Q for UK 1Mrs re Spec

[Z4Mr]

As I'm going to have to spec my car in a month or two, I'm wondering what other folks over here in the UK are thinking (have thought) about colour and spec (different form US packages).
I like understated stealth and as such as going for black. I know it's hard to keep clean, but I won't try as in my admittedly warped opinion a bit of filth increases stealth and anonymity and protects the paint underneath!
As regards spec, my initial instinct was to go minimal with just the adaptive lights and SPG. But now I'm finding myself drifting towards Nav, HK sounds and heated seats too.....
What to do.... I don't like spending money unnecessarily and want to keep the car relatively light and gizmo-free. But I also like a few toys and am concerned come retail time as to how well I'd do with a near-base car....
What do you guys think??
Any and all opinions most welcome and appreciated!
Mike

[Jezzer]

Ordered mine a month ago and have gone for most options. Although I would prefer not opt for things like electric seats, harmon kardon etc. I learnt when speccing an M3 CSL without the essentials extras it is very difficult sell at a later date.

[ChrisBuer]

I've specced most of the options as the way I see it, I'm only going to get one chance at ordering this car due to the limited run and I'd probably regret it if I left stuff off.

[r11saf]

I would agree with Chris I went for most options as I would have defo regretted it afterwards also I just can't do stripped its too basic... my options and my reasons, Harmon Kardon imo is a definite must if u like music even in the slightest the standard hifi is soo poor. sat nav I jus like the gadget side of and it looks good also I travel down south often and I don't like wires and aftermarket sat nav. adaptive headlights are defo worth it late nite country lanes is where i spend my driving miles and they defo work. Folding mirrors for getting into the garage. electric seats because I find BMWs are awkward to get a good comfy driving position. Heated seats cos the wife is always cold.... even in the summer. Bluetooth for convenience and saving my licence. USB its the future and DAB radio just because I wanted it I suppose.

[Aussie_in_London]

I only option a car up for what suits my needs not what is going to sell at a later date as I buy for 'me' now and not someone else later...........

[clived]

Originally Posted by Jezzer

Ordered mine a month ago and have gone for most options. Although I would prefer not opt for things like electric seats, harmon kardon etc. I learnt when speccing an M3 CSL without the essentials extras it is very difficult sell at a later date.

Jezzer - did I see you're in Hitchin? What have you ordered (colour?) and who from? I'm just up the road...

[Jezzer]

I use an iphone 4 and I've ordered USB audio but not USB telephone. Can anyone tell me if I need this and what the features and benefits of this option. I saw in a BMW Apps video showing an iPhone clipping into a bracket into the centre console, is this it, bit confused. Do I need it if I have also ordered Bluetooth with telematics?

[Jezzer]

Originally Posted by clived

Jezzer - did I see you're in Hitchin? What have you ordered (colour?) and who from? I'm just up the road...

I've ordered from specialist cars in tring. Went to look at an m3 alpine edition, test drove it and didn't really like it and ordered a VO 1M instead. Saw Clive Fletcher's VO at Stevenage and by chance followed behind it in my car. Once I saw it on the road I knew I had defiately made the correct choice. Yes live in Hitchin, are you in Stevenage?

[ChrisBuer]

Originally Posted by Jezzer

I use an iphone 4 and I've ordered USB audio but not USB telephone. Can anyone tell me if I need this and what the features and benefits of this option. I saw in a BMW Apps video showing an iPhone clipping into a bracket into the centre console, is this it, bit confused. Do I need it if I have also ordered Bluetooth with telematics?

I had a similar issue bit after a lot of research I think I'm there

What exactly do you want to do with your iPhone 4? I wanted full iPod use through my idrive complete with the authentic apple iPod interface and album art. I also wanted to use my phone to make calls and charge whilst in the car.

To get the iPod functions on the screen you need the mobile application preparation (6NR). You also need the multimedia cradle. This will charge the phone and allow you to play the iPod at the same time. With this setup and Bluetooth on the car, if the phone rings, it'll pause the music and put the call through the stereo.

If you simply plug the iPhone into the USB connection it'll lock all other features on the phone like being able to take calls (well that's what my dealer told me).

I've also specced the bluetooth (633), the USB Audio interface (6FL) and the telephone USB audio interface (6NF) just to be safe!

[Z4Mr]

Thx for all the input guys.

I'm definitely going for HK sounds (I DO like my sounds), adaptive lights (had 'em b4 on 335d and liked 'em), SPG (car's gotta have that) & BT (obvious convenience).
Then it gets a bit tougher. Elec seats are out for me as I'm 6' 4" and I've read elsewhere that the elec seat option raises the seats which ain't a good idea for the taller of us. NAV is the biggie... both in terms of cost and resale - I don't doubt that ticking this £2K option WILL put £2K on come resale time... and I suppose I do kinda like watching the map function and having the sounds and phone on there too.... So I'm leaning towards it I guess.
Folding mirrors? Mmmmm. Possibly - convenient if one ever has to park on a street... which I rarely do.... And they might arguably save the side of the car in such circumstances anyway?? Or is that just plain daft... so probably not going to tick that box.
DAB? Is this the future? I've heard that it's likely going to not catch on as widely as thought? Does anyone know??
USB - maybe, although I'm not an i-player type, I'm thinking that this function would help come resale for most folks.
Heated seats - going have to say yes to those as the missus is - like r11saf's - always cold! (If airscarf was an option, she's bully me into having that as well!)
So maybe I'm there:
*BSM
*SPG
*NAV
*HFS
*HKS
*BT
*USB (although I'm now reconsidering all this having just read Chris Buer's message above.... scartching head..... I obviously want phone calls to appear on the screen and cut the music... and would like the facility of plugging an ipod in (more for other folks - passengers or future owners alike), so do I need all that Chris above is going for??)
*AdHds
JOB (almost) DONE!
Cheers,
Mike

[kmpowell]

Options add nothing to the value of the car in BMW's GFV (not even Sat Nav!), so I went with what I 'need' rather than what I wanted, because I'd never see that money again. In short I specced Bluetooth only. I then asked the dealer to pop on some BMWP kidney grilles and pedals. Job done, no regrets so far.

[ChrisBuer]

As others have said, I don’t think that anyone should add options for potential future re-sale as I firmly believe this will be a sought after car, so potential buyers are not going to have a huge amount of choice. In other words, if a car comes up, they will probably buy it regardless of extras with the primary factor swaying their decision being the colour of the car maybe?

Some on here have said that they want to keep the car as light and as basic as possible and that’s absolutely fine. Personally, I’ve loaded mine up somewhat because in the past 5 years, I’ve had a couple of stripped out Lotus’ (and Elise SC and a Exige S 260). Therefore I’ve missed the “nice to have” extras that you get with a car like this. I fast realised that I wasn’t doing the amount of track days I thought I was going to do, so ended up using my Exige to drive back and forwards to the shops, visit family and friends and occasionally go out for a proper B road blast drive!

The options I went for were:

- External folding mirrors (auto dimming) - Useful when I park in my garage and on tighter roads. Plus I like the idea of having the dimming function on them at night.

- Heated seats – I’ve had these before on a previous car and they were fantastic. Judging by the past three winters we’ve had and how cold it’s been, these were a must have.

- HK Stereo – I love my music but would never want the hassle of installing an aftermarket system, so this is perfect for me. In fact it was the first option I selected!

- USB audio interface + Telephone USB support + Bluetooth – I want to be able to use my phone and iPod properly and these items are very expensive to aftermarket fit apparently. In the grand scheme of things with the price of the car, these really don’t cost a lot to add.

- Mobile Application Prep – I have no interest in Twitter or Facebook in my car, never used them and never will. But the web radio is a good feature (means I can get my local station anywhere I drive, even abroad!). Plus there will be more apps coming along and I do like having the full iPod interface on the car.

- Navigation Professional – Again I don’t really need the navigation on a daily basis, but it’s useful if my wife and I go away anywhere. Plus it’s more than just navigation, it’s a computer. You can get all of the car settings on the screen (check the tyre pressures and oil levels from a little graphic). When you put the car into reverse you get a little radar graphic that pops up and shows you how close you are to things behind you. Then there’s the ability to scroll through your phonebook and dial contacts easily, all of the iPod functionality mentioned above and I think the latest version even allows you to play DVD’s if that floats your boat (I’m not bothered about that mind you).

- Gloss Black Kidney Grills – I think these look really nice on a white car.

- Multimedia adapter for iPhone 4 – I want to be able to charge the phone, sync the iPod so that I can play it through the stereo and allow the full functionality to make and receive calls, even when the iPod function on the phone is in use. I don’t want to be scrabbling around trying to unplug it so that I can make a call and nor do I want others not being able to contact me. I literally want to plug it in, put my music on and drive. If someone then wants to call me, it’ll work and all of the time the phone is being charged

[Mad One]

I'm picking up my 1M in 2 weeks when i return from holiday and have been looking at the iPhone 4 question whilst sitting by the pool (gotta love the iPad and a beach hotel with a good wireless signal ). I actually had a look at my car before I left on holiday (it turned up 2 weeks early) and although I have ordered all of the multimedia and phone related options (plus of course nav), there was no bracket in the cubby under the driver arm rest to stop a phone from rattling around. Looking round the net, I reckon I need the "snap in adaptor cradle for iPhone 4" - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Genuin...#ht_2280wt_968. It is available from BMW's eBay.co.uk shop and there are a few cheaper options if your not bothered with a warranty. I've told my sales guy I want it for when I return (am picking them car up on the way back from the airport) so I will most probably get it through him.

Back on options, I went for most things with an eye on resale which happily met my own requirements. I'm not so sure it will be super easy to sell on. The market is quite narrow and the competition is strong, especially on the second hand market.

[clived]

To echo the above, just spec the car as you want it, now.

Firstly, you get to enjoy the car as you want it / at the price you want it.

Secondly, if it's how you want it, chances are it'll be how someone else wants it in the future - not all buyers will want a fully spec'd car - although more kit might make it easier to sell if it's up against other less well spec'd cars at a similar price in a few years time.

[ChrisBuer]

Originally Posted by Mad One

I'm picking up my 1M in 2 weeks when i return from holiday and have been looking at the iPhone 4 question whilst sitting by the pool (gotta love the iPad and a beach hotel with a good wireless signal ). I actually had a look at my car before I left on holiday (it turned up 2 weeks early) and although I have ordered all of the multimedia and phone related options (plus of course nav), there was no bracket in the cubby under the driver arm rest to stop a phone from rattling around. Looking round the net, I reckon I need the "snap in adaptor cradle for iPhone 4" - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Genuin...#ht_2280wt_968. It is available from BMW's eBay.co.uk shop and there are a few cheaper options if your not bothered with a warranty. I've told my sales guy I want it for when I return (am picking them car up on the way back from the airport) so I will most probably get it through him.

Back on options, I went for most things with an eye on resale which happily met my own requirements. I'm not so sure it will be super easy to sell on. The market is quite narrow and the competition is strong, especially on the second hand market.

Just be careful which snap in adapter you buy. There are three that I'm aware off and they all look very similar.

1.) The most basic adapter charges the phone and uses the cars in built aerial to boost the signal of your calls. I believe this is the adapter you have posted in the link. This adapter will not interface your phone with the car in terms of iPod functionality. All it will do is charge the phone and allow you to make bluetooth calls.

2.) Music adapter - This is a snap in adapter that allows you to hook into the iPod functionality and play your music through the iDrive. It doesn't give you the album art on the screen and I believe it locks out the phone functionality on the iPhone when the iPod is in use.

3.) Media Adapter - This is the top snap in adapter and allows you to do everything. You'll get album art (if you have the apps package), you will be able to charge the phone, use it to make calls via bluetooth and listen to music through the iPod function. This adapter is about £160.

Hope this helps.

[Mad One]

1.) The most basic adapter charges the phone and uses the cars in built aerial to boost the signal of your calls. I believe this is the adapter you have posted in the link. This adapter will not interface your phone with the car in terms of iPod functionality. All it will do is charge the phone and allow you to make bluetooth calls.

2.) Music adapter - This is a snap in adapter that allows you to hook into the iPod functionality and play your music through the iDrive. It doesn't give you the album art on the screen and I believe it locks out the phone functionality on the iPhone when the iPod is in use.

3.) Media Adapter - This is the top snap in adapter and allows you to do everything. You'll get album art (if you have the apps package), you will be able to charge the phone, use it to make calls via bluetooth and listen to music through the iPod function. This adapter is about £160.

I hear what you are saying but I believe I already have the iPhone integration via the correct options - mobile and Bluetooth prep and USB. I think that the 2011 model year multimedia changes mean I only need an adaptor to stop my iPhone from rattling around. Looking at the new 1 series coupe brochure seems to confirm this.

[1Mer]

I didn't spec the SatNav. Too expensive (as an option and for updates) and I think the whole technology around SatNav's, Internet access & iphone Apps is changing too fast right now. I think there is a danger that it will all be obsolete in a few years time (or at least look VERY dated)

For the Phone & Music I chose the USB interface and the Bluetooth only (no phone cradle). I keep my iPhone 4 in my pocket synced with the bluetooth in the car and receive the calls via the professional radio (mutes music, etc). For the Music, I leave an separate ipod permanently connected (& charging) via the usb interface under the arm rest. I've syned the iPod to both my and my wifes iTunes library so that she can play her music when my phone is connected (100% of the time!!!). Every now and again I take the iPod out & re-sync it with any new music in iTunes.

Other than that: Harmon Kardon, Adaptive Headlights, Heated Seats, Folding/Dimming Mirrors & Sun Protection Glass

[Norfolk Boy]

I haven't specced Nav. Had it on previous 650i and found it no better than TomTom. Nice gizmo but no real benefit if you already have a Sat Nav.

Also had Logic 7 on that car and it did sound good but depending on settings could sound artificial. Those into hi-end home hi fi will no that you have very few settings for adjusting bass, treble etc as the music should sound natural.

I have upgraded to Business Loudspeaker system as I had this in a E92 coupe and it sounded great for the modest increase in price over standard.

DAB chosen as listen to 5 live / talksport lots

USB and bluetooth chosen through the head unit - work fine although less easy to see contacts compared with the large screen with Sat Nav option.

Adaptives - Had them on E46 coupe and good but would never miss them. Xenons are the most important part - standard on 1M.

Heated seats - Had leather in E46 coupe and din't choose heated option and always regretted on a cold morning.

Electric seats - Waste of money and take longer to get passengers into the back.

Gone for Black Sapphire as I have had on all my BMWs but this does seem to be the least popular colour - fewest photos about for this colour.
All colours look great but for business, black is most understated.

Not chosen sun protection glass as didn't have on 650i coupe or E46 coupe and never missed it.

I had a 1M on test drive for a day and didn't use the stereo or sat nav at all. The car is all about the driving and I don't think lack of Nav will be problem although I do seem to be in the minority judging by others' specs.

Cars like X5, 5,6,7 series need Nav for resale but most 1 and 3 series don't get specced with Nav.

Would be interesting to know the colour split of the 450 units - BS/VO/AW.

[Z4Mr]

Originally Posted by Norfolk Boy

Would be interesting to know the colour split of the 450 units - BS/VO/AW.

Ditto: I'm also going for BS. I do, like you, wonder if black turns out to be the least popular colour for this car. But I do like black! VO & AW are undoubtedly cool colours for this car, but VO is just a tad too loud for an older chap like me and AW similarly so and just a wee bit bling maybe?

You guys have also got me re-thinking spec........

I really aren't a fan of NAV. I've NEVER used it in other cars - I'm a bit old fashioned and like to try and find my around using maps! (I also really liked a digital compass that I once had in an X3) But I do like the map bit to watch! And the display for the sounds and phone.... But I could definitely easily do without it and save £2K up front.

I definitely like to have at least half-decent sounds; hence considering the HK. But I do wonder..... just how significantly better is it than the Loud Speaker System - BMW Business.... Any experience anyone please?

I suppose..... that the only must haves for me are:
Sounds - BMW Prof Radio & Single CD + Loud Speaker System - BMW Business
Sun Protection Glass
Adaptive Lights
Heated Seats

The above meagre spec puts the car at a relatively modest £42,465. BARGAIN!

Mike

[Norfolk Boy]

My experience of BMW stereos:
E46 coupe - HK upgrade - disappointed, bass pretty loose
X5 - Standard system - Adequate but pretty weak
6 series - Logic 7 - Easily the most powerful and better than HK on E46 but could sound un-natural
E92 Coupe - Loudspeaker business - Pleasantly surprised, decent sytem and best value
E92 - Individual hifi - Massive disappointment, sounded no better than business loudspeaker in the same car, big waste of money for whoever ordered it.

I did have a quick fiddle with the HK on the 1M and it didn't blow me away and didn't sound like £1000 upgrade - most similar to HK in E46 coupe.

Haven't heard Business loudspeaker in 1 coupe but based on previous experience above I will be going with it on my order. Hk badges look impressive but not worth the extra cost in my experience.

[Z4Mr]

Originally Posted by Norfolk Boy

My experience of BMW stereos:
E46 coupe - HK upgrade - disappointed, bass pretty loose
X5 - Standard system - Adequate but pretty weak
6 series - Logic 7 - Easily the most powerful and better than HK on E46 but could sound un-natural
E92 Coupe - Loudspeaker business - Pleasantly surprised, decent sytem and best value
E92 - Individual hifi - Massive disappointment, sounded no better than business loudspeaker in the same car, big waste of money for whoever ordered it.

I did have a quick fiddle with the HK on the 1M and it didn't blow me away and didn't sound like £1000 upgrade - most similar to HK in E46 coupe.

Haven't heard Business loudspeaker in 1 coupe but based on previous experience above I will be going with it on my order. Hk badges look impressive but not worth the extra cost in my experience.

Really helpful sum-up - many thanks. I once had HiFi Speaker System in a Z4M (and ProLogic in another), and it sounded really very good (pretty much on a par with the ProLogic). Maybe the Loudspeaker Business and the HiFi SS as aforementioned are pretty much the same??

Cheers,

Mike