[Deano_uk]

I'm about to order a new f10 or maybe F11

I'm currently thinking of the Luxury spec as I spend a lot of time in traffic jams and like the idea of having more button to press to keep me occupied...

I don't have a huge budget for options via my car allowance which and obviously my allowance goes further on the F10 although I really want the F11.

I'm not a sporty driver just a motorway plodder so not sure if the Dynamic drive option that all the magazines rave about is essential for me. I don't have it on my F10 SE and can't say Ive ever thought about needing it.

I like the look of the multifunction display so thats on the list.

Thinking of Sophisto Grey with Oyster interior.
Sun protection glass
Sunroof

So what are the best bang for my buck options?

Also does can someone point out what options I code on the Luxury spec vehicle.

Thanks in advance
Deano

[JLR1969]

Active cruise and multi function display are a must and if you live in the country then adaptive lights.

[Gordon4499]

Automatic g/box is a must but you may considered that already.

[SpeedTrip]

Dump the sunroof, add Folding mirrors & reverse-assist camera - & if you can stretch to it, the Adaptive h/lamps are a real boon.

If an F11 in Grey / Black recommend the glossy black roof rails instead of the default ally colour - an option thats overlooked a lot, goes well with the window surrounds

[AP]

HUD
8 speed auto

I'd consider those must haves.

[Deano_uk]

Thanks for the ideas.
Defo going for Auto although do I need flappy paddles?
Will add folding and mirrors and reversing camera but I don't think my budget will stretch to HUD.

What about sports front seats?

[Gordon4499]

Originally Posted by Deano_uk

Thanks for the ideas.
Defo going for Auto although do I need flappy paddles?
Will add folding and mirrors and reversing camera but I don't think my budget will stretch to HUD.

What about sports front seats?

Flappy paddles do nothing for me, I tried it once and won't be using them again. in my opinion the 5 Series is not that kind of car.

I also have no idea what you need a reversing camera for when the parking sensors tell you all you need to know, however each to there own when it comes to options I suppose.

[Balster]

Active Cruise (Traffic Jam Assist) is a winner on Motorways.

[accordRE]

Sports seats are highly recommended. They look nicer and the thigh support and bolsters are extremely nice additions. I think that the sports seats also come with real leather, where the standard seats are trimmed in leatherette/vinyl

[Gordon4499]

Originally Posted by accordRE

Sports seats are highly recommended. They look nicer and the thigh support and bolsters are extremely nice additions. I think that the sports seats also come with real leather, where the standard seats are trimmed in leatherette/vinyl

Agree the sports seats are an improvement on the standard seats. I had the standard seats in my 520 and I was convinced it was real leather!

[SpeedTrip]

Originally Posted by Gordon4499

I also have no idea what you need a reversing camera for when the parking sensors tell you all you need to know, however each to theIr own when it comes to options I suppose.

Have you used the feature?

Its more than a simple Vid of the scene behind you, has guiderails superimposed and colour-coded graphics indicating which sensor has fired up .... and highlights small things that the sensors dont - like lazy bloody cats !

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by SpeedTrip

Have you used the feature?

Its more than a simple Vid of the scene behind you, has guiderails superimposed and colour-coded graphics indicating which sensor has fired up .... and highlights small things that the sensors dont - like lazy bloody cats !

I quite agree. Makes manoeuvring into a tight space a doodle. Also particularly useful if you tow and you want to back up to a trailer hitch.

[Gordon4499]

Originally Posted by SpeedTrip

Have you used the feature?

Its more than a simple Vid of the scene behind you, has guiderails superimposed and colour-coded graphics indicating which sensor has fired up .... and highlights small things that the sensors dont - like lazy bloody cats !

To be honest I haven't Speedtrip and I am sure it's a good feature, just not something I personally would spend 350 quid on.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Gordon4499

Flappy paddles do nothing for me, I tried it once and won't be using them again. in my opinion the 5 Series is not that kind of car.

I also have no idea what you need a reversing camera for when the parking sensors tell you all you need to know, however each to there own when it comes to options I suppose.

I use the paddles virtually every time I'm in my car. Perhaps it's the petrol engine being more addictive than a diesel, great to take charge of a few gear changes on acceleration.

I tried a couple of demo cars, which had a lot of the options, one had the full surround view camera option. My wife reckoned any car we bought ought to have them fitted. Very expensive options, but do work very well as extra eyes.

I looked for an ex BMW HQ car with a massive specification, all the sensible options fitted, cameras, HUD, speed limit feature, comfort access, full electric memory seats, etc., in total over £15k worth of options, at virtually no cost to me.

You just get used to the "extras", nothing in my car appears superfluous, the options make the 5-series an even better car.

HighlandPete

[Gordon4499]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

I use the paddles virtually every time I'm in my car. Perhaps it's the petrol engine being more addictive than a diesel, great to take charge of a few gear changes on acceleration.

I tried a couple of demo cars, which had a lot of the options, one had the full surround view camera option. My wife reckoned any car we bought ought to have them fitted. Very expensive options, but do work very well as extra eyes.

I looked for an ex BMW HQ car with a massive specification, all the sensible options fitted, cameras, HUD, speed limit feature, comfort access, full electric memory seats, etc., in total over £15k worth of options, at virtually no cost to me.

You just get used to the "extras", nothing in my car appears superfluous, the options make the 5-series an even better car.

HighlandPete

Yes would agree petrol is more suited to paddles.

You got a seriously good deal there Pete. If I had the budget it would be HUD, memory seats, and HK sound system for me, sadly I blew it all on a 3ltr engine

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Gordon4499

Yes would agree petrol is more suited to paddles.

You got a seriously good deal there Pete. .....

I certainly think so, one BMW UK director user, bought at just over a year old, less than 6k miles, more than 40% off list price.

535i is a brilliant package, enjoy every mile I drive in it.

HighlandPete

[immx]

Active cruise and reversing camera are the two that I'd say we're essential IMHO.

[accordRE]

Quite off topic but has anyone ever driven a 528i?

I'm considering changing my 520d for a petrol but haven't found much in the way of reviews or user experience

[dippo]

That would be your one month old 520d?

[jedpause]

From my experience, get the Xenon's or adaptive lights. The stock halogens are worse than a bicycle lamp. (I am out of touch with the latest 2014/5 light kit I hear they are all LED's or something now, so this may be less of an issue).

Also: 1) if you don't smoke, lose the smokers package and free up door sill space. 2) Folding side mirrors with auto-dimming, very useful/practical.

As others have said, Sport Auto is great.... I have the paddles, use them very rarely, just don't need them for my driving.

[Gordon4499]

Originally Posted by jedpause

From my experience, get the Halogens or adaptive lights. The stock halogens are worse than a bicycle lamp. (I am am out of touch with the latest 2014/5 light kit I hear they are all LED's or something now, so this may be less of an issue).

Agree the standard lights on the old car were worse than useless however, Xenons are standard on the LCI.

[accordRE]

Originally Posted by dippo

That would be your one month old 520d?

Indeed it would be!