The Ultimate Guide To The BMW Convenience Package

Are you considering adding the Convenience Package when buying or leasing a new BMW? As you browse BMW models like the 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, and X5, you’ll come across this package as an add-on option. But what exactly does it include and is it worth the extra cost?

This detailed guide will cover everything you need to know about the BMW Convenience Package. We’ll look at:

What features are included
Which BMW models it’s offered on
How much it costs for each model
The pros and cons of the package
Whether it’s worth paying extra for the Convenience Package

After reading this comprehensive review, you’ll understand what you get with this package, how it improves the overall driving experience, and whether it fits your needs and budget.

What Exactly Is Included in the BMW Convenience Package?

The Convenience Package bundles together technology and comfort features to make your driving experience more enjoyable and hassle-free. Here are the main amenities that come with it:

Power Tailgate

One of the biggest perks of the Convenience Package is the power tailgate. This allows you to open and close the rear trunk just by pressing a button.

The tailgate can be activated three different ways:

Pressing the remote key fob twice
Tapping the button on the driver’s door
Waving your foot under the center of the rear bumper (for hands-free access)

The power tailgate is extremely convenient when you’ve got groceries or luggage in your hands. You don’t have to put everything down to manually open it.

It’s also handy in tight parking spaces where you can’t fully open the tailgate. The power lift gives you more clearance.

Comfort Access Keyless Entry

Another useful feature is keyless entry, which BMW calls Comfort Access. This lets you unlock the doors just by grasping the door handle, without taking the key fob out of your pocket.

Once inside, there’s a Start/Stop button you press to turn the car on instead of inserting a key.

With Comfort Access, you won’t fumble for keys whenever you need to get in and out of your BMW. It’s seamless access.

Parking Assistant

The Convenience Package equips your BMW with Parking Assistant technology. This uses sensors and cameras to automatically parallel and perpendicular park your vehicle with little input needed from you.

Here’s how it works:

You drive alongside an open parking spot at a speed below 22 mph
The system scans for a large enough space
When it finds one, you shift to reverse and take your hands off the wheel
Parking Assistant then steers the BMW perfectly into place

This takes the stress out of parallel parking on busy streets. The technology locates spaces you might miss and handles the tricky steering maneuvers.

Lumbar Support

For those long road trips, the Convenience Package includes 4-way power lumbar support for the driver’s and front passenger’s seats.

You can use the seat controls to adjust the firmness and position of the lumbar support. This alleviates lower back pain by providing extra cushioning exactly where you need it.

The lumbar support makes long highway drives or traffic jams more comfortable.

Satellite Radio

The package includes a 1-year subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio with over 200 channels. This gives you access to commercial-free music, sports, news, comedy and talk radio.

Satellite radio ensures you always have entertainment options no matter how long the drive. Though after the trial period expires you’ll need to pay to continue the service.

Bluetooth and USB Connectivity

Rounding out the Convenience Package are Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

The Bluetooth pairs your phone to the car so you can safely stream music, podcasts, audiobooks and make hands-free calls through the infotainment system.

USB ports allow you to play music directly from a flash drive and charge your devices.

What BMW Models Offer the Convenience Package as an Option?

BMW offers the Convenience Package as an option on several of their luxury models spanning sedans, SUVs and convertibles.

Here are the BMW vehicles you can add it onto:

3 Series

The popular 3 Series compact luxury sedan can be equipped with the Convenience Package. It’s available on these models:

330i/330e
M340i
330i xDrive
M340i xDrive

So whether you opt for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the package can be added.

It delivers functionality like keyless entry, power tailgate and parking sensors to the dynamic 3 Series sedan.

5 Series

For the larger, mid-size 5 Series sedan, the Convenience Package is also optional across trim lines:

530i/530e
540i
M550i
530i xDrive
540i xDrive
M550i xDrive

On a spacious, executive sedan like the 5 Series, amenities such as the power tailgate and lumbar support maximize comfort.

X3

The X3 compact luxury SUV offers the package on these versions:

xDrive30i
M40i

It’s a great addition for an active SUV like the X3. The hands-free power tailgate makes it simple to load sports gear and camping equipment.

X5

BMW’s popular mid-size SUV, the X5, can also be equipped with the Convenience Package:

xDrive40i
xDrive45e
M50i

The X5 is a luxurious family hauler suited for vacations and road trips. The package’s comfort upgrades make those long rides more enjoyable for everyone.

Z4

Even the sporty Z4 convertible roadster can be optioned with the Convenience Package on these trims:

sDrive30i
M40i

With the top down on the Z4, the Comfort Access keyless entry prevents wind from blowing the doors shut before you get in.

So in summary, the Convenience Package is very widely available across BMW’s lineup – from 3 Series to 5 Series, X3 to X5, and the Z4 convertible too.

How Much Does the BMW Convenience Package Cost for Each Model?

Pricing for the Convenience Package ranges from $1,700 – $2,400 depending on which BMW model you choose.

Here’s a breakdown of how much it costs for each vehicle:

BMW 3 Series: $1,700
BMW 5 Series: $2,400
BMW X3: $1,800
BMW X5: $2,350
BMW Z4: $1,900

Keep in mind these prices can vary slightly by specific trim too. For example, adding the package to an M340i xDrive 3 Series costs $1,700 but on a base 330i xDrive it’s only $1,550.

In any case, the package represents a significant add-on expense over the base MSRP. But it may be worth it if the included technology and amenities align with how you plan to use your BMW.

We’ll analyze the pros and cons next to help you decide if it’s a smart investment.

Is the BMW Convenience Package Worth the Extra Cost?

Should you spend $1,700 to $2,400 to get the Convenience Package on your new BMW? Here are the key pros and cons to help inform your decision:

Pros of the BMW Convenience Package

More Convenient Access: Not having to fumble for keys thanks to Comfort Access and the power tailgate is a huge daily convenience. Once you get used to keyless entry, you’ll never want to go back.

Parking Made Easy: The Parking Assistant takes a frustrating part of driving – parallel parking – and makes it practically effortless. It reduces parking stress, especially in congested cities.

Alleviates Back Pain: The multi-adjustable lumbar support can be a literal pain reliever on long drives by providing lower back cushioning.

Latest Technology: You’re getting the most advanced amenities like gesture controls for the power tailgate and automated parking technology.

Elevates Luxury: Options like soft-close doors, keyless entry, and extended leather trim make the interior feel more high-end.

Cons of the BMW Convenience Package

Expensive: Ranging from $1,700-$2,400, this is one of BMW’s pricier package options. That’s a premium on top of an already expensive luxury vehicle.

Some Useless Features: Do you really need the complexity of automated parking? And will you use satellite radio enough to justify the subscription after the 1-year free trial?

Potential Reliability Issues: More motors, sensors and moving parts could increase the likelihood of costly repairs down the road.

May Impact Resale Value: In the used market, having too many addons can negatively impact value compared to a cleanly optioned model.

Can Be Added After Purchase: You could wait and see if you really need the features after living with the BMW for a while before paying extra for them.

As you can see, there are compelling reasons on both sides of the equation. It comes down to personal preference and budget.

For those who love tech gadgets and demand the ultimate in convenience, the package may be a no-brainer. Hands-free access, automated parking, and seat massagers make everyday use a delight.

But if you don’t see yourself ever parallel parking or care little for keyless entry, putting that extra cash towards other add-ons like performance packages or premium sound may be the way to go.

Conclusion: A Smart Splurge for the Right Buyer

The BMW Convenience Package delivers helpful amenities that improve the overall luxury driving experience. For someone who values convenience and comfort, it can be a worthwhile investment.

Consider how often you would use each feature and whether the package aligns with your intended use of the vehicle. For example, if you frequently parallel park downtown, the automated Parking Assistant alone may justify the cost.

But don’t feel compelled to add every package just because. Make sure the features fit your needs and that you’ll get $1,700-$2,400 of extra utility from them.

The Convenience Package makes the most sense for:

City drivers who parallel park often
Families carting lots of cargo that need the hands-free tailgate
Business execs wanting the latest gadgets and technology
Anyone who hates fumbling with keys getting in and out of their car

For those buyers, the power liftgate, lumbar support, keyless entry and tech perks take an already sophisticated BMW experience over the top.

So ponder how you’ll use your new beamer before deciding. But for the right buyer who prioritizes convenience and the ultimate luxury amenities, the BMW Convenience Package can certainly be worth splurging on.