[Nick M.]

Leather dash is absolutely worth it in my opinion, especially if you're going with an Individual leather for the seating surfaces.

Since you're deciding between the dash and wheels, think about this: which is easier to add down the road? OEM leather dash and doors or wheels? Seems like an easy choice to me.

[PhatBoyG]

Originally Posted by cygnusecks

Good choice on the interior! Here's mine!

Did you remove the driver attention camera from the dash or something? I see some smudges where the camera is typically located - curious what's up there.

[cygnusecks]

Originally Posted by PhatBoyG

Did you remove the driver attention camera from the dash or something? I see some smudges where the camera is typically located - curious what's up there.

HAH - good eye but no I didn't remove anything - those smudges were from my greasy paws showing my wife "look, it's all digital, no bezels or dials or nothin'!" .

[PhatBoyG]

Originally Posted by cygnusecks

HAH - good eye but no I didn't remove anything - those smudges were from my greasy paws showing my wife "look, it's all digital, no bezels or dials or nothin'!" .

Not to derail the thread, but did your vehicle not include the camera?

[cygnusecks]

Originally Posted by PhatBoyG

Not to derail the thread, but did your vehicle not include the camera?

I think the driver attention camera is part of the driving assistant pro package which I did not order.

[mbarrett635]

To the OP -- you seem to have already received overwhelming advice to get the leather dash (and I concur). But I'd also add this -- you can always easily add different wheels to your vehicle anytime during your ownership, but you can't easily add a leather dash. Do it now.

[Charles549]

Originally Posted by beermato

Does anyone have any information regarding the long-term durability of the leather dash in high-heat, high-sun areas such as Texas?

I actually thought that the stock dash was fine with the black leather interior, but will take another look this weekend. I'm in production queue still.

That was my concern with the leather dash here in south Florida, the sun is relentless. Although I have had Porsches with leather dash and no problems.

[GMWNashville]

IMO yes. The stock dash to me seems cheap. We didnt get it in our X5 but I wish we had. Id also suggest putting UV film on the windshield at bare minimum or tint if possible.

[chuckins9]

I ordered the Merino Leather, but not the leather dash. Should I drop the upgraded leather seats for the leather dash?

[lumpydog]

Originally Posted by chuckins9

I ordered the Merino Leather, but not the leather dash. Should I drop the upgraded leather seats for the leather dash?

Nah. Keep the leather seats if it's an either/or. The seats, you touch/feel. The dash is just for the eyes.

I did not get the leather dash - I've never had it and I really liked the standard dash on my E70... aaaaaand I really like the standard dash on my G05. I'm a function over fashion person though - go with what you can afford and/or go with what makes you happy.

[wanderlustX5]

My dealer told me not to add leather dash because of lot of maintenance it needs. I agreed. Function over looks.

[ven7782]

Originally Posted by wanderlustX5

My dealer told me not to add leather dash because of lot of maintenance it needs. I agreed. Function over looks.

What maintenance can a leather dash possibly need?

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by wanderlustX5

My dealer told me not to add leather dash because of lot of maintenance it needs. I agreed. Function over looks.

Besides taking a Swifter to it to clear of the dust and condition it once if a blue moon?

I've had leather dash in my F15 for almost 3 years and it's only needed dusting. Haven't conditioned it but it's getting turned in October. There's no sign of wear despite being parked outside and getting evening sun.

[paul45]

I have a leather dash for 8 yrs (purchased Nov. 2010) in a 2011 740Li and it still looks as new despite NO maintenance; parked the whole day outside in FL sun.

[mbarrett635]

Originally Posted by PhatBoyG

Did you remove the driver attention camera from the dash or something? I see some smudges where the camera is typically located - curious what's up there.

I can't believe some of the ridiculous things salespeople say, and it always comes down to two things (which are related) -- ignorance and/or laziness. I just read in another post where a salesperson told someone that their Individual color request would require that the X5 be shipped to Germany to be painted!!

I was told, when I bought my first X5 (2010 E71) that I didn't want the Adaptive Drive Package (what the Dynamic Handling Package was then called) because it was only for autocrossing and would make the vehicle handling too uncomfortable. Shame on me for not doing my homework better. I made sure my next X5 did have DHP, and the next. Don't have it on the current one only because its a 40i, but I spec'd it as close as I could (IAS, 2 axle Air Suspension). Still wish I had the actual DHP, but I digress . . .

When a sales person tries to talk you out of something you want, push them hard on their explanation(s), and do your own homework. I wonder what exact maintenance the salesperson would have told you was required if you pushed the issue?

[Mark609]

Originally Posted by mbarrett635

I can't believe some of the ridiculous things salespeople say, and it always comes down to two things (which are related) -- ignorance and/or laziness. I just read in another post where a salesperson told someone that their Individual color request would require that the X5 be shipped to Germany to be painted!!

That would be me. Will verify his "advice" with the sales director.

Thanks,
Mark

[JLR0523]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

I have has leather dash in my 911’s for years. No issue as long as you condition it from time to time. BMW has a special UV protectant leather conditioner for leather trim pieces.

Here is the BMW leather product:
https://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/6...ROTECTION-KIT/

Adams leather condition. Never any issues with leather damage!

[puraj83]

Originally Posted by beermato

Does anyone have any information regarding the long-term durability of the leather dash in high-heat, high-sun areas such as Texas?

I actually thought that the stock dash was fine with the black leather interior, but will take another look this weekend. I'm in production queue still.

Just get ceramic window tint on the windshield

[tqbmw]

I didn't get the leather dash but I also got a car on the lot since I didn't want to wait. If I ordered the car I would have got it.

I have a leather dash on my 2013 M5 and it looks like new with 0 maintenance to date. It adds a very nice touch to the interior.

Leather dash doesn't require maintenance - slap the moron sales person who told you this crap.

[BMW168]

Originally Posted by cygnusecks

My photo skills have much to be desired - my dash and leather door pieces are indeed brown! Was a little worried how it would look but am super happy now! Here's another couple:

Beige and brown go very well together, nice !

[ctestb]

Well thank you very much everyone! I decided that everyone is right, I'll keep the 20''s and get the leatehr dash. Being in Buffalo where snow is (usually) prevailent, I can always get summer tires/ rims in the future. With the car being so new, I'm sure eventually there will be better/ cheaper options for 22's. Thank you!

[Suave]

Leather dash should be standard in a premium price SUV like this. It absolutely transforms the interior and what you look at when driving. The standard dash looks so cheap and out of place you will regret.