Final Configuration

[Chop79]

Who knew that ordering a new car could be such a painful experience? My original plan was to get out the door as inexpensive as possible. But after researching, questioning, and configuring at great length, I've decided to get the car exactly how I want it... Without compromise. It's too difficult to weigh the value of options against each other. I think it's best to get the car how you want, and avoid any regrets. So here is my final configuration with a little reasoning behind my choices:

Alpine White/Black'ette/High Gloss Trim - The perfect sporty combo IMO
Sport Package - I fell in love the BMW sport seats and the M steering wheel on my test drive
Comfort Access - Adds to the gee wiz factor of the car, plus the people who have it always say how they would never get another car without it
Heated Seats - My girlfriend is always cold... now I might be able to keep the cabin temperature somewhat human :thumbup:
iPod Adaptor - Integration
Premium hifi - It seams to be a good value for what you get. I listened to both (very briefly), and the standard stereo sounded so good that I almost passed on this one, but I don't want to have to upgrade later if I change my mind and start thinking it sounds a little flat. The great reviews of the prem vs the mixed reviews of the standard system helped make my decision.
Sat Radio - This one killed me, $600 for a $200 option? The problem is that my work could take me anywhere. So I don't want to get stuck living out in BFE without any good stations. Plus it's great for road trips.
BMW Assist - Like Comfort Access, this also seams to be a favorite of BMW owners. I wish I could have just ordered Blue Tooth as a stand alone option, but that obviously wasn't available. Plus, integrated after market set ups from BSW were priced at $700.

I'm a bit frugal by nature so there's no way I could have gone for I Drive. And I really could have gotten out the door for couple of thousand dollars cheaper, but at the end of the day I think I chose the perfect options to suit my personal needs.

[vivid]

if you want to save money you could lose the premium HiFi... the STD system is pretty good.

[Chop79]

Originally Posted by Vivid

if you want to save money you could lose the premium HiFi... the STD system is pretty good.

Good point. I have this thing where I have a hard time chosing the lesser of two available options when directly confronted with such a decision. What's that called again? Oh yeah, it's being a man :biggrin:

[vivid]

LOL... I went with Premium HiFi also, even though I thought the standard was pretty impressive but I was not too concerned with price.

[Dave]

looks good chop

just keep in mind i got heated seats too and you will also get the head lamp washers...but if you want the rear arm rest or pass thru you have to get the cold weather.

I am fine with folding the seats down for skis thou

nice choices!

[Chop79]

Originally Posted by izzodesh

looks good chop

just keep in mind i got heated seats too and you will also get the head lamp washers...but if you want the rear arm rest or pass thru you have to get the cold weather.

I am fine with folding the seats down for skis thou

nice choices!

Thanks izzodesh. Glad to hear about the washers. I snowboard so I figured the armrest/by pass system wasn't required.

[Glassjaw]

Vivid, what kind of dog is that in your picture? lol (had to ask!)

[Chop79]

I also wanted Blue Tooth because of the little phone button on the steering wheel. It would have annoyed me if it didn't work. Every time I saw it and put in my lame ear piece I would have been annoyed. Is that a bit neurotic?:iono:

[Dave]

nope i have that same feeling... cuz i didnt opt for the phone 8(
my wife thinks i am nuts

and yeah for a board you def can save 100$ skipping the cold weather

[Dave]

are you the only driver?

if not consider power seats... i love my manual seats but since i switch with wife it gets a bit annoying.. maybe skip on the hifi and spend another 200$ for power seats... it would help in resale too

[AchtungF80]

I did a similar configuration as you but went ahead with iDrive, simply because I am tired of the stupid suction cup mount falling and scratching my dash or my Garmin when it falls because the suction cup wasn't doing its job!

[Chop79]

Originally Posted by izzodesh

are you the only driver?

if not consider power seats... i love my manual seats but since i switch with wife it gets a bit annoying.. maybe skip on the hifi and spend another 200$ for power seats... it would help in resale too

I am the only driver. And I plan on keeping the car for a VERY long time. So I'm not too concerned about resale. Power seats are nice though. I especially like them on a long road trip. As your back gets sore, you can reposition while driving. Definitely nice... but I had to draw the line somewhere.

Originally Posted by AchtungE30

I did a similar configuration as you but went ahead with iDrive, simply because I am tired of the stupid suction cup mount falling and scratching my dash or my Garmin when it falls because the suction cup wasn't doing its job!

The nav system looks cool and I'm not afraid of idrive, I just don't really use nav all that much, and I think it's overpriced.

[OzF16]

I ordered sat radio too -- it doesn't seem like a popular option on this forum. I have XM Radio in my E36 328i, and I've been really happy with the listening options. FM radio is terrible here and even at 60gb of music, the iPod gets old after a while. Sound quality of sat radio could be improved. Maybe they'll be able to figure that out when XM and Sirius merge.

[M3_Dust]

Originally Posted by Glassjaw

Vivid, what kind of dog is that in your picture? lol (had to ask!)

it's a beagle

[Chop79]

Originally Posted by OzF16

I ordered sat radio too -- it doesn't seem like a popular option on this forum. I have XM Radio in my E36 328i, and I've been really happy with the listening options. FM radio is terrible here and even at 60gb of music, the iPod gets old after a while. Sound quality of sat radio could be improved. Maybe they'll be able to figure that out when XM and Sirius merge.

I dig sat radio also. I was almost talked out of it. But I remembered how stoked I am to have it every time I get a rental car. I think it's a good call.

[ximpulsex]

Congrats on the setup man!

Damn... So many people going with AW... I wonder what the percentage breakdown is for number of cars produced for each color.

Originally Posted by M3_Dust

it's a beagle

[HI-JACK]100% certain? It looks too dark to be one though the lighting in the pic does look off...[/HI-JACK]

[topvega]

lose the sat radio imo...