Black Diamond - options questions please

Fillups

I have been playing with "build and price" online and have have concluded the Black Diamond in 2-Door will most likely be my model trim. Have a few questions and want to be sure I know what I think I know... If some of these seem beginner-class, I have never ordered a car from scratch before and while I trust my sales person, I want to do my own research. Here goes, thanks in advance for feedback:

* Mid-Package - $1495. It took me some time to realize this is only available with auto transmission. I read it on the list, but figured if I ordered Mid with 7 speed MT - I would just not get the remote start since the rest of the options list don't relate to the transmission. So, just to clarify - there is no way to get heated seats and the intelligent access a-la-cart, correct? I would like those options - prob enough to pay the $1495 without getting remote start Can the dealer request this package with manual trans? Or does the dealer only have same choices we do online?

* Advanced 4x4 with auto engagement - $795. I notice this is not available on all trims to add standalone, but is on BD and does not change the 4.46 rear end ratio. Does this unlock additional GOAT modes? Or perhaps just change what options are available to the computer in some GOAT modes? If this is like the "auto" setting on my 2010 Expedition, I don't think I've ever used it.... if the roads are bad enough to need 4x4 I just go to 4H and switch back in parking lots or dry pavement, etc. But if driving on a trail / in mud, is this a worthy option? Or won't 4H or 4L already be engaged? Just trying to figure out if this is something I will wish I ordered a year or 2 down the road vs. new tech for marketing sake.

* Roof Rails $365 - Other than the obvious - which is they make the roof panels more challenging to remove, any drawbacks vs. aftermarket? I would keep the cross bars removed until needed, etc.

* Retractable Twill Top - front row - $1390. I realize this would require removal of the roof rails, but this seems like a cool 3-season option (Ohio climate). Especially if the removable sections rattle where they latch together, as some have posted. I see an aftermarket option already available, but just wondering of anyone has ordered this and knows the pros / cons?

* Tailgate table - $310. I hate that I even like this, but just looks fun and occasionally useful, if not overpriced. Any other suckers fall for this option yet?

Fillups

* Mid-Package - $1495. It took me some time to realize this is only available with auto transmission. I read it on the list, but figured if I ordered Mid with 7 speed MT - I would just not get the remote start since the rest of the options list don't relate to the transmission. So, just to clarify - there is no way to get heated seats and the intelligent access a-la-cart, correct? I would like those options - prob enough to pay the $1495 without getting remote start Can the dealer request this package with manual trans? Or does the dealer only have same choices we do online?

Fillups

* Advanced 4x4 with auto engagement - $795. I notice this is not available on all trims to add standalone, but is on BD and does not change the 4.46 rear end ratio. Does this unlock additional GOAT modes? Or perhaps just change what options are available to the computer in some GOAT modes? If this is like the "auto" setting on my 2010 Expedition, I don't think I've ever used it.... if the roads are bad enough to need 4x4 I just go to 4H and switch back in parking lots or dry pavement, etc. But if driving on a trail / in mud, is this a worthy option? Or won't 4H or 4L already be engaged? Just trying to figure out if this is something I will wish I ordered a year or 2 down the road vs. new tech for marketing sake.

Fillups

* Roof Rails $365 - Other than the obvious - which is they make the roof panels more challenging to remove, any drawbacks vs. aftermarket? I would keep the cross bars removed until needed, etc.

Fillups

* Retractable Twill Top - front row - $1390. I realize this would require removal of the roof rails, but this seems like a cool 3-season option (Ohio climate). Especially if the removable sections rattle where they latch together, as some have posted. I see an aftermarket option already available, but just wondering of anyone has ordered this and knows the pros / cons?

Fillups

* Tailgate table - $310. I hate that I even like this, but just looks fun and occasionally useful, if not overpriced. Any other suckers fall for this option yet?

RagnarKon

Correct, the only way to get heated seats and intelligent access is with the Mid package, and the only way to get the Mid package with a manual transmission is by going with the Badlands trim. If you were going to go with the Sasquatch package on your Black Diamond trim, I would actually recommend just going Badlands trim (non-Sasquatch package), and upgrading your tires aftermarket down the road. The base price difference between Black Diamond Sasquatch and Badlands is less than $1000.

THAT SAID, there is some aftermarket options for heated seats, such as Katzkin. No real aftermarket option for intelligent access, but I know for a lot of people the keyless entry pad ($110) option is a suitable replacement.

No, the Advanced 4x4 package does not add any additional GOAT modes. It does increase the transfer case gear ratio a tiny amount, and it adds 4-Auto, which is an all-wheel drive mode.

EDIT— It does modify some existing GOAT modes. For example, the Slippery GOAT mode will switch the vehicle into the 4-Auto mode rather than using 2-High. But that's about it.

The roof rails themselves are completely removable with a few bolts so I personally would just remove them until needed. Having roof rails will increase the in-cabin noise and decrease fuel economy, so no reason to have them installed unless you are actively using them in my opinion

That component is actually an aftermarket component by Bestop that Ford is offering from the factory. On the Bestop website it is known as the Sunrider top. Bestop makes a version of the Sunrider for the Jeep Wrangler so I'm sure you can find tons of reviews online.

Plenty of people have gotten one. Keep in mind that it is also available as a Ford accessory, so you can always buy it after delivery. And you can even use your FordPass points for it to reduce the cost.

Fillups

Thanks for the play-by-play reply.
I thought besttop option looked similar or same, but was not sure. Also not sure if I would get any possible benefit from the top being covered under the 3 / 36 warranty if i'ts "factory supplied" but if it's the same item, I'll save it for later.

Interesting that Badlands will let you add mid-package and retain the Manual Trans. I went to try it online and the description still includes remote start and says "available with Automatic only" but it lets me select it and view the summary with Mid and Manual. The rear ratio also appears different, but not sure if that's related. Hate to sound skeptical, but this is a legit option combination? Why with BL and not BD? I was not planning on Squatch - only the "base" Black Diamond, so this is a pretty large price jump. But if I opted for the alum wheels and 4x4 auto mode with Black Diamond, it may close the price gap some. I don't feel like my plans call for the sway-bar disconnect, but must admit I like some of the other stuff (LED lights, slightly larger tires, but without going to 35 Squatch).

And good point about the remote entry keypad. I would get that with any trim, use it a lot with my Expy to lock keys in the car while hiking, bike riding, etc.

RagnarKon

The Badlands trim with a manual transmission has a 4.7 axle ratio. The Black Diamond has a 4.46 axle ratio unless you equip the Sasquatch package, then it too bumps up to 4.7.

We don't know why Ford only offers Mid on the Badlands trim for manual transmission. If I were to guess, it is because the take-rate on the manual transmission is probably dramatically lower than the automatic transmission, so in order to ensure profit margins and keep production costs low, Ford reduced the overall number of combinations you can have with a manual transmission. Truthfully... the vast majority of people buying a manual these days are probably either buying a basic model, or they are buying the full wiz-bang-every-option model. And the selection Ford offers reflects that, but it does suck for manual transmission folks who want to buy a more middle-of-the-road model.

---

I was in a similar camp as you. I originally had a Black Diamond on order, as I feel the Black Diamond has by far the best bang for the buck (which I still agree with). But I also really wanted a front locking axle. The only way to get a front locking axle is with the Badlands trim or the Sasquatch package. I didn't really care about the other options on the Badlands trim. Have no need for the sway-bar disconnect, and I'm not real big on LED lights or interior comforts... so none of the other stuff mattered to me. But with the way the Sasquatch option is priced, it is dumb not to just upgrade to the Badlands model... so I did.

I now also have the Mid package—with all of the delays I was able to save up some more money. And honestly if I'm spending close to $50,000 on a family vehicle, I probably should get something my wife really enjoys—she loves heated seats.

Mattwings

I had all the same mental gymnastics going on when I ordered and BD was definitely my preference based on price vs. performance. I did not like the steelies and the 4A was a must for me, so that made the BD a bit more $ (pretty close to Badlands). I was a bit torn by the HD font axle on SQ or Badlands, the 190 in the BD is pretty light (note, Ford doesn't put anything larger then a 32" tire on that axle in the Bronco or Ranger and no locker or limited slip). The rest seemed like window dressing. Well....I ended up seeing the 12" screen before my VIN came in and it was just awesome. That added High Package, but I just bit the bullet. After having my Badlands (2.7 Mic, High Package) for 6 months and 9k miles, I have found the sta-bar disconnect as important as any of the other options. It definitely keeps the tires more planted on the ground when hitting obstacles, but it also substantially softens the ride while on the trail. It already rides better than most of my previous vehicles off-road, but the disconnect is so nice! Makes for a much better passenger experience for sure. Just thought I would pass my experience on for those wondering or on the fence. Camera is awesome too BTW, way better for trails and not near as much need for a spotter.

All three of those in the pic are Badlands BTW. Top is a 2.3 manual, middle is my 2,7, bottom is 2.7 SQ-

Sdakotabronco

I'll give you all the information I have, but hoping others will fill in any gaps. BL accents are orange, BD are blue. The 33's should work on the BD, but I'm no expert. The additional sound deadening material the BL has is in the engine bay on the firewall behind the engine, and under the hood. This is for engine and road noise. I believe there is also some protection around the battery. Any Bronco with the MIC top has a rug like pad they can install on the roof that is free. This is to help with road noise. It has to be requested with the Badlands and Black Diamond due to those models having washout interior. If you don't request it they won't add on those 2 models. I'm not sure on the upholstery colors in the BL being 2 tone. I'm getting a BD and never really looked at the BL

Fillups

- I'm not interested in the BL leather seating option so I'm assuming the MGV is the same material in both of these trims - just all black in the BL trim vs. 2-tone in the BD trim? And the stitching is still color coordinated to match the Vent grabbers and handles? Blue BD and orange BL?

• Badlands: All black seats with gray interior trim pieces on the dash and doors.
• Black Diamond: Black & gray seats with black interior trim trim pieces dash and doors.

Fillups

- I'm not in love with the BD steel wheels, but also not sold on the upgrade option for BD - all black painted alum option. If I end up with a BD and steel wheels I would be tempted to keep an eye out for a set of take-off wheels/tires from a Badlands (I'm sure over time, I can find someone upgrading). Would I be able to add the 33's on stock Badlands wheels? This goes against factory specs due to the front axle? But yet it's not much if a tire size diff in reality)...thoughts? Long term would give me a winter /summer option also...

Fillups

- BL High Package spec mentions "additional sound deadening" - but can't find details so far. The MIC top for 2-door shows the "free" option to add top insulation material, but this must be something else? Is this something that would help with road noise, even with the larger / more aggressive tires?

Sdakotabronco

Just remember I never said anything about getting a Badlands! I'm in the Black Diamond club!! :ROFLMAO: