[PhilT3]

My X5 has THE BEST cup holders of ANY vehicle I've owned.

I am about to place my order for my 550. The only thing I am not looking forward to is how the cup holders (when in use) block the HVAC controls!!

What do you do to help the situation?

I am working with my dad who is a metal fabricator to construct something for the spot by my right leg on the floor right next to the center console hump and close to the seat...that little corner seems to have a little spot I could fashion a cup holder. It would work, because I am really just concerned about my water bottles.

[wrickem]

How often do you touch your HVAC controls? I don't think I've touched mine in a month.

[JerimiahLee]

At least they beat the horrible ones in the E60. Had the passenger side holder replaced twice!

[Mbbrewer]

Originally Posted by wrickem

How often do you touch your HVAC controls? I don't think I've touched mine in a month.

Agreed. I set mine on auto at 70 degrees year round and never change it.

[PhilT3]

Lol... We'll I've always known I was high maintenance...

I find I adjust the temp and fan speed, etc...Quite often. I run hot all year round and depending on if I am heading to a meeting in a suit, going to the gym in gym clothes, or casual for errands, etc... I find I need to adjust the HVAC pretty regularly.

[Sharbotcom]

Originally Posted by PhilT3

Lol... We'll I've always known I was high maintenance...

I find I adjust the temp and fan speed, etc...Quite often. I run hot all year round and depending on if I am heading to a meeting in a suit, going to the gym in gym clothes, or casual for errands, etc... I find I need to adjust the HVAC pretty regularly.

Phil:

You will find that you can leave the temperature set to 70 (or whatever) with the control set to and to cool down or heat up you simply scroll the dash ambient temperature control towards red or blue as needed. This keeps the cabin temperature set to what temperature you have chosen but adjusts the air flow you feel hitting you to a cooler or warmer temperature. If you have a tall travel mug in your cup holder it will not interfere with your access to scroll wheel.

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by Sharbotcom

Phil:

You will find that you can leave the temperature set to 70 (or whatever) with the control set to and to cool down or heat up you simply scroll the dash ambient temperature control towards red or blue as needed. This keeps the cabin temperature set to what temperature you have chosen but adjusts the air flow you feel hitting you to a cooler or warmer temperature. If you have a tall travel mug in your cup holder it will not interfere with your access to scroll wheel.

Agreed 100%. I find that with BMW''s auto climate, it always gets the car more comfortable quicker than with anything or setting I can do for myself. Maybe sometimes I might lower or raise the temp, that dial shouldn't be obscured by the cup holder, but it's been months since I've touched it so I'm really not positive.

One thing though, the LCI cup holders are better than the pre-LCI because they don't have that springy extra part in them anymore. Mine makes a great change holder since I don't drink in my car.

Phil, if you haven't placed your order yet, you might like the ventilated seats. I find they work nicely to help cool you down.

[pillpusher84]

Originally Posted by wrickem

Phil, if you haven't placed your order yet, you might like the ventilated seats. I find they work nicely to help cool you down.

+1 ... definitely a must ZLS - Luxury Seating Package

[raleedy]

The more you change the HVAC controls, the more they need changing. Full defrost and Max AC are the only changes I ever need.

Then there's the matter of hot, cold and sugary liquids in the car. Not for me.

[ak_ka]

Originally Posted by wrickem

Phil, if you haven't placed your order yet, you might like the ventilated seats. I find they work nicely to help cool you down.

Not Necessarily. They just recirculate air from below your seat up. If the car is fairly hot, it won't cool you down until the car itself is.

[PhilT3]

Great insight guys! Thanks! I will try your suggestions.

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by ak_ka

Not Necessarily. They just recirculate air from below your seat up. If the car is fairly hot, it won't cool you down until the car itself is.

I agree in theory, but even on the hottest day and with black leather, they cool you down way faster without getting swamp-azz than without them. I've never had a deluge of hot air blowing from them and never get the back sweat I would occasionally get with my creme beige non vent on my old 335.

[ezmaass]

I also just set to 70 and leave it. On some of the hottest days I'll drop the temp to 68 or just hit the MAX A/C for a short while. Excited to try the ventilated seats come summer.

[Bmoney2K4]

give me a break

[PhilT3]

When you're in Philly next I can break you off a kit kat...

[Bmoney2K4]

It's all good. I wasn't saying it to be mean. You have a great car. Enjoy it.

[PhilT3]

No worries bud. I enjoy breaking things. Lol.

[Db6]

When it's hot out and I put a cup of coffee in the holder, the AC kicks up a bunch of notches. Opposite happens with the heat. Not all that well thought out.

[PhilT3]

I sat in an S6 the other day. Not a bad interior. Much more modern. Bit the best thing... They have nice bottle holders in the doors! Now that is what I want in my 5er!

[jayy178]

its alot better than the e9x series vehicles. Those flimsy holders were worthless and prone to spilling over with spirited driving