[jkjjpc]

The lease for my 2017 540i is up in a few months. I am looking at options. I see that a mid-cycle refresh for the 5 series is expected for MY2021, but no set date for rollout.

I'm interested in knowing what significant changes have been made since 2017. From the BMW website it appears the current model has the new digital gauge cluster and possibly iDrive 7. Other changes?

[LogicalApex]

I think the major shifts are iDrive 7 lite and Live Cockpit Pro (digital cluster).

MY2021 production will start on 7/1/2020 just like MY2020 (obviously that was on 7/1/2019 not 2020).

[bimmer_335]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

I think the major shifts are iDrive 7 lite and Live Cockpit Pro (digital cluster).

MY2021 production will start on 7/1/2020 just like MY2020 (obviously that was on 7/1/2019 not 2020).

digital cluster is a cluster f**k in my view... i had an X5 for a week and everyday driving back i got severe headaches

could be just me but i absolutely hate it. Now if you have HUD then you'll likely be fine

[steve090619]

Originally Posted by bimmer_335

digital cluster is a cluster f**k in my view... i had an X5 for a week and everyday driving back i got severe headaches

could be just me but i absolutely hate it. Now if you have HUD then you'll likely be fine

Originally Posted by bimmer_335

digital cluster is a cluster f**k in my view... i had an X5 for a week and everyday driving back i got severe headaches

could be just me but i absolutely hate it. Now if you have HUD then you'll likely be fine

I just had X4 loaner, I also hated all digital. To much going on, I am very happy with my school half digital screen.

[runbuh]

No CD/DVD drive in the dash.

It does have iDrive 7, but everyone seems to be calling it "iDrive 7 lite". What features are lacking, I don't know.

CarPlay is full screen without having to do anything (read: coding).

I had a 2018 530i, and now have a 2020 M550i. I am OK with either instrument panel (but I coded my M550i to use the Alpina gauges, which I prefer).

Other than that, I'm not sure what actual differences there are, besides features/packages are probably bundled a little differently.

Wait for the LCI if you want the technology upgrade (remote start, and whatever else a new 3-series/X5 has that a 5-series does not). I suppose the 540 might even get a powerplant upgrade. New M340 has 382hp, compared to the current 540i's 335hp. I would not bet on the HP bump, though.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by runbuh

No CD/DVD drive in the dash.

It does have iDrive 7, but everyone seems to be calling it "iDrive 7 lite". What features are lacking, I don't know.

CarPlay is full screen without having to do anything (read: coding).

I had a 2018 530i, and now have a 2020 M550i. I am OK with either instrument panel (but I coded my M550i to use the Alpina gauges, which I prefer).

Other than that, I'm not sure what actual differences there are, besides features/packages are probably bundled a little differently.

Wait for the LCI if you want the technology upgrade (remote start, and whatever else a new 3-series/X5 has that a 5-series does not). I suppose the 540 might even get a powerplant upgrade. New M340 has 382hp, compared to the current 540i's 335hp. I would not bet on the HP bump, though.

The G30 is missing remote software update (which may come later, but may not) and it is missing Drive Recorder, Reverse Assistance, and Traffic Jam Assist Pro.

So far I am not missing out on anything...

[runbuh]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

The G30 is missing remote software update (which may come later, but may not) and it is missing Drive Recorder, Reverse Assistance, and Traffic Jam Assist Pro.

So far I am not missing out on anything...

Drive Recorder seems like it would be nice (built-in dash cam, so to speak):

[claykin]

Originally Posted by jkjjpc

The lease for my 2017 540i is up in a few months. I am looking at options. I see that a mid-cycle refresh for the 5 series is expected for MY2021, but no set date for rollout.

I'm interested in knowing what significant changes have been made since 2017. From the BMW website it appears the current model has the new digital gauge cluster and possibly iDrive 7. Other changes?

2020 has iDrive7 lite, live Cockpit Pro and door handles have deleted chrome inserts. That's mostly it other than the hidden fixes that come into play as a model matures.

Anyone know if the 2020 G30 has the B58M1 engine or still using the M0 until LCI? Realoem has fallen way behind and data only goes up to 3/2019.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by runbuh

Drive Recorder seems like it would be nice (built-in dash cam, so to speak):

Yeah it seems cool, but I don't think it is good enough to replace a dedicated dash cam. It will be interesting to see how iDrive 7 matures on the 2020 G30 especially with the Android Auto update that comes in the summer. Will it get meaningful upgrades or get skipped and treated as an odd one off?

Of the known missing features I'd say probably Traffic Jam Assistance Pro would probably be the nicest of them. But there are some privacy concerns with the way companies may track you in the car these days so I'm not sure if I'm ready for it yet.

[noptawat]

Is it possible to upgrade to id7

[clee1982]

I highly doubt 540 will get the M340i engine though, looks like they want to separate M-performance with the remaining from the line up

[The J-Man]

Originally Posted by clee1982

I highly doubt 540 will get the M340i engine though, looks like they want to separate M-performance with the remaining from the line up

That’s what I’m thinking too. It unfortunate, though, as the 540 could really benefit from the extra HP in the 6 cylinder. It would keep the car competitive and interesting in the midst of slumping sales.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

I think the major shifts are iDrive 7 lite and Live Cockpit Pro (digital cluster).

MY2021 production will start on 7/1/2020 just like MY2020 (obviously that was on 7/1/2019 not 2020).

No DVD-CD in dash player.

Front for lights are optional

ASS can not be permanently be disabled


If I were you, I would keep the 2017 540i or wait for the 2021 LCI model.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by The J-Man

That’s what I’m thinking too. It unfortunate, though, as the 540 could really benefit from the extra HP in the 6 cylinder. It would keep the car competitive and interesting in the midst of slumping sales.

It's more to do with the fact that dumb people prefer a X3 over a 5er sedan, hot engine or not. You can get a V8 on the G30 not such thing available on the X3, including the X3M.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by clee1982

I highly doubt 540 will get the M340i engine though, looks like they want to separate M-performance with the remaining from the line up

That's why you get the M550i in the first place.

G30 is a luxury car first and foremost. If you raw brutal power is your thing, go M5 competition all the way.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by noptawat

Is it possible to upgrade to id7

Nope.

Different hardware, different CAM BuSEs etc.

ID7 sucks and highly overrated. Had it on a G20 330i loaner and came away might unimpressed. Dislike the silly reverse speed and tach gauges. Talk about stupid ideas.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by jkjjpc

The lease for my 2017 540i is up in a few months. I am looking at options. I see that a mid-cycle refresh for the 5 series is expected for MY2021, but no set date for rollout.

I'm interested in knowing what significant changes have been made since 2017. From the BMW website it appears the current model has the new digital gauge cluster and possibly iDrive 7. Other changes?

Keep the car and enjoy a beast of that machine that still technologically relevant and has much life left on it. There is no compelling reason to spend more money on new 540i that you already have with less content and a half assed ID7 with terrible digital gauges.

[jjscsix]

I’ve noticed that some new models show some sort of CD prep. Does anyone know what the option is for a CD player? I’m disappointed that they are taking it out of vehicles, which adds to the cost for those of us who still like CDs.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by jjscsix

I've noticed that some new models show some sort of CD prep. Does anyone know what the option is for a CD player? I'm disappointed that they are taking it out of vehicles, which adds to the cost for those of us who still like CDs.

Perhaps it can be retrofitted for a fee
Of course.

[saporitj]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

It's more to do with the fact that dumb people prefer a X3 over a 5er sedan, hot engine or not. You can get a V8 on the G30 not such thing available on the X3, including the X3M.

Except that V8 G30 isn't available everywhere. Specifically parts of Europe and Australia.

[MrLatte]

Hi, I read that the mppsk was discontinued for post 2018 cars. Not sure if there is an updated version?

My dealer cannot tell me if this will be available until they have the cars VIN number.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by clee1982

I highly doubt 540 will get the M340i engine though, looks like they want to separate M-performance with the remaining from the line up

M340i uses the B58O1. The B58M1 is the "2nd generation" of the B58. The B58M1 is in the G05, 07, etc.