[pb12]

Hi folks

Getting very close to ordering a 535xi. I could use some input on a couple of the options.

Firstly, one of the main reasons i am considdering this car is because the multi-contour seats are so comfortable. I drive about 30,000 miles a year, and want the best seats i can buy. I have not found a car to sit in the has the active version of the multi-contour seat. I am hoping someone on is forum has sat in both, and can reassure me the the comfort level is the same. I am slightly concerned that the bottom cushion may not be quite as supple because of the active bladder. Should i be?

Secondly, i love the idea of a HUD, and am just curious if the "full color" version has made it to the USA yet. I have found a few threads asking about it, but have not seen any where someone has actually seen it here in the US yet. I will order it either way in all likelyhood, but am curious if the new version is yet available here.

Lastly, i dont love the idea of RFT at all, even less so with all the issues folks are having with the goodyears. Has anyone confirmed if the X5 spare would fit this car or not?

Thanks all!
M

[Needsdecaf]

1. Yes, the active multi-contours are just as comfortable.
2. Yes, the full color HUD is here, there are several users, in a big, big thread.
3. If you order RWD, you won't get the problematic goodyears.

[gunship guy]

PB12

I just ordered a US configured 550 this past week and will take delivery in SC sometime in the middle of July.

1. I loved the multi-contor seats and got them as well, but avoided the active seat package as I didn't like all the little holes in the nappa leather. The cooling I tried out only worked with very thin clothes or direct skin contact, otherwise I didn't feel it. I think over time these little holes will cause splits or become filled with gunk or leather cleaners.

2. I hope this one is full color as I ordered it too, but BMWUSA.com still reflects the original HUD. Regardless I am unimpressed with the amount of info on the HUD, but got it anyway. I fly with a HUD that shows 10 times that amount of info, to include heading/altitude/airspeed, gun/target information, steering commands, and most importantly range/bearing of target to nearest friendly position. I would like this one to show in addition to speed/directional information, the gear you are in, tac, speed limit, and would a built in radar detector be asking too much?!?

3. I don't know, but I am ditching the RFTs at the earliest reasonable opportunity in favor of some pilot super sports!

Good luck ordering.

[EdM5]

Originally Posted by gunship guy

The cooling I tried out only worked with very thin clothes or direct skin contact, otherwise I didn't feel it.

So, what do you suggest, drive around naked?

[gunship guy]

I didn't get them, that was my solution. For me it came down to cooling effect vs perforated nappa leather. I thought the perforations would cause issues with the leather in the long run. The cooling effect was not worth it, naked or not.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by gunship guy

I didn't get them, that was my solution. For me it came down to cooling effect vs perforated nappa leather. I thought the perforations would cause issues with the leather in the long run. The cooling effect was not worth it, naked or not.

There are a ton of cars with perforated leather, with zero issues.

[MBrown1003]

I "car-sit" a Lexus LS430 for the summer. The car is jet black with a black interior. The car and its owner -- my father -- spend the winters in southern Florida. As some of you know, New England can get quite warm and humid in the summer. The cooled seats are noticeable in jeans or dress trousers. Matter of fact, I've forgotten about them being on a couple of times, and gotten cold. The car is a 2005, and the upholstery is in great condition.

Based on my experience in the Lexus, I ordered cooled seats in my 550i.

[pharding]

Definitely add Active Cruise control. It is the best option.

[bfv]

Originally Posted by pb12

Hi folks

I have not found a car to sit in the has the active version of the multi-contour seat.
M

Active seats have fluid filled cavities (or bags) inside the seats and they are filled in & out periodically to change seating position succinctly in order to move your muscle and spine. All of the above is done imperceptibly. Thus, unless someone with this option drove for more than a few hours at a stretch and opined, you'll never know. IMO, if you are driving for >4-5 hours at a stretch, you should consider these seats.

[pb12]

thanks all, that is helpful. I will include the seats, as I do frequently drive 4+ hours straight. And I will absolutely be ordering the active cruise control, it is one of the main reasons I am changing cars. I have lusted after this option since first experiencing it in a Mercedes E-class.

M

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by bfv

Active seats have fluid filled cavities (or bags) inside the seats and they are filled in & out periodically to change seating position succinctly in order to move your muscle and spine. All of the above is done imperceptibly. Thus, unless someone with this option drove for more than a few hours at a stretch and opined, you'll never know. IMO, :

Periodically? Imperceptibly? Never know?

Not hardly.

More like every 10 seconds, quite perceptible and quite noticeable.

I haven't had a long enough trip to see how they've worked out but for now, I'm just using the vented portion of this option.

[RH512]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Periodically? Imperceptibly? Never know?

Not hardly.

More like every 10 seconds, quite perceptible and quite noticeable.

I haven't had a long enough trip to see how they've worked out but for now, I'm just using the vented portion of this option.

I agree, not subtle at all.
Not sure if I like it... but have not had a long enough trip to see the benefit.

[pb12]

Needsdecaf & RH512, is it a strange or odd feeling? Do you regret them in anyway? Do you agree they are just as comfortable as the "standard" comfort seat?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
M

[RH512]

Best as I remember from test drives they are just as comfortable.

As to the feeling, yeah a little strange. Kinda one butt up and one butt down. Had the same concept on M-B seats and it was much better.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by pb12

Needsdecaf & RH512, is it a strange or odd feeling? Do you regret them in anyway? Do you agree they are just as comfortable as the "standard" comfort seat?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
M

Meh, it's not that strange. It's noticeable though. Not uncomfortable, but a bit strange.