Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Running Boards

We made a change to the order today.  We added option 328, Aluminum Running Boards.  Originally we didn't have these on the car, but we think that our daughter will use them to get into the back of the car and we think we'll use them when cleaning the roof of the car and/or loading the roof rack.  The parts cost about $560 (without labor) if you add them after you own the car, so it makes sense to get them with the car if you think you want them.  We were worried about getting pant legs dirty when exiting, but the consensus is they are small enough this isn't an issue.

Monday, March 14, 2016

F15 X5 M50d details

Sadly, you cannot buy the M50d in the US.  In addition to the massively cool engine, there are a few details on the car you can't get here either...  I do not care for the current BMW marketing at all, I guess I am old-school.  Don't call the car an X5 Xdrive 35i if the engine has only 3.0 liters of displacement!  I prefer the old way when a 328 was actually a 2.8 liter and a 320 was a 2.0.  We do plan to de-badge our car soon after delivery.  But, I am tempted to source an X5 M50d badge and apply the "X5d" part of the badge to the back of our car.



F15 X5 Security Model

I have to re-post this because I don't even think my wife will believe it.  Cool.

BMW Press Release 9/2013...

Alongside the debut of the new BMW X5 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show 2013, BMW will also be presenting a Security model based on this handsome SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle): the BMW Concept X5 Security Plus.

Munich. At the Frankfurt International Motor Show 2013, BMW will be presenting the third generation of its highly successfulSAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), together with a third generation of a Security version based on the regular model. The BMW Concept X5 Security Plus is the only vehicle in this class which fulfills the requirements of protection level VR6. Offering all-round protection against violent assault, kidnapping and organised crime, this model therefore meets the needs of risk-exposed private individuals and prominent public figures with enhanced security needs. Particularly in regions like South America, Africa or Russia, these are often important customer considerations. BMW has also developed a further version, the BMW X5 Security, which meets the requirements of protection level VR4 and provides reliable protection against general street crime. Both the BMW X5 Security and the BMW Concept X5 Security Plus combine effective occupant protection and generous comfort with the dynamic performance, agility and versatility typical of the BMW X models.
  
Built around an armoured passenger cell. The BMW Concept X5 Security Plus protection concept is based on an armoured passenger cell constructed from high-performance steel mouldings and panels and offering secure protection for up to four occupants against assault from the world’s most popular firearm, the AK-47. To prevent bullet or fragment penetration it features sealed joints which provide protection specifically, for example, in the critical areas around doors or where panels adjoin body pillars. The security glass specially developed for this protection level is also resistant to attack by blunt weapons. The polycarbonate coating on the inside of the glass provides effective protection against flying splinters. Thanks to its excellent driveability – not least due to the superior performance of the powerful 330 kW/450 hp V8 petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system – the BMW Concept X5 Security Plus can be manoeuvred safely even in difficult situations, both on and off surfaced roads.
  
Integrated security features for maximum protection. As with all BMW Security models, the preparations for fitting the security-specific components and technologies of the BMW Concept X5 Security Plus were integrated from the outset in the development of the regular BMW X5 production model. As a result, the integrated system takes into account all active and passive safety criteria and offers maximum protection. At the same time the chassis, electronic management systems and brake system have been optimally adapted to the increased vehicle weight. The performance of these models is therefore virtually on a par with a regular BMW X5 model.
In addition, all BMW Security models are subjected to strict tests and internal proving which in some cases go far beyond statutory testing requirements. Hot-climate and cold-climate testing, for example, ensures the reliability and operational capability of BMW Security models even under extreme conditions. The extensive security concept also includes training programmes to instruct drivers in the correct handling and operation of Security vehicles.
Security discreetly integrated ex-works. The Security models based on the new BMW X5 are built in parallel with the regular production models at the BMW Spartanburg plant in the USA. The special security features themselves are installed by a highly skilled specialist workforce at the Toluca plant in Mexico. Unlike retrofitted armouring, which can still leave chinks in the protection, or can put excess strain on certain components due to the extra weight, the integrated factory-fitted BMW security features provide seamless protection and exclude the risk of potential weak links. A further bonus of BMW Security models is the discreet integration of their security features. Even to an expert eye, the BMW Concept X5 Security Plus is virtually indistinguishable from a regular production model – because anonymity too can be a useful security feature.
  
Uncompromising protection and comfort. The BMW Concept X5 Security Plus is equally at home handling everyday driving situations and in situations which call for enhanced protection and nimble reactions. And despite the additional components designed to keep its occupants safe and sound, the BMW Concept X5 Security Plus offers the same comfort and
convenience familiar from regular BMW models. Ergonomic design, spaciousness and choice of optional equipment leave nothing to be desired. The Intelligent Emergency Call system is standard, while almost the entire BMW ConnectedDrive portfolio, with its extensive communication and information features and wide range of driver assistance systems, is optionally available.
 Customised security solutions. Up front, BMW offers prospective customers discreet and confidential advice from highly competent experts, while the international BMW service network provides personalised support and dependable parts supplies. BMW can also offer unique security specification features which are tailored to the particular personal risk scenarios customers face and precisely meet these individual needs. BMW Security models can, for example, be supplied with LED strobe lights in the radiator grille, roof beacons with a siren system or an auxiliary battery. With this level of flexibility, BMW is able to provide highly customised solutions to meet special requirements, which also means a continuous expansion of the range of security systems and technologies offered.

 

F15 X5 Press Photos

Circa 2013 when the car was first unveiled...



















F15 X5 Concept Drawings

There are lots of press photos floating around of the F15 when it was first introduced.  Included in the press kit, but less widely popular, are photos of the original concept sketches and plans for the car.  I like them.  For public record, I am posting them here.












Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Ordering the car

We put an order in the system Monday February 29th, and officially ordered the car yesterday, March 1st.

The particular specifications and options:
X5d
No Line
Mineral Silver Metallic
Black Dakota Leather
Pure fineline wood
Luxury Seating Pkg
HK Audio
3rd Row Seat
Driver Assistance Pkg
Premium Pkg
Rear sunblinds
Soft Close Doors
Surround View

We ordered the car from Jon Shafer at BMW of Santa Barbara.  We did it all with a few emails.  Not even a phone call.  Great price and no hassle.  Our plan is to do Performance Center Delivery, since we live in South Carolina.  We are replacing my wife Rachel's 2005 GMC Canyon crew cab, so this will be quite a step up!

Jon was able to get us a production number on March 1st and the car is scheduled for production week 14, or the first week in April.

We tried to order the car in Long Beach Blue Metallic, an X5M/X6M color, but it is not possible.  Even for a $5000 Individual paint charge.  We wanted to buy Nappa leather instead of Dakota, but agreed Ivory White Nappa wasn't wise with our 2-year-old and could not agree on Mocha Nappa Leather.  Since ventillated seats aren't offered with Ivory White Dakota leather, Black Dakota was the choice.  I think we probably would have been customers for the X-line package, but the 2016 X-line was de-contented and the $2000 for wheels didn't seem like a good value to us.

Premium package seems like a scam for the price, but that's the only way to get Comfort Access.