ExGMan

Greetings - My wife has decided that a BMW 530xi is the car for her. We'll probably go for European delivery. At the moment, we're thinking that the auto transmission, premium package, navigation system, Xenon adapative headlights, cold weather package, and park distance control are the way we'll equip it. Are there folks out there who might offer their wisdom and experience about these options, or those not chosen which might be really good to have? We live near Boston, and the car will be used for daily commuting (30 miles r/t), as well as trips around the Northeast. Any advice Boston-area members might have about dealers would also be great. TIA for your help.

Hormazd

Premium over Sport package is a personal preference. For me the SP has a great deal of value consideing it gets you seats, Active suspension, low profile tires 18" wheels, Active steering and Active Xeons.

NAV is a must have. Remember to get them to give you a European DVD before you leave for Europe.

Logic 7 is a great system and gives you the benefit of the 6 CD changer.

I trust you will be getting the new engine.

Rob

Having just had Sirius installed, I would definitely consider that. If you plan to take trips then you can't beat the no-commercial music.

I agree about Logic 7. Fabulous sound!

I also really like the split rear seats and heated rear seats. The split/fold makes carting stuff around easy and the heated option is great for the kids.

Hamann5

Well all the packages you have I see are jsut right for conditions hear up in the Northeast... Sports Package? the real question is this really your wifes car or are you gonna be takin her for your own and jsut say its your?
NAV is a must.. up North cold weather a must... but people are saying Logic 7.. it really depends how often you'll use the radio.. and the type of music you listen to as well.. since my family also owns a 745 with the Logic 7 package I will say it is by far the BEST STOCK SPEAKER SYSTEM available...

sdpike

Welcome ExGman!

Looks like you've got the right options. You can always spend more, like HUD and sports pkg The Logic 7 is outstanding. I ended up with the Sat radio and like that too. The cold weather pkg is also great. You'll really like the heated steering wheel on those 0 degree days.

I don't know what wheels/tires come on that car. But think SNOW. There's lot of discussion on this board about which wheels and tires are best. Just do a search. I ended up standard BMW snow package. Not sure of tire size but they're 17" rims down from the 18's that came with it.

bdoviack

By far the best option I have chosen after the Sports Package is Comfort Seats. Xenons and Logic 7 are nice but the Comfort Seats really make the car. They are the same seats used as in the 7 Series and really offset the additional hardness the sports package adds. Be sure you get Comfort Seats.

pennetta

Avoid the sports package as the tire design and widths are worse for the snow unless you are going to get four additional wheels and snow tires. I got the SP but have alternate means of transportation.

alohalc

welcome aboard, exgman ! a lot of the members highly recommend logic 7 and comfort seats. i would, too. but check it yourself before you make any decision. anyway, have you considered a 545 ?

subterFUSE

I am the kind of person who always wants my cars loaded....

I will buy a lesser car that is loaded, over a better car which is standard. This is why I got the 545 over the 645. I would rather have the 545 loaded than a standard 645.

I just can't stand the feeling that I could have had things on the car.... but I didn't get them. Right now I am kicking myself for not getting the HUD.



But that's just me.

It sounds to me like you can do without the Sport Package. Comfort seats are great, but not 100% necessary. Split rear seats is a MUST. Logic 7 is up to you.

Iceman

Welcome aboard, ExGMan !