable and a rare option to come across.. You have to see it in action to appreciate it.. It will WOW all of your passengers for sure.. Its almost like your piloting the Millennium Falcon at night instead of driving a BMW! lol

The rear entertainment looks nice and uses good monitors.. Rear seated Adults can play movies via DVD player or USB Stick.. You need to use the included remote.. They can also browse the radio or a music playlist.. And most of all you can have your rear occupants look up directions and send them directly to the front NAV screen.. Pretty slick.. You need to purchase the headphones though.

If the car your looking at has these options its most likely to be fully loaded with everything else as well.. I hope this helps.

[335i101]

Originally Posted by ~ViO~

I have all of these options.. Despite everyone's opinion on craving more and more Bass.. The B&O is simply amazing.. It's Loud and Clear and its Bass will shake the front seats and the rearview mirror.. I recommend you fine tune the EQ to suit your taste.. It's one of the best (If not the Best) factory systems I have ever had.. 1200w of near endless volume.. And I have had the BOSE system in my 2012 CTS-V Coupe and the 9 Speaker Alpine system in my 2015 Rubicon HardRock And the Individual Sound option with BavSound Ghost Subs in my 2013 E71 X6M.. And BTW the subs are so good in the 2015 + B&O models that BavSound doesn't even offer subs that better them.. Yes, there Ghost Subs for Individual, Top Hifi will fit but you will not gain anything besides mutilating a great, well balanced system..

*Tip.. The B&O has special lighting effects for all three of its front tweeters which can be turned on or off under the lighting menu, B&O lighting on/off.

The Night Vision is truly remarkable and a rare option to come across.. You have to see it in action to appreciate it.. It will WOW all of your passengers for sure.. Its almost like your piloting the Millennium Falcon at night instead of driving a BMW! lol

The rear entertainment looks nice and uses good monitors.. Rear seated Adults can play movies via DVD player or USB Stick.. You need to use the included remote.. They can also browse the radio or a music playlist.. And most of all you can have your rear occupants look up directions and send them directly to the front NAV screen.. Pretty slick.. You need to purchase the headphones though.

If the car your looking at has these options its most likely to be fully loaded with everything else as well.. I hope this helps.

Originally Posted by ~ViO~

I have all of these options.. Despite everyone's opinion on craving more and more Bass.. The B&O is simply amazing.. It's Loud and Clear and its Bass will shake the front seats and the rearview mirror.. I recommend you fine tune the EQ to suit your taste.. It's one of the best (If not the Best) factory systems I have ever had.. 1200w of near endless volume.. And I have had the BOSE system in my 2012 CTS-V Coupe and the 9 Speaker Alpine system in my 2015 Rubicon HardRock And the Individual Sound option with BavSound Ghost Subs in my 2013 E71 X6M.. And BTW the subs are so good in the 2015 + B&O models that BavSound doesn't even offer subs that better them.. Yes, there Ghost Subs for Individual, Top Hifi will fit but you will not gain anything besides mutilating a great, well balanced system..

*Tip.. The B&O has special lighting effects for all three of its front tweeters which can be turned on or off under the lighting menu, B&O lighting on/off.

The Night Vision is truly remarkable and a rare option to come across.. You have to see it in action to appreciate it.. It will WOW all of your passengers for sure.. Its almost like your piloting the Millennium Falcon at night instead of driving a BMW! lol

The rear entertainment looks nice and uses good monitors.. Rear seated Adults can play movies via DVD player or USB Stick.. You need to use the included remote.. They can also browse the radio or a music playlist.. And most of all you can have your rear occupants look up directions and send them directly to the front NAV screen.. Pretty slick.. You need to purchase the headphones though.

If the car your looking at has these options its most likely to be fully loaded with everything else as well.. I hope this helps.

I misspoke, it does not have the rear-entertainment package, even though I never have people in the rear seats, based on how you described it, it sounds like a pretty neat set-up.

Agreed, the B&O system is great! I was expecting much worse, based on the reviews of it. Bass was very good, not sure why people say there is not enough, I had my car shaking like I was a high-schooler. (The lights are cool too)

Night Vision proved itself on my drive home. I was on some back country roads, come around a corner, and bam, 2 deer, one in the ditch the other on the shoulder, it is crazy how good it works.

So does the night vision system only work when I am displaying it on the o drive screen? Or is it monitoring all the time, providing critical alerts as needed?

I believe I have every other option, I have the window sticker from the dealer and msrp was 116k. (Wow, I love depreciation

[335i101]

Originally Posted by DeeO

Congrats! Post up pics of this unicorn when you have a chance.

Originally Posted by DeeO

Congrats! Post up pics of this unicorn when you have a chance.

Will do, I will get some posted tomorrow (Sunday)

[335i101]

As requested....ignore the dirt...(I put the 20" winters on)

Having a hard time figuring out the parking assist feature? I drive around, it shows the sonar image and camera, but never tells me when to stop....??

Also the camera views/parking assist seem goofy to me. I hit one button and I get the overhead surround view, but no other cameras....hit the camera view sometimes it goes to the front camera, other times the rear?? (Perhaps that is based on if I am going forward or back??)

Would be cool to have multiple camera (surround and front or back) in at the same time.

Is there a black border for the front kidney grill that looks good? Any have pics on their car?

[~ViO~]

Very nice! A genuine Silver Bullet.... Congrats! 👍👍