[bd250]

I thought it might be interesting to see which options posters actually used every day and which ones were a "waste". There are some very big ticket items, like ACC or HUD, but what about cheaper options? Some might consider them things that should be standard anyway. I wanted a 520d MSport Auto, the dealer had the right colour combination in stock, but with folding seats and folding mirrors. I wouldn't have specified these on a factory build, but now I see their use.

M Sport+ cars, like mine, have sun protection glass and an auto dimming interior mirror. The wing mirrors can be really dazzling in this combination.
Ive also got folding rear seats, which makes trips to ikea/b&q etc a breeze.

Are there other "cheap options" posters have specified, or found their car has, which have turned out to be useful?

[xs2man]

Sports Auto is the best, cheapest option available on this car (assuming you are already picking Auto in the first place). It really should be an opt out rather than opt in option.

The Multi Function display is something I would always spec again. 100%.

I would always also spec the folding mirrors. OK, they aint for everyone, but my garage can be tight, and it just gives that extra bit of room to get in. Would always spec that.

I'm unlikely to go for a saloon, so split / fold seats are going to be standard on my estates. But IF I did get a saloon, like yours, I would have the folding seats.

Mine was a factory order, so didn't have anything I didn't spec. But in future, I would definitely spec the adaptive lights. LED's wouldn't matter too much, but adaptive would be a must have now I know what they do over and above the e series adaptives.

[xenon]

Sports Auto no longer available on the 520d

[xs2man]

But should be opt out on vehicles you can get it on.

[AP]

you might like some of the wood trims
rear camera whilst perhaps not necessary is a nice addition and handy.
upgraded hifi - (not the bose one)
if you havn't specified a hud, the windscreen with a grey strip at the top.
ceramic controls

[The Beast]

The enhanced bluetooth, never listened to music on my phone but now it's loaded with tracks as I can stream to the car. No more cd's or usb sticks, simply purchase download and add to a playlist!

I use this every day and think it's one of the best options on the car

[E60MKF]

With the LCI I would say extended USB as I love plugging in my iPhone and having all my music (, SMS and emails which worked with my iPhone 5 but not my 5S...) accessible through iDrive, a lot safer than using the Audio AUX for selecting music. I have a pre-LCI so it was part of the media package- phew!

[davewf]

My car came with a heated steering wheel, its fantastic in the winter definitely would option it for next car.

[Gordon4499]

I don't really have any options but after years of driving clapped out Vauxhalls, I am happy that it starts In the morning. best feature for sure...

[Piers]

Mine is exactly as I specced it, so I am happy as a pig in shit.

My favs -

Oyster leather - just beautiful after years of black
Multi Function Display - does more and more you didnt even know every week
Folding mirrors
Ambient Lighting
Dark glass from factory ( in MSport+ pack)
HK

[Balster]

Mine is specced to my requirements too. I find all of the items useful during most journeys. The 2 cameras on the front bumper are critical at some junctions when visibility is obscured(long bonnet) - sometimes the driver in the car behind me cannot understand why I don't look both ways when I set off from a junction and never hit an oncoming car

[The Beast]

Also love the upgraded hifi system, so much better than the standard system. Haven't had such good sound in a car since I was 20 and used run 3000 watts in my Golf GTI...

Again another option I get benefit from every day.

[The Beast]

On a roll now, voice activation is also great.

Never used it on the X5 as it never understood me and would select random functions. This system is a lot better and generally gets it right with some exceptions

[Piers]

Originally Posted by The Beast

On a roll now, voice activation is also great.

Never used it on the X5 as it never understood me and would select random functions. This system is a lot better and generally gets it right with some exceptions

Completely agree, and this comes free!

[remmib]

I really like the 6WA extended info cluster if I'm gonna pick a cheap option.
It might be standard in UK though.

[m@rk]

Originally Posted by Piers

Completely agree, and this comes free!

Voice activation is not standard

[Piers]

Originally Posted by m@rk

Voice activation is not standard

Oh sorry Did it come with ProMedia maybe, not sure, I definitely did'nt spec it separately

[immx]

For small options, the reversing camera is essential, in my opinion.

[Fox530]

Originally Posted by xs2man

Sports Auto is the best, cheapest option available on this car (assuming you are already picking Auto in the first place). It really should be an opt out rather than opt in option.

Totally this - given when the F10 came out it was what, £110, it was staggering how few cars had it and how hard it was to find one with it. Makes such a difference!

[Gordon4499]

Originally Posted by Fox530

Totally this - given when the F10 came out it was what, £110, it was staggering how few cars had it and how hard it was to find one with it. Makes such a difference!

Completely agree, big difference for little cash..