Which options recommended for future first time parent

TheBear · 03-08-2011, 05:07 PM

Hi, I just placed an order for my F10 (delivery end of April), but still have about 1 week (or so?) to make changes (if any).

The specs are as follows:
Sophisto Grey
Oyster/black Dakota leather
Turbine style 18" wheels
Auto sport gear
Pretty much all options, except no Msport, no night vision, no rear entertainment and no ventilated seats.

I still have a little dilemma: in about 2 months I will become Father for the first time and my obvious priority is the comfort and safety of my wife and future kid. HOWEVER, design is also important to me (not as much as the above, though

). Therefore, please help me with your "enlightened" advice:

I still have a little "extra" budget (about 2000 Swiss francs (say about 2000 USD or 1500 EUR) to make changes. Shall I:
- upgrade leather to Nappa (did not select it due to kid arrival)
- upgrade wheels to 19", style 331 (again did select only 18" for comfort considerations, but heart leaning towards 19")
- take ventilated seats
- take leather dashboard
- change anything else I didn't think about
- just leave as it is

Please advise me within my budget and considering future kid arrival...

Thank you in advance for your help!!!

TheBear · 03-08-2011, 05:18 PM

Ooops... forgot to mention it will be a 535i, but that does not change the story :-)

Touring · 03-08-2011, 05:27 PM

Buy a stationwagon. and earplugs :-)

RH512 · 03-08-2011, 05:42 PM

rear entertainment for sure unless you'll only keep the car a few years.

kscarrol · 03-08-2011, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Touring

Buy a stationwagon. and earplugs :-)

I'd pass on rear seat entertainment. Frankly it will be a couple of years before the kids would really use it anyway...

f10fan · 03-08-2011, 06:19 PM

Congratulations to you my friend as a father yet to be, if you want a stylish car then i would highly recommend the following specs: Space Grey looks stunning whether the sun is shining or not, since you're gonna have a kid don't bother with nappa leather, dakota still feels and looks luxurious but keep the oyster/black trim. Then definitely get 19" style 331 wheels, they are the best looking wheels on the F10. Get the rear entertainment, your child will love it! (i have it on my car, trust me on this one) don't take leather dashboard instead go for VDC (Variable Damper Control) it will help you and your rear passengers relax more and be able to watch movies while you're driving. If you got any money left, get the Automatic Tailgate Operation this will make your life so much easier because you will use a pushchair/buggy quite frequently. Either way, always think of how you are going to use the car not so important how the car looks because BMW has already thought about the interior and exterior design well before us, Good luck

Scottish John · 03-08-2011, 06:32 PM

Forget BMW rear entertainment. I got Nextbase 9 single with stanchion mount and infra red earphones. It gives you easy secure fixing and as you bought stanchion you can still have portability if you want to temporary transfer. It slips out of secure holder and sits nicely in rear seat pocket out of view. The cable fits down side of chair and i hard wired into rear cig lighter. You get portable cable kit and can remove for new car.

Cost £200 UK pounds

ghueser · 03-08-2011, 09:34 PM

Did you get Rear Fold Down Seats? Those might come in handy.

delvek · 03-09-2011, 01:17 AM

Congrats on your upcoming addition!

As a father of 3 back seat passengers, 12, 10 and 1 month I ordered:
- rear sunshades
- heated rear seats
- 4 zone climate control

I did not order:
- split seats (cant fold with 3 in, even with one, you wouldnt drive around with one side down imo)
- entertainment dvd (not much into the dvd system thing, just personal opinion)

I think thats all that would be relevant. Good luck!

Matt01 · 03-09-2011, 01:32 AM

I know it's a little of point, can you change to a F11??? As a dad to a 13 month old you will need it... A friend of mine has an A6 Avant and still he needed a roof box to go away for a weeks holiday!!!

Shake n Bake · 03-09-2011, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt01

I know it's a little of point, can you change to a F11??? As a dad to a 13 month old you will need it... A friend of mine has an A6 Avant and still he needed a roof box to go away for a weeks holiday!!!

Could not agree more. You are going to be amazed at the volume of stuff you will carry on every trip you do with a kiddie. The Touring will be so advantageous. On those days where you are all going on holiday and have luggage to add to all the usual stuff it's invaluable. Even grocery shopping Is a challenge when the boot is full of pushchair, changing gear and some toys.

ukgthor · 03-09-2011, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt01

I know it's a little of point, can you change to a F11??? As a dad to a 13 month old you will need it... A friend of mine has an A6 Avant and still he needed a roof box to go away for a weeks holiday!!!

I second this, as a Father of a 6 year old, 3 Year old and one on the way I would personally change from the F10 to the F11. You just can't comprehend the amount of baby related equipment you need when going away for a weekend or a longer holiday with a baby/children.

Congratulations on your news...

EdM5 · 03-09-2011, 04:16 AM

Indeed, the F11 is much better "baby-proof" than the F10.
I decided however to stick with the F10, just because I think it's far better looking.

Having said that, when I put the baby stroller in the trunk, 70% of the space is taken.
No way in the world does, for example, a suit case fit together with the stroller.

When you have more then one little kid, you should definitely consider the Touring.

a_wagner · 03-09-2011, 04:16 AM

Congrats!

I ordered the F11. You´re going to get frustrated with the sedan. So if you can change it? Do it!

I also recommend tinted windows in the backseat. Babies don´t like sunlight..

// Anders

EdM5 · 03-09-2011, 04:23 AM

By the way, rear sunshades are a must, to protect the baby from too much sunshine and distraction.

BMWrules7 · 03-09-2011, 06:39 AM

Kids are kids and they sometimes puke, especially the little ones. Also, kids tend to spill things like milk even with a sippy cup.

Can you imagine trying to clean milk and puke that sunk inside your seats via thousands of tiny perforated holes?

Now think a week later after the mess... Your car is going to stink and there is nothing you or BMW can do except to buy new rear seats!

Needsdecaf · 03-09-2011, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghueser

Did you get Rear Fold Down Seats? Those might come in handy.

Yes, although rear folding seats blocked by installed car seat / car seat base!

Needsdecaf · 03-09-2011, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdwinF10

Indeed, the F11 is much better "baby-proof" than the F10.
I decided however to stick to the F10, just because I think it's far better looking.

Having said that, when I put the baby stroller in the trunk, 70% of the space is taken.
No way in the world does, for example, a suit case fit together with the stroller.

When you have more then one little kid, you should definitely consider the Touring.

And I think the F11 is better looking.

As the father of two and the recent owner of 5 years of a Volvo V70R, I heartily recommend the F11 option. Really, you really should consider it. You will not begin to believe the sheer volume of "stuff" that your baby will require when you travel.

If you want active vented seats that's fine, but be prepared to cover the rear seats - you will anyway.

Also - select as narrow of a seat as you can - you want it to fit between the two front seats and mount it in the center rear seat. Otherwise, whoever's in front of the rear facing baby seat is going to sacrifice legroom - significant legroom.

Finally - save your $2,000 francs for clothes, bottles, formula and diapers. You're going to need it!!!!

Oh...congrats!!

ipso_facto · 03-09-2011, 10:01 AM

First - congrats on the impending fatherhood.

I can absolutely assure you that you need electric rear sunblind + rear window side shades. For young kids, shades are highly advisable, for babies and toddlers, shades are a must. The bright sunshine annoys babies - it is the most likely reason to stop them from sleeping when you start a journey and it wakes them up if they are asleep on a long journey, and you turn into a direction where the sun starts to annoy them. I have this option on my F10 - my kids are older now - I only wish I had these when they were babies, instead of the suction cup things that you can buy and constantly fall off.

I also think that the F10 is a good choice - absolutely nothing at all against the F11 - it is an awesome looking car - design is fantastic - but the F10 provides security for the boot contents that you don't have with an estate. I have learned this through first hand experience a few years ago, to my misfortune with my E61. I live in the UK where we have to consider this sort of thing, unfortunately. This concern is probably not the same in Switzerland though.

Shake n Bake · 03-09-2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wlcorcoran

Kids are kids and they sometimes puke, especially the little ones. Also, kids tend to spill things like milk even with a sippy cup.

Can you imagine trying to clean milk and puke that sunk inside your seats via thousands of tiny perforated holes?

Now think a week later after the mess... Your car is going to stink and there is nothing you or BMW can do except to buy new rear seats!

So so true. A very good point.

Touring · 03-09-2011, 02:16 PM

Buy the Hifi pro. Kids love it !

frenil · 03-09-2011, 02:46 PM

Although a bit boring I went with black dakota instead of my favorite oyster/black, having first child on the way. Already have a dog that messes things up quite a bit...

I really recommend a F11 too.

Skip rear entertainment and buy a couple of Ipad 2's on friday! With iOS 4.3 you can configure a local Wlan on your Iphone and connect the Ipads. How cool is that!?!

03-08-2011, 05:07 PM	#1
TheBear New Member 3 Rep 9 Posts Drives: F10 535i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Lausanne, Switzerland iTrader: (0)	Which options recommended for future first time parent Hi, I just placed an order for my F10 (delivery end of April), but still have about 1 week (or so?) to make changes (if any). The specs are as follows: Sophisto Grey Oyster/black Dakota leather Turbine style 18" wheels Auto sport gear Pretty much all options, except no Msport, no night vision, no rear entertainment and no ventilated seats. I still have a little dilemma: in about 2 months I will become Father for the first time and my obvious priority is the comfort and safety of my wife and future kid. HOWEVER, design is also important to me (not as much as the above, though ). Therefore, please help me with your "enlightened" advice: I still have a little "extra" budget (about 2000 Swiss francs (say about 2000 USD or 1500 EUR) to make changes. Shall I: - upgrade leather to Nappa (did not select it due to kid arrival) - upgrade wheels to 19", style 331 (again did select only 18" for comfort considerations, but heart leaning towards 19") - take ventilated seats - take leather dashboard - change anything else I didn't think about - just leave as it is Please advise me within my budget and considering future kid arrival... Thank you in advance for your help!!!
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03-08-2011, 05:18 PM	#2
TheBear New Member 3 Rep 9 Posts Drives: F10 535i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Lausanne, Switzerland iTrader: (0)	Ooops... forgot to mention it will be a 535i, but that does not change the story :-)
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03-08-2011, 05:27 PM	#3
Touring Major 178 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: i3,E21,M2,E23, Skoda Kodiaq Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Oslo, Norway iTrader: (0)	Buy a stationwagon. and earplugs :-)
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03-08-2011, 05:42 PM	#4
RH512 Private First Class 7 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 535i xDrive, C4S cab Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Hudson Valley, NY iTrader: (0)	rear entertainment for sure unless you'll only keep the car a few years.
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03-08-2011, 06:19 PM	#6
f10fan New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: BMW 5 series Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Congratulations to you my friend as a father yet to be, if you want a stylish car then i would highly recommend the following specs: Space Grey looks stunning whether the sun is shining or not, since you're gonna have a kid don't bother with nappa leather, dakota still feels and looks luxurious but keep the oyster/black trim. Then definitely get 19" style 331 wheels, they are the best looking wheels on the F10. Get the rear entertainment, your child will love it! (i have it on my car, trust me on this one) don't take leather dashboard instead go for VDC (Variable Damper Control) it will help you and your rear passengers relax more and be able to watch movies while you're driving. If you got any money left, get the Automatic Tailgate Operation this will make your life so much easier because you will use a pushchair/buggy quite frequently. Either way, always think of how you are going to use the car not so important how the car looks because BMW has already thought about the interior and exterior design well before us, Good luck
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03-08-2011, 06:32 PM	#7
Scottish John Irvine John 8 Rep 33 Posts Drives: F10 Alpine White M sport auto Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland iTrader: (0)	Forget BMW rear entertainment. I got Nextbase 9 single with stanchion mount and infra red earphones. It gives you easy secure fixing and as you bought stanchion you can still have portability if you want to temporary transfer. It slips out of secure holder and sits nicely in rear seat pocket out of view. The cable fits down side of chair and i hard wired into rear cig lighter. You get portable cable kit and can remove for new car. Cost £200 UK pounds __________________ I'm on a whisky diet. I've lost three days already.
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03-08-2011, 09:34 PM	#8
ghueser Lieutenant 37 Rep 519 Posts Drives: 2014 M5 Join Date: May 2010 Location: St. Louis iTrader: (0)	Did you get Rear Fold Down Seats? Those might come in handy.
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03-09-2011, 01:17 AM	#9
delvek Major 33 Rep 1,134 Posts Drives: 2014 550i Msport Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	Congrats on your upcoming addition! As a father of 3 back seat passengers, 12, 10 and 1 month I ordered: - rear sunshades - heated rear seats - 4 zone climate control I did not order: - split seats (cant fold with 3 in, even with one, you wouldnt drive around with one side down imo) - entertainment dvd (not much into the dvd system thing, just personal opinion) I think thats all that would be relevant. Good luck! __________________ 2014 550i M-sport
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03-09-2011, 01:32 AM	#10
Matt01 Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 260 Posts Drives: F31 320d Lux Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (0)	I know it's a little of point, can you change to a F11??? As a dad to a 13 month old you will need it... A friend of mine has an A6 Avant and still he needed a roof box to go away for a weeks holiday!!!
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03-09-2011, 04:16 AM	#13
EdM5 Colonel 4066 Rep 2,064 Posts Drives: G26 i4 M50 & E70 X5 Xdrive35d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Amsterdam iTrader: (0)	Indeed, the F11 is much better "baby-proof" than the F10. I decided however to stick with the F10, just because I think it's far better looking. Having said that, when I put the baby stroller in the trunk, 70% of the space is taken. No way in the world does, for example, a suit case fit together with the stroller. When you have more then one little kid, you should definitely consider the Touring. __________________ 2004 e87 118d (ret.), 2007 e92 330d (ret.), 2007 e87 130i M-sport (ret.), 2009 e92 M3 (ret.), 2010 f10 535d M-sport (ret.), 2015 f10 M5 CP (ret.), 2017 f82 M4 CP (ret.) 2022 g26 i4 M50 & 2009 e70 X5 35d Last edited by EdM5; 03-09-2011 at 06:57 AM..
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03-09-2011, 04:16 AM	#14
a_wagner New Member 2 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 523i F11 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Trelleborg, Sweden iTrader: (0)	Congrats! I ordered the F11. You´re going to get frustrated with the sedan. So if you can change it? Do it! I also recommend tinted windows in the backseat. Babies don´t like sunlight.. // Anders
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03-09-2011, 04:23 AM	#15
EdM5 Colonel 4066 Rep 2,064 Posts Drives: G26 i4 M50 & E70 X5 Xdrive35d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Amsterdam iTrader: (0)	By the way, rear sunshades are a must, to protect the baby from too much sunshine and distraction. __________________ 2004 e87 118d (ret.), 2007 e92 330d (ret.), 2007 e87 130i M-sport (ret.), 2009 e92 M3 (ret.), 2010 f10 535d M-sport (ret.), 2015 f10 M5 CP (ret.), 2017 f82 M4 CP (ret.) 2022 g26 i4 M50 & 2009 e70 X5 35d
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03-09-2011, 06:39 AM	#16
BMWrules7 Lieutenant Colonel 349 Rep 1,684 Posts Drives: 2015, 740 LdX, Alpine White Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Boston Area iTrader: (0)	Absolutely NO ventilated rear seats! Kids are kids and they sometimes puke, especially the little ones. Also, kids tend to spill things like milk even with a sippy cup. Can you imagine trying to clean milk and puke that sunk inside your seats via thousands of tiny perforated holes? Now think a week later after the mess... Your car is going to stink and there is nothing you or BMW can do except to buy new rear seats!
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03-09-2011, 10:01 AM	#19
ipso_facto Second Lieutenant 463 Rep 249 Posts Drives: F10 520d M Sport (Sports Auto) Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: UK, East Midlands iTrader: (0)	First - congrats on the impending fatherhood. I can absolutely assure you that you need electric rear sunblind + rear window side shades. For young kids, shades are highly advisable, for babies and toddlers, shades are a must. The bright sunshine annoys babies - it is the most likely reason to stop them from sleeping when you start a journey and it wakes them up if they are asleep on a long journey, and you turn into a direction where the sun starts to annoy them. I have this option on my F10 - my kids are older now - I only wish I had these when they were babies, instead of the suction cup things that you can buy and constantly fall off. I also think that the F10 is a good choice - absolutely nothing at all against the F11 - it is an awesome looking car - design is fantastic - but the F10 provides security for the boot contents that you don't have with an estate. I have learned this through first hand experience a few years ago, to my misfortune with my E61. I live in the UK where we have to consider this sort of thing, unfortunately. This concern is probably not the same in Switzerland though.
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03-09-2011, 02:16 PM	#21
Touring Major 178 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: i3,E21,M2,E23, Skoda Kodiaq Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Oslo, Norway iTrader: (0)	Buy the Hifi pro. Kids love it !
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03-09-2011, 02:46 PM	#22
frenil Enlisted Member 0 Rep 33 Posts Drives: F11 530d Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Stockholm iTrader: (0)	Although a bit boring I went with black dakota instead of my favorite oyster/black, having first child on the way. Already have a dog that messes things up quite a bit... I really recommend a F11 too. Skip rear entertainment and buy a couple of Ipad 2's on friday! With iOS 4.3 you can configure a local Wlan on your Iphone and connect the Ipads. How cool is that!?!
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