What spec should I order on new 535d sport ?

[por911t]

Hi ,

After much deliberation , now that my 996 turbo has been sold , I have more or less decided to order a new 535d sport as it fits the bill with the family etc . I know that the correct spec on cars is vital nowadays ( for resale purposes etc ) and not being 100% familiar with the marque I want to be sure to get it right and would appreciate your feedback on this . I would hate to blissfully and unknowingly end up with an odd spec due to my lack of indepth knowledge on the model (ie vinyl roof , velour upholstery & wheel trims !!! )- Im sure you get my drift.... thanks again

[off_again]

From what I understand the M Sport package is pretty comprehensive. You will get all of the usual stuff like aircon (may even be climate on the 535d) and CD etc. However, ones that I am hearing are not necessarily worthwhile are the Climate Control plus (gives you different dials and thats about it), Logic 7 is a hit or miss for most people (some say its excellent while others say its just not worth the extra). The satnav with TMC is good, and to be honest I suspect its going to be expected to have at least the satnav, but maybe not professional version. The HUD for the satnav is a real techno-geek gadget - I think its great, but to be honest no one really needs it. However, leather and metallic paint are going to be expected. Active steering is another hit and miss one too. A chap on the 5 Series owners board just bought an E60 with active steering and says he cant notice the difference - so might not be essential. The only other one that seems to have an affect on resale is the bluetooth phone - now, the older version was a bit crap and only worked with certain phones. The new version is better and works pretty well, but do check out that your phone works (Nokia and Ericsson ones do from what I hear). Its a good package and increasingly its looked for - though I cant help thinking that people buy the E60 with bluetooth only to get the car home and find their phone doesnt work! Sorry I seem to be rambling.... best finish with a summary:

Active steering - hit or miss - try it to see if you want it
Cruise - standard
Aircon - standard
Metalic paint - standard
Leather - do it
Satnav - recommended, but maybe not the professional
TV - nah - gimmick
HUD - gimmick - but I would!
Bluetooth - check it works for you - may be part of the pack for the satnav though
Logic 7 - hit or miss - again try it
19" wheels - look great but not sure - one advantage is that the 19's are NOT runflats though
6 CD changer - do it
Voice control - gimmick - works well, but personal choice
Auto dim and folding mirrors - I would (I have them at the moment and they are great) - Very expensive to replace though
Seats - leather is fine - electric comfort etc - try them
Active cruise control - works well, but again a bit of a gimmick
Adaptive headlights - no idea
Xenon lights - yes, worth it with the washers too

Thats about it though - all in my opinion and feedback from other E60 owners - but to be honest spec it how you want it though. Its your car so enjoy it....

[olf]

A strange perspective but in about 3 or 4 years I'll be looking to E60.

Things I wouldn't go without are:

Hi spec sat nav
Blue tooth
Xenons
and I think I would be very very tempted bu HUD!

[Ginger2003]

High spec SatNav is good if you often go to places when you don't know where you're going. On the other hand, it is expensive and you won't see all that cost back when you sell. Also, before forking out for bluetooth, make sure you have a compatible phone!!

Edited by Ginger2003 on Wednesday 30th August 23:20

[olf]

Ginger2003 said:

High spec SatNav is good if you often go to places when you don't know where you're going. On the other hand, it is expensive and you won't see all that cost back when you sell. Also, before forking out for bluetooth, make sure you have a compatible phone!!

Edited by Ginger2003 on Wednesday 30th August 23:20

Won't see all the cost back when you sell? Have you sold a car recently? They do have a habit of not quite being worth what you paid for them...

[StuB]

I'd recommend looking on the BMW website for a pre-reg/demo car and save £££'s!

[davidd]

olf said:

A strange perspective but in about 3 or 4 years I'll be looking to E60.

Things I wouldn't go without are:

Hi spec sat nav
Blue tooth
Xenons
and I think I would be very very tempted bu HUD!

A 535d might be on my list, there is no way I'd pay for their satnav and unless the bluetooth is much better than the version in my curretn 04 car then I would not bother with that either.

D

[Zod]

Get the HUD. It is fantastic. All cars will have these soon.

[por911t]

Yet the PH forum produces the goods - many thanks for you input lads ( & lassies !?)Im now abit clearer in the 535 specs and options

[bobthemonkey]

if you're after nav/bluetooth choose he media pack, it saves some cash, apart from that t get it in m-sport spec and forget about anything else (well maybe isofix and the HUD)

haven't tried the HUD, but the bluetooth and prof nav(moving map, whereas business is just arrows) is damn good on the e60, once you get used to iDrive, which really isn't as abad as people make out, if you can use an ipod then its just as easy.

[Ginger2003]

olf said:

Ginger2003 said:

High spec SatNav is good if you often go to places when you don't know where you're going. On the other hand, it is expensive and you won't see all that cost back when you sell. Also, before forking out for bluetooth, make sure you have a compatible phone!!

Edited by Ginger2003 on Wednesday 30th August 23:20

Won't see all the cost back when you sell? Have you sold a car recently? They do have a habit of not quite being worth what you paid for them...

You don't say.

However, with some options such as leather seats, the extra initial outlay is worth it because you get almost all of that money back when you sell (when compared to a car that didn't have the leather.) However, IMO, SATNAV is not one of those options.

Edited by Ginger2003 on Friday 1st September 20:39

[Beemer-5]

Tick everything if you can afford it!