DDW, the Xenons are really not a problem. You would like them if you change your mind, but don't worry either way. All BMW headlights are bright enough to fluoroscope anything well beyond braking range.

Good choice on the 3.0i engine. You may have read my positive experiences with the X3 3.0i after driving Bimmer V8s for years. Besides plenty of time for eight cylinders later. For now, keep the family responsibilities up front as you have.

 

I dont think you can turn them off just lock them straight ahead where they don't turn corners, shutter will still go up & down, if I'm not mistaken ??

 

For a "first" BMW, you'll be very satisfied with the 530. With the Sport/Prem/PDC, you have some great options that make it a pleasure to drive. If the standard audio system doesn't give you enough bass, there's some fairly easy DIY's for adding a reasonably priced subwoofer.

Good driving to ya!

 

For a "first" BMW, you'll be very satisfied with the 530. With the Sport/Prem/PDC, you have some great options that make it a pleasure to drive. If the standard audio system doesn't give you enough bass, there's some fairly easy DIY's for adding a reasonably priced subwoofer.

Good driving to ya!
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Thanks, I was very pleased with std.audio -- jazz fan no need for THUMPING

 

Then you're set. The PDC is very handy.

I'm also adding a couple of convex mirrors to the side mirrors because the blindspot is quiet large due to the pillars, especially when making quick lane changes.

 

Then you're set. The PDC is very handy.

I'm also adding a couple of convex mirrors to the side mirrors because the blindspot is quiet large due to the pillars, especially when making quick lane changes.
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Will PDC pick up tall curbs or . . . short poles 12 in. or less ??

 

welcome aboard, ddw ! you'll find people in here are waaaaay more knowledgable and friendly than your dealer .

as far as the xenon lights, i can live w/o pdc but not my xenons . i drove other cars w/o xenon at night and i always thought i forgot to turn on the headlights . if that is ok for you, go back to the dealer and test drive one w/xenon again. i'm 99.99% sure you'll love them . and you are right about the moving headlights part. you can lock them straight ahead if you switch it to "on" instead of "auto".

probably not tall curbs but short poles shouldn't be a problem. but don't 100% rely on it. it's better off to drive your car like you don't have it. you'll be more cautious .

 

It's easy enough to test once you get it so you can get a feel for what it picks up.

Sometimes when my wife and I are out, we take turns getting off the car and watching the other pull into a parking spot to give guidance on how close the car is to an object so we can learn the PDC parameters.

 

It has picked up tall curbs fo me sometimes. But I do not park close to them anyway.

 

It's really helpful to me when I back out onto the street and there are other cars parked close by.