model year differences?

[2013M3]

Were there major changes between the X5 35i between 2011 to 2013?

Would you rather buy a low mileage 2011 or slightly higher mileage 2013 for slightly higher price?

also was the rear seats with heat an option back in 2011?

thanks

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by 2013M3

Were there major changes between the X5 35i between 2011 to 2013?

Would you rather buy a low mileage 2011 or slightly higher mileage 2013 for slightly higher price?

also was the rear seats with heat an option back in 2011?

thanks

All 3 years are LCI, though 2011's only have the yellow/halogen Pre-LCI coronas, vs the LED coronas on the 2012/2013. Package configurations also changed for 2012.

For the 35i only, 2011, I'd make sure it has the Premium Sound Package (option 677A), the base audio (option 645A) for that specific year/model is terrible. For 2012 they ditched that audio package.

Heated rear seats were a standalone option in 2011, and fairly rare. Part of the Cold Weather Package starting in 2012.

I'd get a 2012+

[-c-]

Originally Posted by jiggz

All 3 years are LCI, though 2011's only have the yellow/halogen Pre-LCI coronas, vs the LED coronas on the 2012/2013. Package configurations also changed for 2012.

For the 35i only, 2011, I'd make sure it has the Premium Sound Package (option 677A), the base audio (option 645A) for that specific year/model is terrible. For 2012 they ditched that audio package.

Heated rear seats were a standalone option in 2011, and fairly rare. Part of the Cold Weather Package starting in 2012.

I'd get a 2012+

Yep 2012 or 2013 is the way to go. The LED coronas keep it looking more modern or up to date with all the new cars having bright white DRL's now.

Also they fixed a lot of little issues the later in the model range.

But my 2012 has 120k miles on it now and drives great and no oil leaks.

[2013M3]

thanks guys.

Also, what is the difference between the 'sports activity' and 'premium' version.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by 2013M3

thanks guys.

Also, what is the difference between the 'sports activity' and 'premium' version.

There are 4 trims for the 35i - Base, Premium, Sport, and M Sport.

As I recall, Sport adds to Premium with the following:

Sport seats (I'd still recommend finding one with the upgraded Multi-contour seats)
Sport steering wheel (upgrade over the base/premium wheel, but still not as nice as the M Sport wheel)
Anthracite headliner
Shadowline exterior window trim (instead of chrome on the base/premium)
Different style 19" wheel w/ 20's optional
Extended wheel arches

I'm probably missing an item or two but those are the big ones. I'd get Sport model for sure at a minimum, if not the M Sport.