Topic: BMW - Rounding Out the Dozen (or Not) ??

[Railton]

NOT trying to rain on your parade Ovr....I went to BMW USA..it came up first on my google to build MY VERSION..(see there are two Poplar wood shades..light and dark wot U getting) anyhoo could not but notice the cross border pricing.....$51,600 with $725 Del & Prep...wowsa.... .......... I know that doesn't have Winter package and some of your options..but a large price differential.nonetheless..........

As to the pricing, I priced my car on the US website also and equipped with the equivalent options (lots of stuff you have to add on US car, more so than on Cdn car to be equal) it came to MSRP of just a hair under $60K - a difference of about $16K Cdn before exchange, taxes, etc. Yes, it's a lot of money, but there are reasons why my car will be bought in Canada that relate to the fact that it is not the only car being bought in a bigger deal. Part of things I will not speak to in this thread. 

As to the Poplar trim, in Canada only flavor of Poplar is available, the Dark one.

Bimmers bought'n bulk?
Railton

[ovr50]

Living where you do, you must see many of these cars. In NA, the wagon is not so popular as in Europe. I would have been happy with it, but it would have been tougher for the final resales, and wifey was not keen on wagon.

Very good point on the resale value of a wagon in N.A.

I must say the 5 series is a fav over here, espeically the wagon. Do you know with the refresh if the 5 series received any LED features, for example running lights etc.

BTW did your BMW rep offer to assist you track your car once in freight eg:trackiing website etc.
That is another IMO part of the fun when ordering from the factory, and keeps you in the loop.

As to LEDs, the rear lights have "LED indicators and 5 radial LED light conductors for optimum recognizabliity even in poor visibility" (per the brochure) and the brakelights are "adaptive" ie. in the event of emergency braking, the illuminated area of the brakelights is increased.

Headlights are Xenon for both hi and lo beams, with auto headlight range control (?), DRLs, and corona rings. The headlights are also "adaptive" and adjust into the bend as soon as the vehicle starts cornering. Also has headlight cleaners and rain sensing wipers.  

Yes, rep discussing tracking the car with me, and he will get me the VIN any day now. It is neat that one can track the car that way. One of the shipping cos. even lets you track their ships if you are lucky enough to be on one of theirs; other shipping cos are not so inclined so you can't track it once it's loading until it reaches port again.

[ovr50]

NOT trying to rain on your parade Ovr....I went to BMW USA..it came up first on my google to build MY VERSION..(see there are two Poplar wood shades..light and dark wot U getting) anyhoo could not but notice the cross border pricing.....$51,600 with $725 Del & Prep...wowsa.... .......... I know that doesn't have Winter package and some of your options..but a large price differential.nonetheless..........

As to the pricing, I priced my car on the US website also and equipped with the equivalent options (lots of stuff you have to add on US car, more so than on Cdn car to be equal) it came to MSRP of just a hair under $60K - a difference of about $16K Cdn before exchange, taxes, etc. Yes, it's a lot of money, but there are reasons why my car will be bought in Canada that relate to the fact that it is not the only car being bought in a bigger deal. Part of things I will not speak to in this thread. 

As to the Poplar trim, in Canada only flavor of Poplar is available, the Dark one.

Bimmers bought'n bulk?
Railton

Yep, wish I could share the story but cannot. 

[safristi]

...is OJ Involved???

[MKII]

Living where you do, you must see many of these cars. In NA, the wagon is not so popular as in Europe. I would have been happy with it, but it would have been tougher for the final resales, and wifey was not keen on wagon.

Very good point on the resale value of a wagon in N.A.

I must say the 5 series is a fav over here, espeically the wagon. Do you know with the refresh if the 5 series received any LED features, for example running lights etc.

BTW did your BMW rep offer to assist you track your car once in freight eg:trackiing website etc.
That is another IMO part of the fun when ordering from the factory, and keeps you in the loop.

As to LEDs, the rear lights have "LED indicators and 5 radial LED light conductors for optimum recognizabliity even in poor visibility" (per the brochure) and the brakelights are "adaptive" ie. in the event of emergency braking, the illuminated area of the brakelights is increased.

Headlights are Xenon for both hi and lo beams, with auto headlight range control (?), DRLs, and corona rings. The headlights are also "adaptive" and adjust into the bend as soon as the vehicle starts cornering. Also has headlight cleaners and rain sensing wipers.  

Yes, rep discussing tracking the car with me, and he will get me the VIN any day now. It is neat that one can track the car that way. One of the shipping cos. even lets you track their ships if you are lucky enough to be on one of theirs; other shipping cos are not so inclined so you can't track it once it's loading until it reaches port again.

AHS(adaptive headlight System explained & dynamic headlight range control (brillant) no pun intended.
The system is controlled by data provided by steering angle and yaw rate input sensors as well as vehicle speed and GPS-fed road data.

Designed to enhance night-time safety and give drivers more time to act or react if approaching road hazards, the Adaptive Headlight System (AHS) is able to 'predict' the arrival of the vehicle at a corner or bend and can adjust the pattern of illumination via the Bi-Xenon lamps, shining into the corner along the driver's intended path, rather than continuing to shine straight ahead.

Bi-Xenon headlamps themselves extend the pool of illumination a further 200 metres in front of the vehicle compared with conventional high-beam globes.

The active element of the AHS ensures that the headlights don't needlessly illuminate the side of the road and additional safety features are included such as dynamic headlight range control which automatically adjusts the light spread to avoid dazzling on coming traffic.

On wet roads for example, the angle of incidence is controlled so that on-coming drivers are not blinded by light reflecting off the surface.

The system is also smart enough to be able to differentiate between travelling through built-up areas - during which period the light spread is wider to help the driver identify pedestrians, merging traffic, etc - and inter-urban areas where road illumination typically is limited.

When out of town the AHS provides a more focussed, narrower yet longer throw of light to give the driver as much up-front illumination as possible and at night the system is designed to make driving less tiring.

[mdxtasy]

GPS fed road data?  If you don't have the GPS system or if the road isn't accurately mapped....what happens?  Canada is very far behind when it comes to GPS maps.....

[ovr50]

Damn, that's a well illuminated car.....!!!!

In seriousness, there is a lot of technology and innovations on a car like this; many of which will trickle down in time (if proven worthwhile vs their cost) to more "mainstream" autos. Benz and some of the upper end Japanese stuff is the same way. I can only hope such features do not become troublesome in future years. Another reason to think of taking extended warranty at end of 4 years. Premium is refundable if no claims ever made.  

[MKII]

GPS fed road data?  If you don't have the GPS system or if the road isn't accurately mapped....what happens?  Canada is very far behind when it comes to GPS maps.....

digital data from navigation systems can be used to support future active safety systems in cars. For example, by using the detailed map, the vehicle "recognizes" potential hazard areas and prepares itself to react accordingly. "Path Prediction", an additional feature, analyzes the driver's daily route pattern and, through probability calculation, "learns and knows" the route in advance. It could, for example, learn the angle of curves on the route, and use the vehicle's adaptive lighting system to light the curve at a very early stage.

http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.cfm?release=26857

[quadzilla]

Bi-Xenon headlamps themselves extend the pool of illumination a further 200 metres in front of the vehicle compared with conventional high-beam globes.

Is that correct  I don't know if I could even see that far at night even with it lit up.

[MKII]

Bi-Xenon headlamps themselves extend the pool of illumination a further 200 metres in front of the vehicle compared with conventional high-beam globes.

Is that correct  I don't know if I could even see that far at night even with it lit up.

  question would need to be directed to BMW. 200 metres is one hell of a distance.

[mdxtasy]

Is that correct  I don't know if I could even see that far at night even with it lit up.

They can see you coming before you even get there.  In a car like the 5, this feature is great as it allows them to prepare the red carpet. 

[airbalancer]

Is there any HD radio station out that you can listen to?
Comfort seats are great, I find the Sport are to near now, the ones in the 323 are fine

Xenon are great to have

[ovr50]

Is there any HD radio station out that you can listen to?
Comfort seats are great, I find the Sport are to near now, the ones in the 323 are fine

Xenon are great to have

No HD radio that I know of. 

Looking forward to the good seats, and the Xenons. 

[tpl]

I wonder if you'll have the little thing that goes "squirk" at the back when you turn the engine off ?

My 330 has twin tail pipes, one of them has a thing that opens and shuts depending on speed supposedly to improve drive by noise at low speeds.  When it goes into its rest posistion, when you turn the car off it goes "squirk".  I don't belive the official story... I think it is BMW's sigh of relief that I am not driving the car.

[MKII]

What's new for 2008
All models:
• New model facelift includes revised front fascia, new taillights, new rear air-diffuser (Sedan models) and redesigned interior with upgraded materials. All 6-cylinder Sedans and Sports Wagon receive significant power increases, comparable to 3 Series cars.
• Lane Departure Warning system boosts driver awareness by providing the driver an immediate warning about lane placement
• Active Cruise Control adds "Stop & Go" feature, which permits cruise-control operation even in heavy traffic
• Freshened interior provides an even more elegant look, with additional leather and extended wood trim.
• Ergonomic changes include more convenient window switches, relocated console ashtray and electronic shifter
• In addition, standard iDrive adds six programmable memory buttons, which can be used for anything from radio station presets to navigation destinations or auto-dial telephone numbers
• Premium Sound Package discontinued; Logic7 premium stereo available as stand-alone option. BMW center-installed 6-disc CD changer also available
All 5 Series Sedans
• Reconfigured optical headlight lenses 
• New front airdam has reshaped opening with upturned ends
• Relocated amber DOT lenses; headlight area is completely white 
• Taillights include new white design with fewer reflectors, plus red lines in the optical lenses   
• Reshaped rear bumper, with revised diffuser below the bumper

Performance & efficiency
All 5 Series models:
• Technically updated STEPTRONIC includes faster shifting and more efficient operation for improved efficiency and quicker acceleration; now a no-cost option for 2008
• New electronic shifter, similar to that featured in the X5 SAV, offers "shift-by-wire" actuation and more ergonomic operation
• SMG no longer available

535i/xi Models
300-hp N54 for all 535i/xi models:
• all-aluminum construction w/cast-iron cylinder liners
• twin-turbocharger technology boosts horsepower with virtually no turbo-lag
• Direct fuel injection with piezo electric injectors
• Double VANOS 1 steplessly variable valve timing
• N54 engine rated at 300 horsepower @ 5800 rpm, 300 lb-ft. of torque at 1400-5000 rpm, an increase of 45 horsepower and an astonishing 80 lb-ft. of torque over previous 530i/xi, with a significantly broader torque band.
• Brake discs upgraded to 13.7 front and 13.6 rear, same size as 550i

535xi Sedan
• 535xi Sport Package offers the additional option of 18-inch wheel and tire sizes in staggered width; first time on all-wheel-drive models

Options
• Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go feature allows operation even in traffic, and can accommodate speeds all the way down to a complete stop, and resume to set speed from 0 mph
• Lane Departure Warning system, provides an immediate but discreet notification when the car crosses into another lane without turn signals
• USB adaptor for iPods or MP3 players, which does not use the CD changer connections
• Premium Sound Package discontinued; Logic7 premium stereo and 6-disc CD-changer available separately
• Sequential Manual Gearbox discontinued

Other highlights
All models
• BMW Ultimate Service, including BMW Maintenance Program, for 4 years/50,000 miles included in base price
• Standard 6-speed manual transmissions have self-adjusting clutch for long clutch life
• Aluminum suspension system for outstanding handling and riding comfort (528xi and 535xi models: aluminum rear suspension only)
• Aluminum front-end structure – contributes to weight reduction and optimum front/rear weight distribution
• Vehicle and Key Memory allows users to personalize many electronic comfort, convenience and security features
• Leather-covered 3-spoke power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with auto tilt-up for entry/exit, multi-function controls
• BMW Ambiance Lighting: LED lights in roof bathe console area in soft orange light, helping occupants find controls at night; enhanced lighting features included in Premium Package
• All models available with Sport Package and Cold Weather Package; all 6-cylinder models also available with Premium Package
• Wide range of stand-alone options includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go feature (automatic transmission only), Active Steering, Park Distance Control (standard 550i Sedan), alternate wood interior trim selections, 20-way front Multi-contour seats, split folding rear seats (Sedan models; standard Sports Wagon), heated rear seats, BMW On-board Navigation System, Head-up Display, Lane Departure Warning system, Night Vision, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, HD Radio, rear window- and/or rear door-window sunshades, rear-seat side-impact airbags
• 10-way power front seats standard in all models; 20-way Multi-contour seats in Sport Package or as a stand-alone option; 4-way power front-seat lumbar support with 528i/xi Premium Package, standard in 535i/xi models and 550i
• Memory system for driver's seat, steering wheel and exterior mirrors; 2 positions for each user (captured by Key Memory)
• 1-touch operation of all side windows and moonroof
• Body structure engineered for excellent occupant protection in full and offset frontal impacts, side impacts and rear impacts
• Front-seat safety belts with automatic tensioners and force limiters
• Front and rear Head Protection System (AHPS II) standard in all models
• Front-seat side-impact airbags standard in all models
• Rear-seat side-impact airbags optional in all models
• Battery Safety Terminal – after a severe impact, severs high-current connection between battery and starter cable to help prevent possible short circuit
• BMW Assist Safety Plan with 4 year membership standard equipment

For HD radio stations, Canada is part of a test group at the moment, but USA has thousands,
http://www.ibiquity.com/hd_radio/hdradio_find_a_station
From the info I read, Canada might be using a different system then the USA, but as far the info I read nothing is confirmed as to what system Canada will use.

[ovr50]

MKII - I'm guessing that info is from a US site as some of it does not directly apply to Canada. What I mean is that some of the items are in "packages" in Canada, and not "stand alone" options as in the US (eg. LOGIC7 is part of Premium Pack in Canada, but is stand alone in the US). Also, all Canadian cars have most items from the Cold Weather Pack in the US already in the Canadian car as standard features.

When I have built my same car on the US website, I have to add a lot of stand alone options to get it equipped as mine is for Canada.

It gets a bit confusing between the 2 countries and most posters on BMW forums such as E60Forum and Bimmerfest ususally are referring to the US spec'ed cars.

[MKII]

MKII - I'm guessing that info is from a US site as some of it does not directly apply to Canada. What I mean is that some of the items are in "packages" in Canada, and not "stand alone" options as in the US (eg. LOGIC7 is part of Premium Pack in Canada, but is stand alone in the US). Also, all Canadian cars have most items from the Cold Weather Pack in the US already in the Canadian car as standard features.

When I have built my same car on the US website, I have to add a lot of stand alone options to get it equipped as mine is for Canada.

It gets a bit confusing between the 2 countries and most posters on BMW forums such as E60Forum and Bimmerfest ususally are referring to the US spec'ed cars.

Yes I should have mention this fact.
Purpose was just to let people see the many changes inside and out to the refresh MY2008.
Its rather mid blowing to call it a refresh, with so many improvements, I have to say your timing to get into a 5 series is just about puuuuuuuurfect.

[Brigitte]

Oh, Ovr... The car's not even built yet and you're already discussing resale value... 

I know nothing about BMWs, other than the fact that in my neighbourhood, they are seemingly as ubiquitous as Mazda 3s are on any given highway.  However, judging by the pictures, and all of MKII's informative narratives, yours sounds like it will be a standout.  And white is definitely going to be eye-popping.  Beautiful.

It's not a Don/Charlie or a Tuaq, but I am very excited for you.     Time is gonna draaaaaag for the next few months, I think.

I'll save the congrats for the actual arrival, and look forward to tracking, with you, that fabulous set of wheels. 

[ovr50]

Thanks, Bridgey, it is exciting, this one. The main reason I didn't get the Sport Wagon was 1. had no need for it keeping the HL, and 2. wife doesn't care for wagons, and very lastly, 3. poorer resale value in NA (although maybe not, who really knows?). I do intend to keep this one a very long time but I know I am never believed on that statement; and I guess I deserve the reputation I have in that regard.       

[AVToller]

We believe you, really.    I believe you currently intend to keep it for years and years and years. I also know the road to hell is well paved.    It should be an amazing car, though, and I hope your enjoyment will be both intense and long-lived.