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      05-19-2020, 09:54 AM   #89
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jwong View Post
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I agree with your perspective on "impact" from a driver's/passenger perspective.

I have two young children and so the logic of Sky Lounge is for them. However in other threads, I read how the novelty wears off rather quick as it's only visible at night, which limits when the feature can be used.

Regarding the Leather dash, my concern is that I cheaped out and got Vernasca leather vs. Merino (young children + nice leather = disaster). So wasn't sure whether the Leather combos would look odd as it's different textures.

Regarding Glass Controls, I think they look stellar. Coming from a 5 Series and ceramic controls, I hated the stock iDrive controller...especially the surface. It felt uber cheap and plastic. Since I'm driving 90% and touching those controls most of the time, I figured I'd splurge on something I want. But feel guilty that I may be taking away Sky Lounge from the kiddies for my guilty pleasure.

First world problems I know. I guess I'm just messed up.

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Originally Posted by VTENGR View Post
I agree with X5 45e. I have all 3 opitions and I would list them in this order, most "impactful" first

1) Glass controls - I love them - they make the cabin look next level. Everyone who rides in my car comments on them.

2) Leather Dash - Post MY2019, the sensatec dash is standard, which has the appearance of leather. IMO they look very similar so the only advantage of leather would be the tactile and smell. The only time I touch the dash is when I clean it, so really, for me, hardly any difference b/w the two.

3) Sky lounge - this is only apparent at night, granted it looks very cool at night, however I do most of my driving during the day, so this feature is pretty much lost on me and my family.
I guess my question would be how often are your young kids in the car at night to truly appreciate it? I have a 5 year old and a 10 month old. I don't think the 5 year old has ever really cared about the sky lounge.
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      05-19-2020, 01:47 PM   #90
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Smile

So, i've decided to go with the glass controls as people suggested here. I'm very excited.

Update on the Leather Dashboard, apparently in Canada you need to have the Premium Excellence package (the Executive tier in US) to get the leather dashboard if not ordering the Merino leather.

Very disappointed. But got the massage chair instead!

Thanks everyone for your input!

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Originally Posted by VTENGR View Post
I guess my question would be how often are your young kids in the car at night to truly appreciate it? I have a 5 year old and a 10 month old. I don't think the 5 year old has ever really cared about the sky lounge.
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      05-19-2020, 03:24 PM   #91
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jwong View Post
So, i've decided to go with the glass controls as people suggested here. I'm very excited.

Update on the Leather Dashboard, apparently in Canada you need to have the Premium Excellence package (the Executive tier in US) to get the leather dashboard if not ordering the Merino leather.

Very disappointed. But got the massage chair instead!

Thanks everyone for your input!
Don't forget the Piano Black interior trim
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      06-01-2020, 11:34 PM   #92
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VTENGR View Post
I remember looking on real oem for these parts when this subject was first introduced. It seems on real oem that the control panel is a different part number when you have the glass controls. Wonder if he's missing the correct circuitry because he didn't replace the control panel too.
All control panels have the same power. If you buy the glass shifter after market, all you have to do is VO Code 4A2 and it will work fine. I coded mine today and love it!
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      06-02-2020, 03:13 AM   #93
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Trojanlaw View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by VTENGR View Post
I remember looking on real oem for these parts when this subject was first introduced. It seems on real oem that the control panel is a different part number when you have the glass controls. Wonder if he's missing the correct circuitry because he didn't replace the control panel too.
All control panels have the same power. If you buy the glass shifter after market, all you have to do is VO Code 4A2 and it will work fine. I coded mine today and love it!
Did you also have to code any ECUs after adding the VO code?
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      06-02-2020, 08:16 AM   #94
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VTENGR View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trojanlaw View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by VTENGR View Post
I remember looking on real oem for these parts when this subject was first introduced. It seems on real oem that the control panel is a different part number when you have the glass controls. Wonder if he's missing the correct circuitry because he didn't replace the control panel too.
All control panels have the same power. If you buy the glass shifter after market, all you have to do is VO Code 4A2 and it will work fine. I coded mine today and love it!
Did you also have to code any ECUs after adding the VO code?
Yes. I started with BDC, HU_MGU, DKombi and both FLAs but nothing. So I started from the top of the list with ACSM and skipped DME and DGS-VIP and before I got to the Ecus that started with I It lit up. Not sure if it was just a delay from the previous categories or if one of the other categories are the one that triggered it.
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      06-02-2020, 08:18 AM   #95
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Trojanlaw View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by VTENGR View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trojanlaw View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by VTENGR View Post
I remember looking on real oem for these parts when this subject was first introduced. It seems on real oem that the control panel is a different part number when you have the glass controls. Wonder if he's missing the correct circuitry because he didn't replace the control panel too.
All control panels have the same power. If you buy the glass shifter after market, all you have to do is VO Code 4A2 and it will work fine. I coded mine today and love it!
Did you also have to code any ECUs after adding the VO code?
Yes. I started with BDC, HU_MGU, DKombi and both FLAs but nothing. So I started from the top of the list with ACSM and skipped DME and DGS-VIP and before I got to the Ecus that started with I It lit up. Not sure if it was just a delay from the previous categories or if one of the other categories are the one that triggered it.
That's good to know for the next person wanting to retrofit. Thanks for the info.
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      06-02-2020, 07:47 PM   #96
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Though others dislike it, I think the crystal setup is pretty snazzy. I've ordered a shifter/start&stop button/iDrive "cover" and will post pics once I have it installed.
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      07-26-2020, 06:49 PM   #97
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New option for those of you who regret not getting the crystal shifter:

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      07-26-2020, 07:59 PM   #98
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Ok, gotta be real here for a minute. When I first saw the "crystal" shifter in the X5 I had no clue what the hell BMW designers were thinking. It is blocky and multifaceted (did not look comfortable) and seemed to be ridiculously big. I didn't mind the start button or the control surface at the base of the shifter, but both the idrive controller and the shifter looked butt ugly to me. Which is to say: I hated them. There was no way I was going to get that option.

Then I found the lightly-used X5 40i M sport for me, and it came with the glass controller. "Crap" I thought to myself... "I wonder if I can swap it out for something like the shifter in the X3, which I like the look of. And get a regular iDrive controller as well."

Then I picked up the car that I bought, and started to drive it, and thought "Meh, I guess it's not that bad." And then I took a look at the base x5 shifter and iDrive controller and thought "Wow, those do not look like they belong in a vehicle at this price point." And that's basically where I'm stuck at: They're not my favourite aesthetic, but they do look like they are of suitable quality for the interior of the car. They go well with the fineline wood and the extended coffee Merino leather. They look better than the basic parts, particularly the shifter and the control pad below it.

Now, would I pay extra for the option after this revelation? Probably not. But I would be looking for an aftermarket shifter lickety split. I wish they had a nice CF shifter I could get...
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      07-27-2020, 12:35 AM   #99
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The shifter is the cherry 🍒.
It definitely is a decorative piece and adds a sparkle to the interior. If you want the interior to feel and look fancy then it's a no brainer.

Also the glass controls don't scratch and feel solid and tight.
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      07-27-2020, 05:04 AM   #100
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thereef510 View Post
New option for those of you who regret not getting the crystal shifter:

Can you control the temp by turning it clockwise/counterclockwise too? Or at least pull on it and it cleans the windshield?
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      07-27-2020, 09:49 AM   #101
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thereef510 View Post
New option for those of you who regret not getting the crystal shifter:
So, you're saying they've been around for awhile, and are solid, reliable upgrades?
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      07-27-2020, 01:07 PM   #102
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The glass controls are a must in my opinion as the regular shifter just feels like pure plastic. At least the old joystick shifter on the E70 X5 looked and felt high quality.
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      07-29-2020, 02:52 PM   #103
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Originally Posted by Germanauto View Post
The glass controls are a must in my opinion as the regular shifter just feels like pure plastic. At least the old joystick shifter on the E70 X5 looked and felt high quality.
Totally agree with you, I already retrofitted my shifter to glass and love it, no regrets at all, regular shifts look way below the overall quality of the interior of the car
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      07-31-2020, 05:41 AM   #104
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Originally Posted by gpitts View Post
Yes you can. No issues at all as there is no crystal on top of the iDrive wheel/mouse. That said, you can enter the address by voice as well, which I find to be even more convenient.
BMW has definitely improved their voice capabilities. In my 2011 328 speaking any address is a total waste of time and never worked well. The X5 gets it right the first time and if its not clear will give you choices on the screen to pick from.
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      08-02-2020, 02:27 PM   #105
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Came across this aftermarket kit, minus radio volume control button. Claimed to be OEM quality although references “synthetic crystal”. Good reviews on Amazon for the iDrive multimedia controller.

https://www.car-analysis.com/BMW-Cry...5-X6-X7-Z4.htm
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      08-02-2020, 10:55 PM   #106
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Originally Posted by 3284me View Post
BMW has definitely improved their voice capabilities. In my 2011 328 speaking any address is a total waste of time and never worked well. The X5 gets it right the first time and if its not clear will give you choices on the screen to pick from.
The shift knob price is almost the same I paid for the OEM
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      09-04-2020, 04:53 PM   #107
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I purchased the start & stop and the multimedia crystal. Multimedia crystal looks good, but the start & stop button is raised and not flush. IMO the S&S looks a little fake.

Might try and find an OEM part number for that button.
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      09-04-2020, 08:30 PM   #108
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paulito240 View Post
I purchased the start & stop and the multimedia crystal. Multimedia crystal looks good, but the start & stop button is raised and not flush. IMO the S&S looks a little fake.

Might try and find an OEM part number for that button.
The OEM button will not fit the non Crystal Clarity gear shift controller unit. The button itself is a different design.
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      10-13-2020, 05:40 AM   #109
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I've recently taken delivery of my x5 with Crafted Clarity option and noticed that mine didn't include the volume knob in the crystal version.
When pointing that out to my sales rep he sent me a screenshot of the package details (BE market) and indeed, it only mentions the startstop/shiftstick/idrive controller to be included in the glass finish.
Weird that that part specifically is no longer included.
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      10-13-2020, 10:29 AM   #110
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pho View Post
I've recently taken delivery of my x5 with Crafted Clarity option and noticed that mine didn't include the volume knob in the crystal version.
When pointing that out to my sales rep he sent me a screenshot of the package details (BE market) and indeed, it only mentions the startstop/shiftstick/idrive controller to be included in the glass finish.
Weird that that part specifically is no longer included.
You can buy from here https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...000096396126.6
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