New Options: 6VC Combox Controller and 8TL Daytime driving lights
 

I placed my order for a 2011 X5 35i on Aug 31. I'm not that familiar with the whole inventory management and production scheduling process, but, I'm curious about 2 options that showed up on my order without me specifically asking.

To summarize: I worked with my CA to spec out what I wanted (Premium with the Convenience Package, the Cold Weather Package, the Technology Package, Comfort Access, Heated Rear Seats, and Light Poplar).

He went away and came back a bit later with a sheet from their computer system with these options plus 2 more. As I understand it, they basically reassigned one of the vehicles the dealer had already in the queue to me and changed it specs to match mine.

I didn't think too much about the 2 "mystery" options 6VC and 8TL at the time. Since then, I've been reading a lot of posts on this forum and ran into the whole thread about the September/October new hardware cut-in to manufacturing for some advanced bluetooth functionality. I haven't really been able to see anything about the 8TL. The description is "Daytime driving lights front and rear active".

Is there any more information available for these 2 options? My CA said no.

Do you think this definitely means that my X5 will come with the new hardware, and, if so, do you think it means my build won't start until the week of October 10?

Does anyone have these options on their orders and also have a production date assigned? Mine is still not scheduled for production at this time when I check on the website.

Even more curiously, when I check the BMW website, it does not have the correct color scheme or these 2 mystery options. So, there is definitely a mismatch between what the dealer showed me and emailed to me and what is available from BMWusa.com


Thanks, Brian

Wow, 8TL isn't on my build sheet - sounds like that could very well be LED corona rings! This would be the first word that they are updating the corona rings with this mid-year refresh.

Bummer for the rest of us who missed out, but exciting for you.

And don't worry about the website tracking - it's always off, as long as your Dealerspeed printout is correct, everything will be made correctly.

8TL is also on mine. My vehicle was initially a September build, but I had it changed to an October build, week 40, to guarantee the changes. Yes, the 8TL means you get the new lights.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I picked up my 2011 x5 35i Sport Activity yesterday and it had the 8TL code but does not have the LED Corona Rings. :thumbdwn:

However, I'm still in love with it!

Why does everybody make such a big deal about the Corona LEDs? When your in the car you can't see them. Who cares!!!!!!


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Because they look super cool. I was driving in front of a 2011 7 series last week and it had the old lights... I was sad for the car. The new lights would have looked so much better!

Did you have the 6VC code?

Interesting, wonder why they would bother adding on another code for Daylight Running Lights without changing anything? Weird.

And as for why people like the lights... people care about how the car looks when driving, shocking I know! Although I will admit I don't care as much after getting the car - I think the lure of the LED coronas is stronger before delivery.

Having a "code" does not mean hardware changes! It could be as simple as 8TL means "make sure running lights are activated on delivery".

Just saying..

A

Can't you add the Corona LEDs aftermarket?


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But on the order sheet? I have my Dealerspeed printout from a July build, and it doesn't have either of these two line items (6VC or 8TL). It does have things like "6NF Smartphone Integration" or "6FL Ipod and USB Adapter".

Still seems strange that their build sheets would have a new line item added without a hardware change. That build sheet refers to *hardware*, not delivery instructions.


And you can change to aftermarket bulbs to get a "white" light for the coronas, but it won't look as good as the OEM option. They have redesigned the entire light housing to spread the LED around evenly, you'd have to replace the entire assembly to get the identical effect.

Yes - I also had the 6VC code. However, I still received the old iPod cable with the USB and 3.5mm jack.

I suspect the codes were for the new equipment but got changed due to the delays att the factory. I wouldn't count on the order sheet as confirmation. We won't know when the new equipment hits until someone actually takes delivery.

Hmm, that makes it sound like they ARE switching to LEDs - your build sheet just got screwed up. Interesting.

look cheesy until dusk...then you see them. However they have too much orange.

Are you talking about the old or the new?

While there is usually nothing better than 'Factory', I have seen several BMW's around this area that installed aftermarket LED's and they look fantastic.

It truly is a night and day difference in the appearance of the vehicle!

I'm searching out what seems to be the best aftermarket LED for my 2011 35i.

Does anyone know what this is yet

Pls keep me in the loop as I'm looking to change the rings as well, but would hate to spend $150 for these lights. Thanks

My 35D is scheduled for week 39 and it shows 6VC and 8TL on the build sheet. Hoping for the new stuff but not confident. I'd delay the build for a couple weeks for the white LEDs but not much longer. Week 39 is next week though so very little time to figure this out.

Do you have an up-to-date build sheet? It sounds like some people got build sheets with these options for month of Sept when they weren't actually being specced at factory with em. If you have an up-to-date sheet showing the options, you can just refuse the car at delivery - not prepared as specced.

Reports on here have said that build week 40 is when everything starts, but who knows, maybe they're starting early. I bet if you tell your CA that you will refuse delivery if these options are missing, he'll find out for sure.

Done. I'll let you know what I hear.

The ones of the new 5 series....Its looks like a blended mess at day, once dusk hits they pop..

however the old ones look great during the day then a blended mess at night. go figure LOL.

Range Rover Sport got it somewhat right on theirs, instead of the full rings they have dots....

I thought next week was week 39, but my dealer sent me an email saying mine will begin production next week and mine is scheduled for a build week 40. Hmmm.

Do a search. Irv Robinson posted the 2010 production calendar.

Thanks! I sent a copy of the calendar to the dealer...

So, he said next week mine actually goes into 150 status and no changes can be made.