Hi all,

Our BMW 5 Series Touring is due to go back next year (Wife's Company car) and we want something similar size but taller, so after much deliberation we've decided on a used RRS. (but haven't totally discounted a Discovery 4 as another option).

Price wise a 2012-2013 seems like a good bet for us, and the fact that we won't be buying until next Autumn means these MY's will be a bit cheaper by then.

I have some questions if I may, hopefully they're not too silly but I apologise in advance as I don't know much at all about LR/RR.

Essentials for us are the usual as in Diesel, Auto, leather etc, which we'll get whichever model we go for, but we'd also like heated seats all round, sunroof, lumbar support, DAB, park sensors F&R, park camera, memory seats, power fold mirrors, auto lights & wipers, cruise control.
Would we need to be looking at an HSE as a minimum for these requirements? To be honest I'd rather go for the best model available as I like my "toys" and it helps at resale time, so I'd rather go for a Red/Black, HSE Luxury or Autobiography.

I have a heated steering wheel in the BM and it's great, I use it a lot of the time. My excuse is that I have poor circulation in my hands and they feel the cold easily, honest!! Would I be correct in saying that the heated steering wheel only came on the HSE Luxury & AB?

We have 2 teenage Sons and 2 dogs, so we originally looked at the Discovery 4. That definitely ticks all the "practical/space" boxes, but although I like the shape, my wife is not convinced. We both love the RRS shape so could compromise on a bit of space and practicality. Comfort is my biggest requirement.

With the dogs and kids, rear seat entertainment would be nice (for the kids not dogs!), but not essential, and the boot seems decent enough, but does the tailgate split? I have seen a video where the window opens separately from the boot lid, as it does in our BMW (which is really handy), but I'm not sure if this was a pre 2012 model?

Do the rear seats fold completely flat? I do a lot of cycling and like to throw my bike in the back rather than risk a carbon framed machine on the roof or rear, so a flat load area is good.

Also, do the rear seats recline and/or slide at all? I've had a quick look at a 2012 RRS at a dealer but I didn't want hassling by the salesman too much so only had a quick look. To be honest I could do with a good look around and play with one, but the salesman hover over you so I'll maybe try a different dealer. I have even thought about hiring one for a weekend?

Some other basic questions - is the adjustable air suspension standard? Do 20" wheels affect the ride quality much? I like the look of bigger wheels but comfort is a higher priority, but it seems that if I go for a higher model it's most likely going to have 20" wheels. As long as they're not run-flats though!!! The BM has them and I detest them.

Sorry for the long post and so many questions, but I'm a big fan of forums and stumbled across this one which I have found very informative. I've learnt so much already just by spending hours reading through all the posts.

Thanks, Phil.

Hi Phil,

A HSE will include everything you want, apart from heated steering wheel which is extra, I believe the HSE Luxury includes heated steering wheel as standard but an option on the autobiography, not 100% on this though.
The split tailgate was scrapped for a single price electric on for MY12. The rear seats fold completely flat but do not recline etc.
Air suspension is standard on all models.
Ride on 20s is fine, there also the option on changing the tyres to higher profile (40-45) for a bit more comfort.
Spend a day looking around around and take a few for a test drive, sure you'll be pleased.
Where abouts in Staffordshire are you Phil?

Hi Phil
Like you I had a company BMW 5 series until last year and coming out of the company car scheme (the tax is getting silly) I wanted something a bit different to the usual exec boxes. (I also hate that BMW has decided to remodel the interiors so it looks like someone had velcro'd an IPAD to the dashboard). Ive always liked the look of the RRS1 and so that is what I opted for. A MY12 HSE with AB kit added.

For the items you listed I think you would need to go for an AB or a Black edition. the HSE didn't come with heated steering wheel or sunroof as standard although later 2013 models might have had these added as options due to end of run.

20" wheels are fine but I recently swapped to 275/45/20 tyres (standard is 275/40/20) which has made a significant difference to the ride quality which is now much smoother. Its certainly a comfortable place to be especially on longer motorway runs, certainly more comfortable than my 2011 5 series. when first switching into an RRS from a 5 series there is a temptation to lower the seat all the way down (as it seems so high up) this is a mistake and its more comfortable to raise it a little. Air suspension is standard with three height settings (access, normal, off road) but this is not a comfort adjustment. Dynamic mode increases steering weight and reduces body roll.

The rear seats do fold pretty much flat but they do not recline or slide at all. Boot space is fine for two Labrador size dogs but it is quite a jump to get in compared to the 5 series. on MY12 and later the boor is a single piece with electric remote operation so no split tailgate or separate window opening.

most of the rest you mention are standard on HSE: power fold mirrors fold when the car is locked and also change angle automatically when reversing. heated seats all round, F&R parking sensors, rear Camera, electric seat adjust with lumbar and bolster adjustment as well as memory for driver, DAB (as well as TV and DVD player), auto lights and wipers, cruise control. remote light operation (front and rear), Fridge under centre arm rest

Fuel economy will not match the 5 series though. on my 5 series it generally reported an average of 44MPG but in reality looking at fuel records I got 37. in the RRS SDV6 it reports about 29 and actually achieves 27

an absolute essential is a good (preferably JLR) warrantee. other options might have been fitted so always worth taking your time and finding the right car for you.

I've had mine about 18 months done 18000 miles and still love it. -----------------------------------------------
RRS SDV6 HSE MY2012 Orkney grey, Oxford leather Ivory seats Ebony carpet, Anigre wood trim, enhanced design pack.

HemoRRS wrote:

Where abouts in Staffordshire are you Phil?

TPS wrote:

Hi Phil
Like you I had a company BMW 5 series until last year and coming out of the company car scheme (the tax is getting silly) I wanted something a bit different to the usual exec boxes. (I also hate that BMW has decided to remodel the interiors so it looks like someone had velcro'd an IPAD to the dashboard). Ive always liked the look of the RRS1 and so that is what I opted for. A MY12 HSE with AB kit added.

For the items you listed I think you would need to go for an AB or a Black edition. the HSE didn't come with heated steering wheel or sunroof as standard although later 2013 models might have had these added as options due to end of run.

20" wheels are fine but I recently swapped to 275/45/20 tyres (standard is 275/40/20) which has made a significant difference to the ride quality which is now much smoother. Its certainly a comfortable place to be especially on longer motorway runs, certainly more comfortable than my 2011 5 series. when first switching into an RRS from a 5 series there is a temptation to lower the seat all the way down (as it seems so high up) this is a mistake and its more comfortable to raise it a little. Air suspension is standard with three height settings (access, normal, off road) but this is not a comfort adjustment. Dynamic mode increases steering weight and reduces body roll.

The rear seats do fold pretty much flat but they do not recline or slide at all. Boot space is fine for two Labrador size dogs but it is quite a jump to get in compared to the 5 series. on MY12 and later the boor is a single piece with electric remote operation so no split tailgate or separate window opening.

most of the rest you mention are standard on HSE: power fold mirrors fold when the car is locked and also change angle automatically when reversing. heated seats all round, F&R parking sensors, rear Camera, electric seat adjust with lumbar and bolster adjustment as well as memory for driver, DAB (as well as TV and DVD player), auto lights and wipers, cruise control. remote light operation (front and rear), Fridge under centre arm rest

Fuel economy will not match the 5 series though. on my 5 series it generally reported an average of 44MPG but in reality looking at fuel records I got 37. in the RRS SDV6 it reports about 29 and actually achieves 27

an absolute essential is a good (preferably JLR) warrantee. other options might have been fitted so always worth taking your time and finding the right car for you.

I've had mine about 18 months done 18000 miles and still love it.

Really appreciate that, thanks. Yes the company car tax outweighs the benefits unfortunately. One of the disadvantages also is that we have to wait until the 3.5 years are up before we change, which is frustrating when you want something different.

I also know what you mean about the BMW dashboards, they're naff!

I know the fuel economy is going to be quite different, but we don't do that many miles to be honest.

I see yours is Orkney Grey, I already know that is the colour I want, it really suits it well. I like black, the BM is Sophisto Grey which is black near enough, but as a keen detailer its a nightmare to keep looking good.

Thanks to you both for your input

I've just bought a black 2012 HSE, and I can honestly say if you get one similar you will not be disappointed. Re the heated steering wheel, I had one in my previous Evoque, but just get the timed heating activated on your RRS and you wont need it. I had a Disco4 while mine was in the garage overnight and it was great, but just didn't have the refinement of the RRS. You can also get a remote control to turn it on when you want from a guy called Disco Mikey on here.

Hope this helps

Scott

Thanks Scott.

Do you mean you can get a remote control for the park heating? I don't know anything about that to be honest, but like the sound of it. How does the system warm up a completely cold car?

Hi Phil,

Yes, exactly that. I have just had timed heating activated, so I can set a time each morning it comes on, and then is on for 20 mins. I am also getting the kit from Disco Mikey for £175, which will allow me to turn it on anytime with the press of a button on a key fob (separate to the car key). I'm not sure how warm it gets, as only just had mine done, but I don't believe it get's it right up to temperature, but it also warms the engine, so it's very obvious when it's been on as you get hot air quicker once you start the engine.

Cheers,

Scott

Thanks again Scott. I've just been reading up about it on here. It sounds perfect for me - I love my heat and I do different start times each day, mostly between 0315 and 0700, so a pre warmed car would be very welcome!
I'm getting quite excited about becoming a RRS owner, only problem is having to wait nearly 12 months

Oh well, plenty of time to research on here!