[330dMSXD]

As the title states, when are the model changes for the 2022 year formally announced?

I have been communicating with my dealer on a proposed new 3.0d M-Sport. However, he informs me that from order to delivery I could be looking at a near 5 month wait. With that in mind and knowing the 2022MY will likely go into volume production August or September I didnt want to place an order with £13k worth of factory options with the likelihood of the specification changing if component shortages realised a delay in production.

Thanks for any imput.

[sahajesh]

Changes are normally announced June/July - who's your dealer by the way, for my X5 order, Sytner said they could deliver in Dec 2020 (with an Oct order) whereas BMW Park Lane advised a Feb 2021 completion.

[330dMSXD]

Originally Posted by sahajesh

Changes are normally announced June/July - who's your dealer by the way, for my X5 order, Sytner said they could deliver in Dec 2020 (with an Oct order) whereas BMW Park Lane advised a Feb 2021 completion.

June/July seems a long way off

Sytner BMW Coventry have not been good to deal with, making many promises on a deal but unable to deliver. However, Park Lane have been fantastic and have smashed every other BMW dealer who have quoted out of the water! I’m guessing they are competitive as they are owned and operated by BMW

Had a quick look at your Tanzanite Blue X5 on another post early today not my choice, as I believe tanzanite is a colour for sunnier climates, but it does look a very nice spec

Who did you buy from and what was your deal like if you don’t mind me asking.

[sahajesh]

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

June/July seems a long way off

Sytner BMW Coventry have not been good to deal with, making many promises on a deal but unable to deliver. However, Park Lane have been fantastic and have smashed every other BMW dealer who have quoted out of the water! I’m guessing they are competitive as they are owned and operated by BMW

Had a quick look at your Tanzanite Blue X5 on another post early today not my choice, as I believe tanzanite is a colour for sunnier climates, but it does look a very nice spec

Who did you buy from and what was your deal like if you don’t mind me asking.

I think the car needs a proper wash and shine before TB will look better, as you say the current grim weather here doesn't help either.

Although I got mine from Park Lane, it was through their ISSD (international specialist sales division) using the Forces discount - my wife works for the NHS.

No other dealer was able to come close to the Park Lane price, in fact as soon as I mentioned PL to some, they just said there was no point in quoting me as they knew they couldn't match.

Sytner Sheffield did quote and offered a Dec 2020 delivery but for quite a bit more per month, I politely declined, which they understood.

The prices for PL are on the BMW Forces website but they are for base spec - once you add options, they need to quote and they said not to share the prices or they can take you off the scheme/not deal with you again - for that reason, I won't be able to say.

I did go options-mad (as I'm like that!) so the savings were larger than going for a standard spec, I'd say.

I also went to TRL but he said there were no offers available on any X cars so again, no point in him quoting.

I think for an X and at least for now, BMW PL whether it's normal retail or discount will likely give the best price, but that may change.

I have heard that in the past, TRL was able to come close to/match PL for a retail sale but that may have been on specific models only etc.

I absolutely cannot fault the level of service from PL and the product knowledge eg what does this option do etc. No other dealer I've spoken to and asked those sorts of questions has been able to come close with that kind of advice, even down to saying "it's probably not worth it given your scenario" - still didn't stop me ordering it though as it just sounds so much nicer and looks good too (B&W)

[sahajesh]

Out of interest, what options are you considering as I may have some of these already and can offer advice if needed?

[330dMSXD]

Park Lane, it was through their ISSD (international specialist sales division) using the Forces discount - my wife works for the NHS.

I did go options-mad as I'm like that!

Same here

Originally Posted by sahajesh

Out of interest, what options are you considering as I may have some of these already and can offer advice if needed?

I Have been looking at these two X5's

https://configure.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/configid/m3u8d6f4

https://configure.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/configid/e4o4l3t6

I am going to reconsider the M Multifunction seats against the Comfort seats/Pack. It is such a difficult choice!

although I have also considered the X3 M40d which ticks all the boxes, unfortunately it is due LCI in the summer, so have that as a second choice. Looked also at M340d Touring but residuals are not competitive against payments on a PCP.

The wife has set her heart on the X5 which if we go ahead will mean greater insurance premiums (although I have an exemplary driving record) City living for you! service costs and monthly payments.

[sahajesh]

Nice spec in both cases. I chose a few things that I hadn't seen or test-driven, based partly on feedback from the X5 forum here and the sales guy explaining what it actually means vs the rubbish website. The sales guy previously even tried to put me off one of my options as I wouldn't see the real benefit (B&W vs HK sound). Glad I chose it though, even with compressed audio from DAB/Apple Music etc, it does sound excellent, but of course I can't compare with HK in the X5. I hated HK in the 3 series though, hence wanting to move up.

Mine is:

https://configure.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/configid/k5v8b3q0

If you can, try and drive IAS (tricky) - it does feel different at first and the steering is assisted and I get why people on a short test drive may not like it as it takes time to adjust. It makes one hell of a difference in the real world though, you don't feel like you're driving a monster truck.

I went for the tracker as some of the insurance quotes I had made that mandatory (even BMW Insurance did, I think). I have the peace of mind and unlike some others, I'm not precious about having a stolen car returned to me (providing it hasn't been trashed).

Only 170 miles so can't drive it hard but it will be nice to finally do long journeys across the UK and into Europe with a level of refinement and luxury you just don't get when you're used to 2 x F30s in the past.

I was chatting to Greig in Forces - really helpful guy!

[sahajesh]

If you will have regular rear-seat passengers, get the "cuddle cushions" for the back seats. I don't have them but I can imagine they will be fantastic.

I may get them when we can do long journeys again - I'm looking forward to Le Mans 24, Nurburgring 24, trips to Stuttgart and Munich (Porsche/BMW museums and factory tours) and an X5 is a good car to do them in.

Fancy a long trip to Switzerland and Italy (Amalfi Coast?) too - just can't do any of that yet.

[330dMSXD]

Wow that is some serious specification!....and I thought I was being extravagant with the options list

What are your reasons for choosing the petrol X5 over the diesel variant? and what’s the fuel economy like? I did spec and price up an X3M Competition which had a fantastic financial incentive but I was put off by owners reports about the hard ride and fuel economy of 20mpg.

I agree with your comment relating to this forum, which has been a great source of help in many aspects, in particular paint and wheel images and trim seat configurations.

I have been looking to buy since last March but COVID put the brakes on everything. I was also not happy with the options availability in the U.K. compared with Europe. However, two of the factory options I had been looking to option have recently been released in the U.K., those being the black 742M’s and Dravit Grey premium paint.

In Europe they also have the option of two types of panoramic sunroof, one with LED’s and one without, I think there is about £1,000 price difference.

The only disappointment now is that I couldn’t specify keyless entry, the heated rear seats and heated steering wheel due to selecting the M Multifunction seat option. I also find it strange that the M Multifunction seats cannot be specified with Merino leather as in other overseas markets, in the U.K. we get the cheaper Vernasca leather! the aforementioned reasons are why I am considering deleting the M Performance seats in favour of the Comfort pack.

My contact at PL is Philip who has been a great source of help.

Did you collect your X5 from PL or did you have it delivered on covered transport? I would be interested to know your experiences either way. I was also informed that all cars from PL are as a formality ‘hard waxed’ prior to delivery, again I would like to hear your thoughts on this.

I take onboard your comments relating to Trackers and insurers insisting their fitment. My previous Q7 insurers insisted on a tracker which I believed to be just another expense and a anti theft product that can easily be by passed by a determined car thief.

My present insurer, Aviva have not mentioned a tracker is mandatory, but I would install some other secondary anti theft device in any case, hopefully as a deterrent.

How have you found the acoustic glass? I have specced it for its security attributes rather than the sound insulation as it’s main purpose.

Regarding trips out. I would like to travel a scenic route around Scotland as my first trip. We have some beautiful scenery along our coasts and non are better than those in Scotland which are also blessed with some nice roads too.

[sahajesh]

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

What are your reasons for choosing the petrol X5 over the diesel variant? and what's the fuel economy like? I did spec and price up an X3M Competition which had a fantastic financial incentive but I was put off by owners reports about the hard ride and fuel economy of 20mpg.

I hate diesels - no matter how much insulation, you will always hear it and you'll know from the way it drives. Low-down torque may be nice to begin with but I'd rather have a smoother power delivery. So far it's 17.3mpg but it's only doing 2 short trips per day and weekend supermarket (all local journeys).

With you on the X3M - far too rough. I did try an X3 M40d, very quick but uses the black juice and in any case, an X3 is no match for an X5 in terms of a nicer journey.

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

I agree with your comment relating to this forum, which has been a great source of help in many aspects, in particular paint and wheel images and trim seat configurations.

Agree, lots of knowledge here - my choice of TB was from seeing an X7 at Sytner Sheffield and it looked great there.

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

I have been looking to buy since last March but COVID put the brakes on everything. I was also not happy with the options availability in the U.K. compared with Europe. However, two of the factory options I had been looking to option have recently been released in the U.K., those being the black 742M's and Dravit Grey premium paint.

Dravit is great, but it wasn't available when I ordered and I had Mineral Grey on my F30 and wanted something different. Black wheels suit DG too, not so much on blue cars. In any case, I didn't want to risk 22" wheels here as the roads are crap!

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

In Europe they also have the option of two types of panoramic sunroof, one with LED's and one without, I think there is about £1,000 price difference.

Yeah this type of difference is annoying - I guess they want to upsell UK buyers and/or limit choice for RHD cars as it screws up the assembly line? In any case, I'd have chosen the Sky Lounge one anyway

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

The only disappointment now is that I couldn't specify keyless entry, the heated rear seats and heated steering wheel due to selecting the M Multifunction seat option. I also find it strange that the M Multifunction seats cannot be specified with Merino leather as in other overseas markets, in the U.K. we get the cheaper Vernasca leather! the aforementioned reasons are why I am considering deleting the M Performance seats in favour of the Comfort pack.

Never tried M seats but I definitely wanted refinement/luxury (coming from Dakota seats in the F30s) so the Comfort Seats were a must - Merino is very comfortable and I don't regret the extra cost.

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

Did you collect your X5 from PL or did you have it delivered on covered transport? I would be interested to know your experiences either way. I was also informed that all cars from PL are as a formality 'hard waxed' prior to delivery, again I would like to hear your thoughts on this.

I'd have preferred to collect so I get to do a 3hr drive back home - not to be unfortunately so it came in covered transport. Hadn't heard about hard wax but it makes sense as the TB doesn't sparkle. Plan to get some kind of detailing done so that will help with the shine!

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

I take onboard your comments relating to Trackers and insurers insisting their fitment. My previous Q7 insurers insisted on a tracker which I believed to be just another expense and a anti theft product that can easily be by passed by a determined car thief.

Mandatory tracker is odd as it was deemed necessary for cars over £75k - the reason for mine being over is primarily interior options which a passing thief/c*nt wouldn't know about - nevertheless, makes me feel better that I have one fitted. May get a DiskLok thing, not sure yet. The estate we live on is pretty good for car thefts, so if anything the DL would be for visits elsewhere.

When we get my wife's car back, that will be parked to block the driveway so it becomes a theft-deterrent for the X5 then

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

How have you found the acoustic glass? I have specced it for its security attributes rather than the sound insulation as it's main purpose.

Interior is very quiet but again, no comparison with non-acoustic. This was purely down to forum recommendations and PL advice, who are much better than the typical car salesmen.

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

Regarding trips out. I would like to travel a scenic route around Scotland as my first trip. We have some beautiful scenery along our coasts and none are better than those in Scotland which are also blessed with some nice roads too.

I spent some time working in Edinburgh and definitely want to do a road-trip in Scotland when we can - with you on that one!

[330dMSXD]

sahajesh many thanks for for replies to my questions

I have spent the whole weekend deliberating with the wife over X3 M40d, M40i and X5 in various colours and specs and we still havent concluded with a car of choice

I guess the sticking point is the X3 ticks all the boxes and the X5 even more so. Like you say the X5 is a better place to be!.....and then there is the cost difference of £190 month in PCP payments between the X3 and X5, insurance difference, service costs, tracker subscription

Ill keep you updated

[sahajesh]

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

sahajesh many thanks for for replies to my questions

I have spent the whole weekend deliberating with the wife over X3 M40d, M40i and X5 in various colours and specs and we still havent concluded with a car of choice

I guess the sticking point is the X3 ticks all the boxes and the X5 even more so. Like you say the X5 is a better place to be!.....and then there is the cost difference of £190 month in PCP payments between the X3 and X5, insurance difference, service costs, tracker subscription

Ill keep you updated

I was the same, I was going to choose the X3 M40i as I always thought the X5 would just be too big but once I sat in the X5, it became a much harder decision.

The wife liking the X5 a lot more obviously helped as well

Whatever you choose will be good, for me the tipping point was just how much more comfortable and spacious the X5 is, although it comes at a cost.

Waiting to hear what you are thinking

[330dMSXD]

Originally Posted by sahajesh

I was the same, I was going to choose the X3 M40i as I always thought the X5 would just be too big but once I sat in the X5, it became a much harder decision.

The wife liking the X5 a lot more obviously helped as well

Whatever you choose will be good, for me the tipping point was just how much more comfortable and spacious the X5 is, although it comes at a cost.

Waiting to hear what you are thinking

If I could of written a reply to your comment it would of included the exact words you have described as above!......the difficult bit is selecting the options you like, the options you want against the options you need.....and the cost

I have made a pact with the wife that we conclude our choice within the next 7 days.....I'll keep you updated

[sahajesh]

I'm spoilt with options - I always want at least what I've had before in the previous BMW so it only gets more expensive as each PCP ends

That said, I think I could have reached the limit with what I chose here.

Although, I do kind of wonder how the 22" wheels would have been like to drive on as they are non-RFT

I can always get 22" wheels elsewhere if I want to scratch that itch.