[Soon ExAudi Guy]

Maybe I am stating the obvious but in reviewing a dealer bulletin with my dealer, it clearly states x drive vehicles will not have electric power assisted steering (and thus the auto park feature is not available).

This would seem to provide an alternative to those who hate the lack of steering feel provided as a result of the electric assisted steering

[morrisond]

Fantastic, now lets hope it isn't a wet noodle in handling. Is it higher than the i?

[morrisond]

Can you post the bulletin, or do you remember if there are the same options as the i? Is the 528xi available in Canada?

[Soon ExAudi Guy]

I'll see what I can do. What I noted was as follows:

- No xDrive available for the 528

- All season run flats on both 535/550ix

- Same rims for iDrive models as 535/550i models

- Same width tires front/back (245s), vs 245 front/275 back when equipped with performance tires

- In Canada, headlamp washers standard

- No IAS

- No 6 speed manual available

- 200 lbs heavier, same height


Everything else is the same as the regular 535/550i models

Other noes on the bulletin refers to the addition of the new version of Connected Drive for Sept builds (text to voice for Blackberry phones...as soon as RIM releases V6 of it's OS, etc.), and the deletion of the 12v socket in the centre console storage box and in below the air vents in the rear centre console.

[ghueser]

Why would BMW delete the 12V socket? Does this only apply to Canadian X drive models?

Can you give us a link to the Bulletin?

Thanks

[Soon ExAudi Guy]

Originally Posted by ghueser

Why would BMW delete the 12V socket? Does this only apply to Canadian X drive models?

Can you give us a link to the Bulletin?

Thanks

I am trying to obtain the bulletin (I reviewed it and took notes but did not get a copy), but I know that the bulletin did not elaborate on the reason for this change.

Perhaps with the hardware changes relating to the updated ConnectedDrive (allowing for a standard iPod cord to be used to connect to the system, and the new software functionality), there was a need for additional space thus the removal of the extra 12v sockets in that center console area?

I do not have nor have seen a US bulletin to compare what is happening in the US, but one would think that this kind of change would be uniform across all versions.

[akhter]

Originally Posted by ghueser

Why would BMW delete the 12V socket? Does this only apply to Canadian X drive models?

Can you give us a link to the Bulletin?

Thanks

Probably because the new USB ipod doesn't need the Y cable and can charge off the USB port. I actually prefer this--would rather have an uncluttered storage...

[RC3]

Originally Posted by akhter

Probably because the new USB ipod doesn't need the Y cable and can charge off the USB port. I actually prefer this--would rather have an uncluttered storage...

is that confirmed? i was told by my dealer that i can not charge my iphone via the usb port. and he did not tell me that the 12v socket. also with the socket it is impossible for me to use the socket type portable vacuum cleaner.

[akhter]

Originally Posted by RC3

is that confirmed? i was told by my dealer that i can not charge my iphone via the usb port. and he did not tell me that the 12v socket. also with the socket it is impossible for me to use the socket type portable vacuum cleaner.

What is confirmed is from sep production you don't need y-cable for ipod--you can use regular ipod cable to play and charge.

I am assuming since the above is true, the removal of the socket is related since you don't need it any more for audio players.

[TDS1]

Has anyone found a confirmation of no EPS in the Xdrive version? Everything I find says that it will have EPS in US xDrive models but they are nothing official.

[Soon ExAudi Guy]

I viewed this in the bulletin I reviewed. It said "Xdrive vehicles do not come with electric power assisted steering and thus are not compatible for Park Assistant"

[TDS1]

Originally Posted by Soon ExAudi Guy

I viewed this in the bulletin I reviewed. It said "Xdrive vehicles do not come with electric power assisted steering and thus are not compatible for Park Assistant"

Interesting. Strange that this isn't getting more attention as there seems to have been a lot of criticism leveled at the electric power assisted steering.

[Soon ExAudi Guy]

I've been saying this for a while on various posts. I think it's significant and it offers an alternative albeit for more money, more vehicle weight, and with the loss of performance tires (same rims, but the vehicle is shipped with all seasons ... in Canada anyway)

[TDS1]

The vehicle weight difference is only 143 pounds on the 535 xdrive vs regular, versus 242 pounds difference last year. So, somehow they have improved the weight difference on the Xdrive cars. Will be interested in seeing the MPG difference when it is available. Doesn't seem like the Xdrive should be much of an effect on MPG.

[akhter]

i would much rather have a rwd car (since snow isn't a problem here) and have the sport transmission that tightens the steering than go awd+150lb.

[skeemr4]

Originally Posted by akhter

i would much rather have a rwd car (since snow isn't a problem here) and have the sport transmission that tightens the steering than go awd+150lb.

you can still get the sport transmission on the xdrive. I did when I ordered my car.

[HaloEye]

so this is a good thing right? every time i read a review the person complains about feeling disconnected from the road due to the electronic steering. is this for US models also?