The BMW Convenience Package Explained

The Convenience package is one of the more interesting optional extras from BMW. This is a package of features that’s only found on lower-grade models, with different levels depending on the model you select. All of this probably sounds confusing, so let’s try and clear things up.

As an introduction to how packages work with BMW, you have two types. Firstly, there are smaller, more focused packs, on certain features (like seating or multimedia). 

Alongside those options, you have the larger packages, which are Convenience, Premium, and Executive. As you move up through the packages, you access more advanced features and the price tag increases. Some packs are only available on certain models and contain exclusive options.

So what exactly is included in the BMW Convenience package, and is it worth the cost?

Let’s start by looking at what is included when choosing the Convenience package.

BMW often includes different options within the same package, depending on your vehicle, so your chosen model may not have all of the features below.

What’s included in the BMW Convenience Package?

The Convenience package from BMW contains the following options, depending on the model you are buying:

The Convenience package has a few standard options across most models, such as auto-dimming mirrors. A few of the features are unclear though, so if you’re selecting the convenience pack and not sure what it contains, we’ll run through some of those features below:

Wireless Device Charging

With the Wireless Device Charging feature, you have access to a charging tray in the center console. The charging tray is usually located next to the cupholders, in front of the gear selector, and designed with a rubber mat to prevent your phone from sliding off the charging station.

The charging system doesn’t work with every phone, so it’s important to check if your smartphone is compatible. For older models, I believe you can go back to an iPhone 8 for iOS devices, so all current and recent models will work (same for Android and other OS systems). You may find an issue with the charging tray size though – if you have an iPhone Plus or Galaxy Plus, for example, these won’t fit. Also, any phones with large or magnetic cases will prevent the charger from working.

Overall this is a useful feature to have. The charging tray contains an LED light to confirm your phone is charging, and there are no on/off switches required; simply place your phone in the tray and it will start charging. I’m not a huge fan of in-car wireless chargers, and I don’t use the tray in my current BMW, but many owners will get plenty of use from this charging tray.

If you want to check the full list of BMW models that include Wireless charging, we’ve put that list together here.

Lumbar Support

Lumbar support is one of those features where you’re unlikely to pay much attention to it when speccing a new car, but you slowly realize how useful it is once you’re in your new vehicle. As part of the Convenience package on most vehicles, you get four-way lumbar support on both front seats.

Lumbar support is there to protect and offer comfort to your lower spine, which is vital on longer car journeys. The system in BMW models works with an electric adjustment to support different sections of the seat, allowing you to adjust the system to match the comfort you need.

The lumbar support system isn’t the best in the industry, but this definitely makes a difference when you’re in your vehicle for long periods. If you’re expecting to only use your car on shorter trips then lumbar support may not seem like the most important feature, but it’s one that I couldn’t live without now.

Heated Front Seats / Steering Wheel

I wanted to include these features in the same section – they are both easy to understand if you’ve had a premium car before, and they both serve a similar purpose. If you live in a colder region, there’s nothing better than heated seats and a steering wheel, on an especially cold morning. You can’t beat it.

These are exactly the features I would expect from a convenience pack. As individual options you’ll be looking to pay around $300 each from most manufacturers, so with BMW including them here, you’re getting some good value.

Heated seats and steering wheels aren’t the most exciting feature, and for some of you they might be pointless. Even so, for a lot of BMW owners they will be high up on your list of wanted features, so this is an easy way to include them in an inexpensive pack.

If you want to check the full list of BMW models that include a heated steering wheel, we’ve put that list together here.

Panoramic Moonroof

The Panoramic Moonroof comes as part of the Convenience pack on most of the entry-level BMW models. This feature is simply a marketing term for a sunroof with some added features, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad option to have. In fact, the moonroof is one of the more impressive features within the Convenience pack.

The panoramic moonroof is designed with a retractable screen and two glass panels. The screen can be removed using a control next to the rearview mirror, and this gives you the option to open the front glass panel. If you want, BMW also gives you the option to delete the panoramic moonroof from your convenience package. 

If you want to check the full list of BMW models that include a Panoramic roof, we’ve put that list together here.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting transforms your BMW’s cabin, adding customizable lighting to your dashboard, door panels and console. You can fully customize the colors and brightness through your infotainment screen, and enable features like Dynamic and Dimmed lighting.

Almost every car has ambient lighting now, so this isn’t the amazing feature it used to be. Having said that, the BMW system is one of the best out there, and compared to other brands the level of customization here is impressive.

It’s only available on a handful of models with the convenience pack, but if you want to add ambient lighting to your BMW, it comes as standard on most models in their range.

If you want to check the full list of BMW models that include Ambient lighting, we’ve put that list together here.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of the Convenience package depends on the model, but as a guide for the US market:

• X1 28i – $1,950
• X3 30i – $1,700
• X4 30i – $700
• 230i – $1,500
• 228i – $1,850
• 330i / 330e – $850
• 430i – $750
• 530i – $750
• Z4 30i – $600
• i4 35e / 40e – $900

Is the Convenience Package Worth It?

The Convenience package is BMWs ‘entry level’ package, containing basic optional extras. For that reason, it’s priced lower than the Premium or Executive packs, which both come with more advanced features. 

For me, the Convenience pack doesn’t feel like value for money when you compare it to the upgraded packages. You do get some useful features, although I think keyless entry should be standard on every BMW by now, but there simply isn’t enough here.

How Does This Compare To Other Packages?

Because the Convenience pack covers many features, it’s difficult to compare to items like the Luxury Seating Package. As we’ve mentioned, this package includes some options that should be standard on all BMW models, and when you look at packs from Mercedes or Audi, they include more premium features.

This is one of the least expensive packs from BMW, and compared to times like the Dynamic Handling pack or even the Shadowline pack, the Convenience pack has something for everyone.

If you want to find out more about packages from BMW, along with other manufacturers, check out the links below:

Mercedes Multimedia Package Explained

BMW Premium Package Explained

The Most Expensive Audi Models

BMW Climate Comfort Package Explained

The Most Reliable BMW SUVs

Which BMW Models Have Ambient Lighting?

Which BMW Models Come With Laserlights?

BMW 3 Series Trim Levels Explained

The Best BMW Daily Drivers

Which BMWs Have The Best (and Worst) Resale Values?