[Scrapula]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

False statement.

SensaTec is nowhere near vintage vinyl found in vehicles made a half a century ago.

No way no how.

SensaTec is a sturdy, durable and great material. My 2017 G30 has it and the seats still look and feel new. Most people don’t know is not real leather (Which creases, pucks up in places no matter how diligent are you with the leather conditioner and maintenance).

After extended driving in an i4 with Sensatec, it gives me a headache, just like my parents vinyl seats. My husband didn’t last 5 minutes without complaining about the horrible smell. I suppose it is sturdy and durable because it doesn’t feel nice. I guess it is more similar to Naugahyde in the 60’s, the original fake leather.

I enjoy conditioning my leather, by the way. I like the lines that show it is well loved.

I don’t do well with chemical smells. My throat closes up when I go down the cleaning aisle at the grocery store. I did like the Veganza, which was soft and had zero odor. If I was ever going for vegan products, I would have no issue with it.

[Sisyrx]

Originally Posted by Scrapula

After extended driving in an i4 with Sensatec, it gives me a headache, just like my parents vinyl seats. My husband didn’t last 5 minutes without complaining about the horrible smell. I suppose it is sturdy and durable because it doesn’t feel nice. I guess it is more similar to Naugahyde in the 60’s, the original fake leather.

I enjoy conditioning my leather, by the way. I like the lines that show it is well loved.

I don’t do well with chemical smells. My throat closes up when I go down the cleaning aisle at the grocery store. I did like the Veganza, which was soft and had zero odor. If I was ever going for vegan products, I would have no issue with it.

Maybe something changed with Sensatec? My 2017 230i is full Sensatec and it has no odor, nor has it developed one over the past 6 years of my ownership. Had vinyl seats in my 1970 and 1972 240z's and Sensatec is pretty much odorless.

Sensatec also takes leather conditioner very well and is a breeze to clean.



My only complaint about the Sensatec in my 230i is that it is not perforated and does not breathe as well as leather which is annoying in the Southern California heat.

[Scrapula]

I think it’s more that some people notice an odor and others do not. It’s like people that think cilantro tastes like soap. I imagine that the chemical smells go away after a while, once they leach out.

[Sisyrx]

Originally Posted by Scrapula

I think it’s more that some people notice an odor and others do not. It’s like people that think cilantro tastes like soap. I imagine that the chemical smells go away after a while, once they leach out.

Could be that I bought the 230i CPO with 11k on it about a year after its manufacture. It was a dealer car so got some butts in the seat which may have helped the off-gassing? I also detail the car regularly by hand and use interior detailer/conditioner on the Sensatec which likely helps.



Either way, not arguing, you're right that some people will be more sensitive to smells.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by ando

It’s my first 5 series and I’d say the sport seats are a bit wider than a 3 series.

The M Sport makes the headrest and upper section sort of interesting because there’s some Alcantara.

The Vengaza feels very soft. Close to higher grade leather. For reference, I drove my ‘22 M3 with Merino leather right before and after for reference.

Vengaza is in my opinion 10x better than Dakota Leather/Vernasca Leather. And 100x better than Sensatec. It doesn’t have a leather scent though but on the plus side, I don’t think it has any scent.

Dakota leather is quite hard wearing and relatively supple. No pleather can compare, IMO.

In fact, I see no point in specifying a higher grade of leather if you use your car as a daily. The previous 540 offered Alcantara as the base material, which was much nicer, IMO.

[ando]

Here’s an update …

Total miles: 162
Charges: 3

[SkykingUSA]

Congratulations on the car, I think it looks awesome!

Does the eDrive40 model have the boost paddle like the M60?

Also, does the eDrive40 have launch control?

Thanks.

[ando]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

Congratulations on the car, I think it looks awesome!

Does the eDrive40 model have the boost paddle like the M60?

Also, does the eDrive40 have launch control?

Thanks.

Appreciate that.

I added the M Sport Package to my build so it does have the boost paddle and function.

But I did not add the M Sport Professional Package which would have added launch control.

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by ando

Appreciate that.

I added the M Sport Package to my build so it does have the boost paddle and function.

But I did not add the M Sport Professional Package which would have added launch control.

Thanks for the reply! That's great to know. Sometimes it's difficult to know exactly what each package gives you.

I'm looking forward to ordering one this month.

[ando]

Slow day in the city, so I did a drive to work day instead of public transit. On my way in I noticed there were 2/6 open spots at the nearby EA. I did a charge, went to work, car wash on the way home and then took some evening iPhone pics …

[RichardInCA]

Great looking i5! Congrats.

[PsychDoc]

Originally Posted by Jax327

It’s growing on me, but not sure how I feel about the ambient lighting. Bmw is always lacking in this department.

The ambient lighting is phenomenal in this car. Just the right balance of bling and refinement. That's where MB went wrong with the new E-Class. Way too much bling. Looks like Tokyo at night.

[chamalo90]

Originally Posted by ando

It’s my first 5 series and I’d say the sport seats are a bit wider than a 3 series.

The M Sport makes the headrest and upper section sort of interesting because there’s some Alcantara.

The Vengaza feels very soft. Close to higher grade leather. For reference, I drove my ‘22 M3 with Merino leather right before and after for reference.

Vengaza is in my opinion 10x better than Dakota Leather/Vernasca Leather. And 100x better than Sensatec. It doesn’t have a leather scent though but on the plus side, I don’t think it has any scent.

Hello Ando !

Very nice configuration !

Can you post more pictures of the seats ?

I am making a similar config, probably ordering this week. Having hesitation between full Venganza seats and the ones with Alcantara as you have.

Any feedback to give on those ?

Many thanks

[ando]

Sure here are seat pics …

[chamalo90]

Originally Posted by ando

Sure here are seat pics …

Thank you so much
Looks very nice, i think i made a choice.

[Trevor G]

The M Sport seats are better looking and have better lumbar bolstering. The reason they cost the same as the veganza multi contor seats is because they do not have the adjustable side bolstering or the electric adjustable head rest. Always go to the dealer and plop you self down on each option before purchasing. I went with the M Sport seats after sitting in both.

[ando]

Big road trip day. Every year I travel from Chicago to Kansas City to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas at grandmas.

For Thanksgiving, I didn’t have the confidence to drive the i5 so I took a M3. I said its got dedicated winter wheels and tires, all wheel drive, I’m in a rush and don’t want to plan and stop for electric car charging.

But this time I decided to take the i5. The long road home is about 550 miles each way. I started with 95% and found two really solid EA stops with no waiting. In fact one stop all the fuel pumps were full and all the EV spots were empty. I charged both of these times to 80% rather quickly. Just enough time to go to the bathroom, snacks, caffeine and let the dog smell Iowa.

Then I was on a work call and I wouldn’t say I was distracted but I missed a good charging spot and ended up with the next best ChargePoint stop with a split 200kW and two 6kW. When I arrived I had 8% left. I charged up for a few minutes on the 6kW and then a car left and I was able to get on the 200kW.

Made it back home. I’d add I used the PlugShare App. And most importantly happy holidays bimmerpost friends!

[Scrapula]

Love the doggo

[SkykingUSA]

Thanks for the road trip pictures and happy holidays to you too!

Although your described your charging experience well, you didn't say much about how you liked the road trip overall and whether you would take the i5 on a road trip again. Was the seat comfortable for the long drive? Was it a pleasant drive overall? Was the car smooth and responsive, etc.?

[ando]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

Thanks for the road trip pictures and happy holidays to you too!

Although your described your charging experience well, you didn't say much about how you liked the road trip overall and whether you would take the i5 on a road trip again. Was the seat comfortable for the long drive? Was it a pleasant drive overall? Was the car smooth and responsive, etc.?

Yes I will definitely take the i5 on many more road trips. First EV. First 5 series and the cabin is bigger and more comfortable than my 3 series. The sport seats are very comfortable too. My i5 eDr40 with M Sport is very smooth and the vehicle is quiet at highway speeds. I arrived without much fatigue after a nine hour drive. I did turn the display settings down to their lowest levels at night.

[OHV_44]

Great Weimaraner.

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by ando

Yes I will definitely take the i5 on many more road trips. First EV. First 5 series and the cabin is bigger and more comfortable than my 3 series. The sport seats are very comfortable too. My i5 eDr40 with M Sport is very smooth and the vehicle is quiet at highway speeds. I arrived without much fatigue after a nine hour drive. I did turn the display settings down to their lowest levels at night.

That sounds great. Probably what most of us were hoping to hear. :-) Thanks.