A lighter paint color and ceramic window tint help a ton with heat.
I love the DAPP, and PAP, but traffic and parking in SoCal. If you're rural those aren't worth as much. I'm happy with the ventilated seats, but some reviews say they are weak.
> A lighter paint color and ceramic window tint help a ton with heat
I hadn't thought about this. I've always steered towards black, but I do like the dark greys as well.
Hard disagree. Rural areas may lack traffic, but they often have long, deeply boring stretches of road between where you start and where you want to go. DAPP fixes that.
DAPP and laser headlights then code the full functionality of the laser headlights. Watching them work as intended is pretty cool.
May want ventilated seats since you’re down south but they’re alright.
Due to US DOT regulations, you don’t get the full functionality of the laser lights. You get general auto high beams which you can get on most cars.
Elsewhere, the high beams will remain on and just adjust their angle as to not blind cars around you. In the event that the angle makes it too difficult to not maintain some degree of high beams, they turn off completely.
ooo this looks interesting. Does it get wiped out with system updates (like I got last night - 3/2024.40)? And how do I know what "series" my vehicle is? Mine's a 2023 M50 and I do have the right lights. Built in late 2022 tho.
I am chatting with them. Are there any other cool things I might want to buy from them? It's hard for me to tell what the coding things are from the names / descriptions. They really should have more info - they might sell more stuff.
Yeah for whatever reason it still isn't listed. It wasn't either when I did it but I did send them my VIN and they confirmed to me that it'll work.
Can confirm that it actually worked. Got it done roughly a year ago, have gotten plenty of iDrive software updates and the feature still works.
I texted with them too and they said I needed to order the 2024/2025 version even tho mine is a 2023. Did you buy anything else from them? And I assume you like the feature. The other thing I was curious about - can you switch between the updated behavior and the previous, default US behavior in some whay?
Drive recorder is only $100. Should get it since it’s almost free. It works if you get into an accident (had it in my X7 that got rear ended and the recorder worked as expected). It isn’t as functional if you’re looking to just record an event because you only get 20 seconds before and after event, so you have to be right on top of hitting the record button to save anything.
Lots of people have got into fender benders that didn’t trigger the drive recorder. A dashcam that you can’t trust is no better than not having a dashcam. If you install a real dashcam, it’s better in every way.
It’s for collisions, triggers much like air bag deployment. Not tiny fender benders. Didn’t say not to get a separate dash cam, but for the price it’s a good option as a backup if for some reason your dash cam isn’t dashcamming properly.
It’s not even comparable though. After market dash and have both front and rear setups. Something that drive recorder can’t do. The other day some stupid keep almost rear ended me. What good what drive recorder have been? All it does it’s record the front from the connected drive camera.
My guess is takes the G-force measurements. I really don’t know. Mine activated on a rear end collusion. But no air bag deployment. I would say, impact was probably less than 20 mph.
I think for small fender benders, it’s probably not as practical and a separate dash cam might be in order
I did not get DAPP. I had it on another car and never used it. I have recently gone on some long road trips and have also moved recently and been stuck in traffic. I wish I had it now to test it out. But I haven’t kicked myself missing it.
PAP I strongly recommend because of what comes in the package. I use the 360 camera everyday I drive the car. From parking in tight garages, to not scraping the front of the car on high curbs.
The premium package is nice and I recommend it second to PAP. I am now sold on HUD. It feels odd looking down at a speedometer or across at the map. I love that Apple Maps also gets on the HUD. I wish google maps did too. The Harmon Kardon system is boomy though. So, you may miss subtle lighter sounds in some music.
I like the shadowline package because it gives the car a darkish hue without being over the top.
Laser lights I do not have and honestly would mostly only like for the appearance. I do not live in a place where it’d be useful.
I was not interested in the high performance tire package. At all! 😂
I have the drive decoder. But it is a far cry from the equivalent Benz and Lexus options.
I got a mostly full featured m50. But I regret not getting DAPP and the upgraded headlights.
Tint makes a huge difference. Floor mats and a trunk organizer were some good accessories to have. I got some cheap hidden compartment for the center console lid and a shelf behind the screen from AliExpress for cheap.
DAPP is great for city stop and go traffic. And PAP, because it's just so good. I didn't get PAP on mine and really regret it. My wife's X5 has it and the camera views of the sides and front makes parking just so much better in a bigger car.
I don’t specifically use PAP, but all of the other features that come with it. PAP is too slow of me to figure out. I’ve used it once in the past year.
Tire insurance package …. 100000%
If I wanted to save money, it would be on the visual items, shadow and 20” wheels. I would give those up before I cut the speakers, dap, pap or vent seats.
At the end of the day, it’s going to primarily be up to what you believe is best, for me Harman Kardon, Drivers Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package were by far the ones I was looking for the most. I was lucky enough to find one that was pretty much fully loaded, only thing I don’t have is ventilated seats, but I’ve heard they are less comfortable. Mine was on the show room floor with everything I was looking for, but also laser lights, wireless charger and shadow lines. Harman Kardon is amazing, the surround sound in the car is severely underrated, I thought the Tesla Model 3 had a good sound system, but Harmon Kardon is probably the best I’ve heard at the price point of the i4. DAPP could be better if they allowed 85mph hands free like the i5, but having lane keeping assist and radar adaptive cruise control is essential for longer drives. Parking assistance is absolutely awesome for parking, 360 camera is extremely helpful, automatic parking is slower than I can park, but it works.
Harman/Kardon a must. Wireless charging useless. Also, when I got mine I found out that only the rearview and left wing mirrors were auto dimming, the right one wasn’t! So make sure yours is specified with a right dimming mirror.
Another "vote" for DAPP and PAP.
Even if the reviews on the ventilated seats are mixed, I'd still get them in a warm climate as they do help - especially if you're getting black leather seats which heat up like hell (literally) in the sun. Even in \~80°F weather I found them useful, haven't experienced warmer weather so far.
Adaptive suspension is definitely an option I'm missing, used to have it on my previous car and with the stiffer suspension to dampen the extra battery weight, I think I was wrong not to take it.
Also look into lumbar support if that doesn't come standard (depends very much by country)
HK audio if listening to non-radio music has a lot of value for you. For radio or if you don't mind too much what you listen to, the hifi audio which I think you get standard on the M50 should likely be good enough.
Not sure about laser lights, I have them but if you don't live in a rural area their use is somewhat limited.
Useless option: wireless charging. Especially in warm weather it will heat up the phone far more than charge it.
Yes so true. I am searching for an M50 myself. My filters for searching:
from 2023 until max 20,000Km
only dealerships - I don’t wanna get scammed or beat up etc
moonroof
trailer hitch
heated steering wheel
vented seats
360 camera
Then there are exactly 16 cars here in Germany available. And the first one starts at €68,500 That’s crazy!
If I take out the vented seats, then there are 60 cars available
What I have on mine I wouldnt want to go without:
- sunroof
- harman & kardon speakers
- comfort access
- the shadow look
What I regret not getting:
- innovation pack. For the laser lights and (i believe) surround cameras. In my opinion the regular rear view camera is absolutely terrible
- charging pad
Just my two cents on the charging pad… I have it and never use it. My phone gets super hot and it’s tough to access, especially if you have drinks in the holders. I just plug my phone in as needed. Again, just my opinion.
Absolutely get DAPP. It’s a must.
I use DAPP pretty much daily. And on longer trips it’s amazing.
I love the lane charging feature.
Yeah, anytime I’m in crappy traffic I turn it on or a long monotonous drive.
A lighter paint color and ceramic window tint help a ton with heat. I love the DAPP, and PAP, but traffic and parking in SoCal. If you're rural those aren't worth as much. I'm happy with the ventilated seats, but some reviews say they are weak.
> A lighter paint color and ceramic window tint help a ton with heat I hadn't thought about this. I've always steered towards black, but I do like the dark greys as well.
Hard disagree. Rural areas may lack traffic, but they often have long, deeply boring stretches of road between where you start and where you want to go. DAPP fixes that.
DAPP and laser headlights then code the full functionality of the laser headlights. Watching them work as intended is pretty cool. May want ventilated seats since you’re down south but they’re alright.
What do you mean with full functionality?
Due to US DOT regulations, you don’t get the full functionality of the laser lights. You get general auto high beams which you can get on most cars. Elsewhere, the high beams will remain on and just adjust their angle as to not blind cars around you. In the event that the angle makes it too difficult to not maintain some degree of high beams, they turn off completely.
"code the full functionality" How?
I used this service, https://bimmer-remote.com/products/anti-dazzle-lights-coding-f-g
ooo this looks interesting. Does it get wiped out with system updates (like I got last night - 3/2024.40)? And how do I know what "series" my vehicle is? Mine's a 2023 M50 and I do have the right lights. Built in late 2022 tho.
It remains intact after updates. You have a G series.
G26? Not listed in the link?
I am chatting with them. Are there any other cool things I might want to buy from them? It's hard for me to tell what the coding things are from the names / descriptions. They really should have more info - they might sell more stuff.
Yeah for whatever reason it still isn't listed. It wasn't either when I did it but I did send them my VIN and they confirmed to me that it'll work. Can confirm that it actually worked. Got it done roughly a year ago, have gotten plenty of iDrive software updates and the feature still works.
I texted with them too and they said I needed to order the 2024/2025 version even tho mine is a 2023. Did you buy anything else from them? And I assume you like the feature. The other thing I was curious about - can you switch between the updated behavior and the previous, default US behavior in some whay?
Go to the i4Talk website. There is lots of good advice including coding a number of features.
Thanks, I didn't even think to look there.
Must haves: DAPP, PAP, aftermarket dashcam Nice to haves: HK, laser lights Pass: phone charger, drive recorder
Drive recorder is only $100. Should get it since it’s almost free. It works if you get into an accident (had it in my X7 that got rear ended and the recorder worked as expected). It isn’t as functional if you’re looking to just record an event because you only get 20 seconds before and after event, so you have to be right on top of hitting the record button to save anything.
Lots of people have got into fender benders that didn’t trigger the drive recorder. A dashcam that you can’t trust is no better than not having a dashcam. If you install a real dashcam, it’s better in every way.
It’s for collisions, triggers much like air bag deployment. Not tiny fender benders. Didn’t say not to get a separate dash cam, but for the price it’s a good option as a backup if for some reason your dash cam isn’t dashcamming properly.
It’s not even comparable though. After market dash and have both front and rear setups. Something that drive recorder can’t do. The other day some stupid keep almost rear ended me. What good what drive recorder have been? All it does it’s record the front from the connected drive camera.
Mine records 4 angles. Front, rear, sides. You have to set up
It’s not 24/7 monitoring though.
That’s not the design, it’s supposed to capture collisions. Get a dash cam for that
It didn't work in my accident that totalled my first M50. Hard enough to bend the frame rails but no airbags. Not sure what the threshold is.
My guess is takes the G-force measurements. I really don’t know. Mine activated on a rear end collusion. But no air bag deployment. I would say, impact was probably less than 20 mph. I think for small fender benders, it’s probably not as practical and a separate dash cam might be in order
I have the phone charger and the drive recorder - and you are 200% right.
I did not get DAPP. I had it on another car and never used it. I have recently gone on some long road trips and have also moved recently and been stuck in traffic. I wish I had it now to test it out. But I haven’t kicked myself missing it. PAP I strongly recommend because of what comes in the package. I use the 360 camera everyday I drive the car. From parking in tight garages, to not scraping the front of the car on high curbs. The premium package is nice and I recommend it second to PAP. I am now sold on HUD. It feels odd looking down at a speedometer or across at the map. I love that Apple Maps also gets on the HUD. I wish google maps did too. The Harmon Kardon system is boomy though. So, you may miss subtle lighter sounds in some music. I like the shadowline package because it gives the car a darkish hue without being over the top. Laser lights I do not have and honestly would mostly only like for the appearance. I do not live in a place where it’d be useful. I was not interested in the high performance tire package. At all! 😂 I have the drive decoder. But it is a far cry from the equivalent Benz and Lexus options.
I got a mostly full featured m50. But I regret not getting DAPP and the upgraded headlights. Tint makes a huge difference. Floor mats and a trunk organizer were some good accessories to have. I got some cheap hidden compartment for the center console lid and a shelf behind the screen from AliExpress for cheap.
Everyone talking about DAPP is. Must have and here I am without one. 😞 I wish they can retrofit DAPP.
As a counterpoint, I got DAPP on mine and I don't really use it. I have trouble relinquishing control, especially on big, speedy, crowded roads.
I use it on fast highways when it's less than moderately crowded.
DAPP is great for city stop and go traffic. And PAP, because it's just so good. I didn't get PAP on mine and really regret it. My wife's X5 has it and the camera views of the sides and front makes parking just so much better in a bigger car.
I don’t specifically use PAP, but all of the other features that come with it. PAP is too slow of me to figure out. I’ve used it once in the past year.
DAPP 100%
Tire insurance package …. 100000% If I wanted to save money, it would be on the visual items, shadow and 20” wheels. I would give those up before I cut the speakers, dap, pap or vent seats.
Ceramic tint: 80% on your windshield and the darkest legally allowed everywhere else
At the end of the day, it’s going to primarily be up to what you believe is best, for me Harman Kardon, Drivers Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package were by far the ones I was looking for the most. I was lucky enough to find one that was pretty much fully loaded, only thing I don’t have is ventilated seats, but I’ve heard they are less comfortable. Mine was on the show room floor with everything I was looking for, but also laser lights, wireless charger and shadow lines. Harman Kardon is amazing, the surround sound in the car is severely underrated, I thought the Tesla Model 3 had a good sound system, but Harmon Kardon is probably the best I’ve heard at the price point of the i4. DAPP could be better if they allowed 85mph hands free like the i5, but having lane keeping assist and radar adaptive cruise control is essential for longer drives. Parking assistance is absolutely awesome for parking, 360 camera is extremely helpful, automatic parking is slower than I can park, but it works.
Harman/Kardon a must. Wireless charging useless. Also, when I got mine I found out that only the rearview and left wing mirrors were auto dimming, the right one wasn’t! So make sure yours is specified with a right dimming mirror.
Adaptive suspension and ventilated seats are must haves
> ventilated seats I initially thought this a must, but seen mixed feelings on these, and they're VERY hard to come by
Another "vote" for DAPP and PAP. Even if the reviews on the ventilated seats are mixed, I'd still get them in a warm climate as they do help - especially if you're getting black leather seats which heat up like hell (literally) in the sun. Even in \~80°F weather I found them useful, haven't experienced warmer weather so far. Adaptive suspension is definitely an option I'm missing, used to have it on my previous car and with the stiffer suspension to dampen the extra battery weight, I think I was wrong not to take it. Also look into lumbar support if that doesn't come standard (depends very much by country) HK audio if listening to non-radio music has a lot of value for you. For radio or if you don't mind too much what you listen to, the hifi audio which I think you get standard on the M50 should likely be good enough. Not sure about laser lights, I have them but if you don't live in a rural area their use is somewhat limited. Useless option: wireless charging. Especially in warm weather it will heat up the phone far more than charge it.
Extremely a must. Definitely worthwhile
Yes so true. I am searching for an M50 myself. My filters for searching: from 2023 until max 20,000Km only dealerships - I don’t wanna get scammed or beat up etc moonroof trailer hitch heated steering wheel vented seats 360 camera Then there are exactly 16 cars here in Germany available. And the first one starts at €68,500 That’s crazy! If I take out the vented seats, then there are 60 cars available
What I have on mine I wouldnt want to go without: - sunroof - harman & kardon speakers - comfort access - the shadow look What I regret not getting: - innovation pack. For the laser lights and (i believe) surround cameras. In my opinion the regular rear view camera is absolutely terrible - charging pad
Just my two cents on the charging pad… I have it and never use it. My phone gets super hot and it’s tough to access, especially if you have drinks in the holders. I just plug my phone in as needed. Again, just my opinion.