Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and I wanted to ask a few questions about BMW's that I was hoping you guys would know about. I'm debating about purchasing a brand new X5 and would love some advice. I want to be a little more prepared before I walk into a dealer and bend over for them! :eek:

First of all, can someone please tell me what "leatherette" is? I'm assuming that it is immitation leather. Can you tell me if it's noticibly different from the real deal? Oh one more thing...if the car comes standard with "leatherette" is the entire part of the seats "leatherette" or is it just the back and sides of the seats (like when a leather recliner uses immitation leather on the back and sides)?

Does anyone know if the X5 comes standard with a moonroof? I've been trying to do research on it, and it doesn't look like it does.

Oh one more thing, does anyone know what year BMW started making clear rear signal lenses in the X5? I don't like the amber signal lenses. I've looked online at many place and it looks like it may have been 2002, although I see both versions in the 2002 model. I'm just keeping this in mind in case I decide to go with a used model...yeah I know I'm weird...I'm driving myself nuts not know what to do. :eyecrazy:

Ok, i'm not sure on the leatherette myself. As for the moonroof it comes as an option for something like 1300 bucks or is included if you purchase the premium package.

The rear clear signals became standard on all models in 2004 i believe, however i might be wrong. We have a 2003 and we have the amber turn signals. From my understanding, i think the 2003 and before X5's only came with clears if you purchased the Sports package.

Thanks for the quick reply. I can't believe I don't know what leatherette is. I know so many people with 3 series but have never asked them if it was "leatherette" or real leather. Guess I'll have to ask, of course I'm sure no one would admit to not buying the real leather.

Anyways, I just went to BMW's website and saw that the Panaramic moonroof was available for $1300. I'd settle for a regular moonroof for free, or may about half that price ;) .

Hmm, that clear tail lights is kicking my butt, I see some cars what are 2002 with amber, some with clear. I've even seen 2003 with amber and clear ones. You must be right about having that as part of a package.

Anyone else got any ideas?!?!

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and I wanted to ask a few questions about BMW's that I was hoping you guys would know about. I'm debating about purchasing a brand new X5 and would love some advice. I want to be a little more prepared before I walk into a dealer and bend over for them! :eek:

First of all, can someone please tell me what "leatherette" is? I'm assuming that it is immitation leather. Can you tell me if it's noticibly different from the real deal? Oh one more thing...if the car comes standard with "leatherette" is the entire part of the seats "leatherette" or is it just the back and sides of the seats (like when a leather recliner uses immitation leather on the back and sides)?

Your right, leatherette is fake leather, and it isnt that much different from reg. leather, also leatherette is more durable than reg. leather...

Does anyone know if the X5 comes standard with a moonroof? I've been trying to do research on it, and it doesn't look like it does.

Im pretty sure Moonroof only comes if you order it, not sure on the new ones tho...

Oh one more thing, does anyone know what year BMW started making clear rear signal lenses in the X5? I don't like the amber signal lenses. I've looked online at many place and it looks like it may have been 2002, although I see both versions in the 2002 model. I'm just keeping this in mind in case I decide to go with a used model...yeah I know I'm weird...I'm driving myself nuts not know what to do. :eyecrazy:

You have to order sport package to get the clears all around, and trust me, this package is totally worth it...

Good Luck on buying your new car, Either way your gonna love it... :D

1. Leatherette is indeed fake leather, but it's very difficult to tell it from real leather unless you're looking at it up close. From what I've heard, it is much more durable than real leather. Although, I'm not sure how "breathable" leatherette is compared to real leather. I believed the material (either one you choose - leather or leatherette) covers the entire seats as well as the door trim pieces.

2. The X5 does NOT come standard with a moonroof (unless you're getting the 4.4i). The moonroof can be order individually or as part of the premium package. Prior to 04/2004 production, it's a standard size moonroof. After 04/2004 production, it's the panaramic roof. It's a dumb idea not to give the customer a choice!

3. The clear signal lenses are standard on all 2004 X5. Prior to 2004, it can only be had with the sport package.

4. Don't forget that BMW have made lots of improvements to the mid model year "make over" for 2004. You'll get things like XDrive, Angel Eyes, minor front facelift, etc... Something to think about when you decide whether to go new or used.

You will soon find out that everything is an option on the Bimmer! If you're not careful, you will be heading into the 4.4i price territory really fast (assuming you're starting with the base 3.0i)!

Man, thanks for the great input guys! Hey dkl, I'm already starting to find out that BMW puts a new meaning behind the word "options". Everything seems to be a freaking option. One thing, can anyone tell me if climate control is standard or optional? In the premium package there seems to be a dual zone climate control. I'd be happy with a single zone...hahaha. Can anyone tell me if this is is also an "option" with the bimmer? :eyecrazy:

The climate control is, as you've guessed it, optional. It is part of the premium package. The standard temperature controls are rotary dials, which doesn't look as nice, but function much better in my opinion.

I believe you can get the dual climate control as part of the weather package (yet another option :D ). I know with the rear climate package you get ducts in the back with thermostat control and also blinds and tints for the rear windows. The sun shades are sweet and very useful on road trips (for the passengers of course :cool: ).

For 2004, at least in the US, the weather package doesn't include the dual zone climate control up front. The weather package for the most part only includes heated seats and headlight cleaning system...and may be a ski bag if you count that as a "feature". The rear climate package is indeed sweet...just wished they let you order it without the requirement of the premium package.

In the 5 series, the cold weather package comes with the heated seats, headlight cleaning system, and heated steering wheel. I wish the X5 did the same thing cause I would love to forego the dumb ski bag. Anyways, looks like I may look into getting the premium package (although I really didn't want to initially) because it does have a lot of features I really want. It may be cheaper just to get the premium package as opposed to buying each one of its options individually. I got one more questions for you experts if you don't mind. Can you guys tell me if the '04 X5 3.0 comes with angel eyes even with it's halogen headlights? I'm not that pressed about the Xenons (especially cause my wife thinks the Xenons are harder to see, go figure) but I'd love to get the angel eyes.

I'm 99.5% sure that angel eyes are standard on the '04 regardless of the type of headlights...best to ask your salesguy for that 0.5% confirmation :-) He needs to earn his commission, right? But the Xenons are worth every penny, IMHO. I don't think I can go back to driving with halogens.

I'd have to agree on saying that xenons are a must. You get spoiled quick once you are used to driving with xenons, then for the extra light just put on high beams and be amazed at the light. Plus it just looks sweet when the head lights auto level when you turn the key.