2008 BMW X5 Customer Suggestions

As best as possible, we will featured unedited submissions from BMW X5 readers across the United States who send in their feedback.  I've been very pleased with the comments received to date and the time some have taken to be a thorough as possible.  The more comments you send  the more we can forward to BMW USA.   So here we go:

Joseph G. from Patterson New Jersey send us in his list of things he would like changed in the 2008 BMW X5:

1. 3.5 liter 6 as base level engine
2. no charge comfort access
3. power trunk lid
4. power 3rd row fold down (see GL450)
5. reclining 2nd row seating
6. no charge hd/sat radio
7. all-season option on 19, 20, and 21 inch wheels/tires combos
8. “real” M version using M5 10 cyl power plant
9. rear entertainment screen that can be seen from 3rd row seats
10. paddle shifters on sport package
11. more intuitive interface with I-drive
12. more voice commands/better nav/traffic interface (see MDX )
13. more competitive pricing with less “nickel and dime” options-just offer the most popular options in 3 or 4 “bundles” (i.e. Prem, Prem Sport, Prem Tech, Prem Sport Tech, etc.)

P. Gojenola from from area code 408 wrote

I’m waiting for the 2008 X5 to order one (along with a 335i). Wanted to let the quality issues flush out for one year on both cars. Wish List for 2008 X5:

1. Twin-Turbo Inline-6 (335i engine) on 6 cylinder model

2. You need more flexibility in the wheel/tire options for factory orders. I’m leaning toward the V8 as I the 3.0 liter doesn’t have the power needed for that size/weight of vehicle. However, I like the 19” Sport Package wheels of the 3.0 X5 better than the V8 sport package rims.

It would be nice to be able to order any rims/tires on any model. Second, if the 20” wheels offered an All-Season tire option I’d get those rims. Same goes for the AWESOME looking 21” wheels in the 2007 X5 accessory catalog. I LOVE those rims but buying them with summer tires for $6000 is a no-go.

A $1,500 factory option with a choice of All Season or Summer tires would be a no-brainer for me. X5 is an all-season vehicle and should offer All Season tires with all wheel packages, even if it’s optional.

3. Premium Sound package WITHOUT having to buy the 6 CD changer. I’ve got the premium sound package on my last 3 BMW’s and it’s always been a reasonable priced option that makes it a no-brainer option. With 5 iPods in our family we prefer the iPod integration (good work) so paying for a CD-changer that we won’t use is a waste of $$$. BMW should offer the premium stereo/speakers independent of the CD-changer.

4. Comfort Access is too expensive. Should be standard on the V8 at least.

5. The tailgate handle/latch feels a lot cheaper than the 2006 X5. It doesn’t feel refined or worthy of a $50K+ vehicle.

6. 2nd row seats should be able to recline on the standard model. Not having this option except when you get the third row seat give your competitors an edge.

Still looking forward to ordering a 2008 as you as I can.
 

G. Williams from Gaithersburg, MD wrote:

My wife and I will be replacing our current X5 and actually cancelled an order on the 2007 model as we would have waited too long for the options we wanted- if they were even available. We are planning on buying a 4.8 almost fully loaded to replace a 2001 4.4.

Here’s what we’d like most to see:

1. No bugs. We’re hearing some pretty significant complaints about the 2007 models.

2. A new supply chain manager and a more honest approach to advertising. We went through the ringer on Nappa leather tobacco sport seats. If BMW advertises an option it should be available. Or put a notice on the web site. We felt like airline passengers.

3. More color options- both interior and exterior. Particularly the saddle leather that is available everywhere in the world except the US. And a light blue metallic (or paint to choice) option for the exterior.

4. An improved I Drive. Why not get together with Apple and come up with something that really works? Sure beats spending millions with an ego-centric billionaire on slow boats. That’s what Cadillac is for.

5. Paddle shifters. They’d put a lot more “sport” in the “Sport” activity vehicle- and help separate BMW from a much closer pack. I can’t believe they weren’t available long ago.

7. Either a key or a Keyless start. NOT as a $1,000 “comfort access” option. BMW does know it’s standard on an Altima, right?

Of lesser importance (to us) would be a diesel option- particularly a powerful one to match the Toureag. We tow and we love the V8 but if the diesel were there we’d choose it instead.

X5 Submissions Requested

I you would like to share your experience with your 2007 BMW X5 or tell us what you would like in a future BMW X5, send us a note to : editor@2008BMWX5.com.  There are also some rumblings about a BMW X6.  If this proves to be true, we will develop a site specifically for that car.  Details will follow.

Brian Pasch

Editor

Looking Forward - BMW 2008 1 Series

We have developed two new websites for the BMW 1 Series cars that were recently announced.  Check out:  www.bmw128i.com and www.bmw135i.net.   If you are interested in learning more about these cars, you should signup for the 1 Series Advanced Notification List.  See websites for details.