Model year 2015 changes query

[DoubleD]

Has anyone seen this MY2015 update list yet?

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/pressDetail.html?title=model-year-2015-update-information&outputChannelId=9&id=T0182709EN_US&left_menu_item=node__4101

Specifically here are some excepts from the X5 section:

"As of September 2014 production, there will be additional stitching added on all seats upholstered in Dakota or Nappa leather to enhance both seat quality and design.  Double stitching will be added on all front seat shoulders."

And...

"6NS ‘Enhanced USB and Bluetooth plus Smartphone Integration’ is no longer standard because the Bluetooth audio streaming functionality moves to a new standard option (6NH ‘Hands-free Bluetooth and USB Audio Connection’).  The remaining functionality of 6NS is now a standalone option for $500."

Whilst I understand this is a BMW USA press announcement, I think it's highly unlikely that only US X5s will get the enhanced stitching on the seats as surely they change the production line for all? And whilst the options packaging is different in the US to the UK, perhaps the new '6NH Hands-free Bluetooth and USB Audio Connection' will replace the existing standard Bluetooth function, i.e. add Bluetooth audio streaming without having to spec "Enhanced BT".

Does anyone have any further info?

My car is due to be built w/c 8th Sept so I'd like to confirm whether or not it will have these changes applied. If I need to delay the build by a few weeks then I'm happy to do that.

I've tried asking my dealer but they have no information. I tried ringing BMW UK Customer Services but they were not able to confirm or deny, instead said I can only get info about model changes from my dealer. Yes, very helpful.

[kenniff]

I'm thinking that the factory shuts down every year at roughly the same time and in that time they set it up for the model changes. From memory (with my E70 that was one of the first facelift versions with the extra buttons on the Idrive etc) that is in early October so you'll need a late October build car.

Amazed the dealer doesnt know when the factory shuts as it must affect their ordering process.....

[DoubleD]

My dealer sent me a document over the weekend which shows some small changes to the entire UK BMW model range over July/August 2014. I've included the pages from the X5 F15 section below:





There is also a section covering changes to the Bluetooth setup across the BMW range:





So no mention of the enhanced seat stitching, but then the BMW USA site did say that was a Sept 2014 build onwards change and the document I have only covers July/August.

At least it does look like Bluetooth audio streaming from a smartphone is now a standard feature.

Interesting that there are revisions to the gearbox. I suspected this would be a software update, but other forums are suggesting there is an actual mechanical change. This change doesn't appear to have any measurable benefits to the xDrive40 powered cars, but for xDrive30 cars there is a small decrease in 0-62 acceleration times.

[DoubleD]

Just realised something else

The CO2 emissions for the xDrive40d have dropped down a band.

The first year road tax has therefore dropped from £290 to £180.
Subsequent year renewals will be £170 per annum as opposed to £280 at the current rates. Good on you BMW.

It's only a few pounds in the scheme of things, but always satisfying whenever you don't have to pay quite as much tax as you were expecting  O:-)

[Pyth]

I was almost at the point of taking the plunge and buying a used 2013/2014 X5 from a dealer as there a load of 30d models with 2K -10K on the clock but then I read this and wonder if I'm better to wait until then end of the year and get one with the new transmission ?  Is it worth waiting for ?  I'm going to be gutted if I part with 50 grand only to find in a couple of months models appearing with these, minor, but non the less probably worth having features.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

[X5Sport]

Same box as the 3.0L IL6 powered X4 then....

Richard

[Pyth]

Do you think it will make much real life difference to the way the X5 drives ? And worth waiting for ? I find this all too confusing

[X5Sport]

Probably not.  It's only emissions/economy and most people buying a car like this aren't really too concerned with those. 

Obviously being a tax band better can only be good and it's always nice to have the latest toys, but you know within a few months they'll put something else on and you'll wish you'd waited just that little bit longer again.... :'(

It's the name of the motor game these days...... >:D

Richard

[DoubleD]

Do you think it will make much real life difference to the way the X5 drives ? And worth waiting for ? I find this all too confusing

I think if you're thinking of buying a new X5 right now you would probably want to make sure your car had these updates. However, if you're looking at a used car I personally wouldn't worry about it. Just find a car with the right spec for the right price and enjoy. These are only marginal enhancements and as X5Sport says, there will be other 'enhancements' in a few months anyway, so just go ahead and get the car you want now and don't worry about whatever else may or may not come down the line...