[BmwJoel]

Hi everyone,

I'm a new user and this is my first post! I am also soon to be a first time BMW owner that's been driving a Dodge Ram 1500 that I purchased new in 2004. Since I was driving my last car for 20+ years, I haven't really been following modern trends. I test drove many medium-large sized phev from all major manufacturers and then placed an order mid-march for this BMW :

https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-ow...36hnbn/summary

It's not been allocated yet, so I could still make changes. Here are a couple of my thoughts :

1. I really liked the M Sport option but didn't like how the black front bumped up against the grill. But if I made the entire car black then that's not obvious. I thought since the car is all black that keeping the grill the brushed chrome might add a little class to it.

2. I am disappointed that there isn't a bmw logo projector on the doors. Is there a good aftermarket one that is easy to hook up?

3. Anything important I should be aware of?

[tooloud10]

Originally Posted by BmwJoel

1. I really liked the M Sport option but didn't like how the black front bumped up against the grill. But if I made the entire car black then that's not obvious. I thought since the car is all black that keeping the grill the brushed chrome might add a little class to it.

I don't like any of the chrome/shiny bits so there's no way I'd get one without M-sport and the Extended Shadowline trim--not sure what they call that option these days.

2. I am disappointed that there isn't a bmw logo projector on the doors. Is there a good aftermarket one that is easy to hook up?

My '23 45e has little projectors on the doors but they show a hockey stick like image on the ground, not the BMW logo.

3. Anything important I should be aware of?

Get DAPP.

[BlkGS]

Go all black. Also, consider a model that isn't the 50e, they have major issues.

Make sure you get DAPP and DHP (if available).

[crabman]

Black is a win if you're like me and want to hide what you perceive as overdone styling bits. All of a sudden, everything looks great...

Agree on the DAPP, always check that box, by whatever name, on every car.

[paimon.soror]

silly question (coming from a 4er and looking at X5s) - why is everyone really favorable towards DAPP. Ive seen a ton of spec posts where people call out that DAPP is missing.

[BigVegas17]

Nice looking build! Since you are embracing the black color/look on the exterior and interior, maybe the Fineline Black Wood interior trim would line up with that better than the Fineline Open Pore Wood? No change in cost for that selection.

As with all things, personal preference should be 51%+ of the decision driver, and it's gonna be a beautiful ride regardless of the final nuances and choices you make.

[FastMarkA]

I have a similar build.

A very idiosyncratic critique:

* I love black sapphire, but I also love carbon black, with a general black appearance, but in some lighting, a very deep navy blue. It's a unique color and you can only get it with M-Sport.

* Interior trim, consider the black fine line (again, only available with M-sport). The gray-ish lines really pop whereas the open pore, despite being 3D, is kind of flat.

* For me, the Merino Leather package is a let down, so I'd recommend you look at a car with it. For most, Sensafin is just fine -- go look at it in person. But for $2k, Merino is barely noticeable in the X5. I had Merino on my 45e, and I now have Sensafin in the 50e, mainly because of the Silverstone color. I do not miss the Merino one bit.

Overall, though, very nice build!

[TREKER]

Nice build. Basically fully loaded aside from a few small options. I am waiting for mine to be built in about a month. I had the headliner option but may swap it for the massaging seats.

Extended shadow line would really make it pop also without the chrome.

[GerryC]

Originally Posted by paimon.soror

silly question (coming from a 4er and looking at X5s) - why is everyone really favorable towards DAPP. Ive seen a ton of spec posts where people call out that DAPP is missing.

Because DAPP is worth every penny. The reduction in stress and fatigue when driving with DAPP is huge. It's hard to describe, but once you have it you won't want to go without.

When I was ordering ours, I struggled with whether I should order it or not. We did, and I can say it was the one thing that absolutely was worth it.

OTOH, I skipped the Executive Package as it's mostly bling (compared to the Premium Package).

Parking package is overkill, but the 360 deg camera view is worth it. I tried the auto parking once. I can do just as well using the 360 view.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by paimon.soror

silly question (coming from a 4er and looking at X5s) - why is everyone really favorable towards DAPP. Ive seen a ton of spec posts where people call out that DAPP is missing.

Because it's a $70k luxury SUV and should have features like radar cruise that are standard on a $25k RAV4.

[crabman]

Get DAPP because you deserve it, or get it because you don't deserve it, but you're a jerk that likes to spoil yourself. Pick either one.

Realistically, you will interact with it every time you drive and those interactions will be mostly positive. Greatly reduces fatigue, increases safety, keeps you from getting tickets in those nasty 30 mph zones that should have a 50 mph speed limit, etc.

None of them are perfect, but it's a decent implementation that you'll thank yourself for later.

[shed]

Originally Posted by GerryC

Because DAPP is worth every penny. The reduction in stress and fatigue when driving with DAPP is huge. It's hard to describe, but once you have it you won't want to go without.

When I was ordering ours, I struggled with whether I should order it or not. We did, and I can say it was the one thing that absolutely was worth it.

OTOH, I skipped the Executive Package as it's mostly bling (compared to the Premium Package).

Parking package is overkill, but the 360 deg camera view is worth it. I tried the auto parking once. I can do just as well using the 360 view.

+1000 to this. I got my 2018 Audi Q7 with this (obviously not as sophisticated), and boy, particularly in heavy traffic, but even in light traffic on freeway, it just reduces fatigue of driving.

Agree that it's shocking it's not standard since so many lower end cars now have it as standard.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by shed

Agree that it's shocking it's not standard since so many lower end cars now have it as standard.

Besides due to marketing (keeping MSRP and offering options sometimes with dependencies), it likely is an option to cater to the old school, BMW is a driver's car mentality. You will see some folks on forums absolutely refuse to get or use cruise control of any type since "I want to drive". I think they are short changing themselves but it is their money to spend or not spend.

[crabman]

They charge for it because they like money.

If they cared what owners thought we'd still be able to adjust the ACC spacing on the steering wheel instead of having to drill down into a GUI to do it. While I might add, bafflingly leaving two blank spots on the most valuable control real estate in the car.

[Cityman]

It’s pretty loaded up already, but I’d add the Msport trim, and upgraded headliner.

[velopod]

I would also recommend the extended M-sport (black grill), especially on this car.

I like the black exterior, but not black on black but your vehicle. The leather is fine, but I actually like the Sensafin better (shocked).

I like the executive package, but agree it might be an option to leave off since the cost doesn't make sense (I have it).

Absolutely get the DAPP.

Avoid the upgraded 21s. Stick with the stock 20s (not sure where you live). You will be shopping black rims at some point anyway

[carfan36]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

Because it's a $70k luxury SUV and should have features like radar cruise that are standard on a $25k RAV4.

Yes it should and hence it should not be part of a package and instead be part of the standard feature list.

[MADBMWX5MC]

I do not know if you have done this, but test drive one that has the Front massaging seats...mine has them and it's "meh" for me. I did not order my 2023 X5MC, I bought it used, but I would have never spent $1K on this feature...but like someone said, this is all personal preferrence for you. We are all happy, if you are...

[mscot]

My opinion:

Drop the executive package and stick with premium. I dont like the glass controls, don't need the lighted moonroof, and I've heard people say the soft close doors was wasted money. YMMV.

Add M-Sport Professional. You're already paying more for the m brakes and illuminated grill than you would for the m-sport pro that includes both. Makes no sense.

Color is a preference but I'd never get a black car and always avoid black seats when possible. It gets too hot in CO for dark colors.

[arRod1981]

Originally Posted by BmwJoel

Hi everyone,

I'm a new user and this is my first post! I am also soon to be a first time BMW owner that's been driving a Dodge Ram 1500 that I purchased new in 2004. Since I was driving my last car for 20+ years, I haven't really been following modern trends. I test drove many medium-large sized phev from all major manufacturers and then placed an order mid-march for this BMW :

https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-ow...36hnbn/summary

It's not been allocated yet, so I could still make changes. Here are a couple of my thoughts :

1. I really liked the M Sport option but didn't like how the black front bumped up against the grill. But if I made the entire car black then that's not obvious. I thought since the car is all black that keeping the grill the brushed chrome might add a little class to it.

2. I am disappointed that there isn't a bmw logo projector on the doors. Is there a good aftermarket one that is easy to hook up?

3. Anything important I should be aware of?

They do offer the projector lights on the bottom of the doors. It used to be all 4 doors, but then they removed them from the back doors. Also, it's more of flood light look when you don't have the logo protector installed, but you just buy the different projectors from BMW or any other aftermarket shop. Real easy to DIY.

I think it looks better without the backdoor projector lights if the carpet lighting is on. Picture is of mine projector light.

[arRod1981]

Originally Posted by tooloud10

Get DAPP.

The "hockey stick" lights are not projected from the door. That is the carpet lighting and is projected from the side skirt.

[tooloud10]

Originally Posted by arRod1981

The "hockey stick" lights are not projected from the door. That is the carpet lighting and is projected from the side skirt.

OK, I guess I don't care where the projection originates from, just acknowledging that it's there.