Things we lack in the US

[atomic80]

I've been looking over the X5 xDrive50i that I picked up last week and wanted to note the things that we seem to lack over here in the US compared to our European counterparts.

1) Rear fog lamps. I really do want this feature. I have it in my other European cars and think that it's a worthwhile safety feature. The owner's manual says the button for this should be below the foglight button but it's just a blank cover.

2) Headlamp range control - this looks interesting, I'm guessing that this is so we can adjust the distance in which there is light coverage ahead of us.

My thought is to try and find the part number for the European light switch module so I can hopefully get these two features? Any thoughts?

If you can think of other things that we lack here in the US, don't be shy about speaking up. These are just the ones I found so far.

[wdimagineer]

I'm not sure the car is wired for rear fogs. Some models are, some aren't. I'll know once I pick mine up.

As for the headlight range control, it's offered in some countries as well as the ability to switch the beam pattern for different sides of the road (like traveling to France from the UK.) Our cars level automatically in most cases, negating the need.

[atomic80]

Good point about the wiring although with my Audi A3 when I swapped the light module, the rear foglights worked so it's possible that's also the case here with our X5. I'll do some research and find out unless you've already gotten one.

[chrisny]

As a driver that has been behind cars with rear fog lights I respectfully say F rear fog lights

They're more blinding/distracting than useful, maybe large in part due to overuse when conditions don't require. Unless it's very thick fog, they shouldn't be used. But people use them with the slightest fog and it becomes more dangerous than helpful, IMHO.

[wdimagineer]

I have it already. Don't have the part number handy. I can post it later. It's severely constrained and took a few attempts to get it out of Europe.

[atomic80]

Haha..I hear you, Chris..I only use them when visibility is absolutely dismal. You'd be surprised how useful they've been. I'd follow my friend in poor weather with his rear fog light on and that'd help me see where he is. Definitely a worthwhile safety feature to me.

[wdimagineer]

When they're used for their intended purpose they are a safety enhancement. I live in SF. It's perpetually foggy. It helps people see me.

Those that use them when not appropriate (every Audi driver) are why many don't like them.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by wdimagineer

When they're used for their intended purpose they are a safety enhancement. I live in SF. It's perpetually foggy. It helps people see me.

Those that use them when not appropriate (every Audi driver) are why many don't like them.

Exactly, agree completely on both lol.

I'll admit, I've had them on Audi's myself and likely used them once or twice unnecessarily, but after one time behind someone with them on in a little rain and light fog, you quickly realize when the conditions actually merit their use.

[golovan]

Originally Posted by wdimagineer

I have it already. Don't have the part number handy. I can post it later. It's severely constrained and took a few attempts to get it out of Europe.

Can I get one too?

[Flatironcopse]

Originally Posted by atomic80

I've been looking over the X5 xDrive50i that I picked up last week and wanted to note the things that we seem to lack over here in the US compared to our European counterparts.

1) Rear fog lamps. I really do want this feature. I have it in my other European cars and think that it's a worthwhile safety feature. The owner's manual says the button for this should be below the foglight button but it's just a blank cover.

2) Headlamp range control - this looks interesting, I'm guessing that this is so we can adjust the distance in which there is light coverage ahead of us.

My thought is to try and find the part number for the European light switch module so I can hopefully get these two features? Any thoughts?

If you can think of other things that we lack here in the US, don't be shy about speaking up. These are just the ones I found so far.

The fog lights are essential but, as you say, they must be switched off when the weather is fine as they are very bright.

That aside, you do pay nothing like as much for the vehicle as we do. I''d happily pay your $ price and then add the extras

[lovec1990]

rear fog lights are useful too for people who are driving too close behind you so they stop driving so close behind you when you turn them on

[xDrive35i]

Originally Posted by lovec1990

rear fog lights are useful too for people who are driving too close behind you so they stop driving so close behind you when you turn them on

I use mine for that all the time. Freaks people out.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by xDrive35i

I use mine for that all the time. Freaks people out.

I have a different solution for that, involves a game of "whose brakes are better..." In some parts of the world I think that game is called "spill your coffee, please"

[Zipforia]

I'll tell you what we lack in US that Euro model has...the damn key fob closing the tailgate! So many other brands have this feature but not X5? Stupid. I know you can get this coded, but I shouldn't have to.

Z.

[wdimagineer]

I believe the US would allow it if the car made some kind of noise to indicate movement.

For example, my Tesla would "beep" when the tailgate started to close - either using the button or my remote. My Jeep would continuously beep until it closed and latched. It would also beep when opening, too.

It would be trivial for BMW to add this. Eventually I'm sure it'll happen.

[lovec1990]

Originally Posted by chrisny

I have a different solution for that, involves a game of "whose brakes are better..." In some parts of the world I think that game is called "spill your coffee, please"

i think your game is too dangerus he could crash into you

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by lovec1990

i think your game is too dangerus he could crash into you

I was kidding... A tap of the brakes is all that's necessary usually. Warning light, not slamming on the brakes and causing an accident.

[lovec1990]

i didnt know, but i never tap brakes in this situation i use rear fog lights,cleaning my windshield and rear window or slowing down