E90Post
 


Studio RSR
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > General E90 Sedan / E91 Wagon / E92 Coupe / E93 Cabrio > BMW Options Advice



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-30-2006, 04:39 PM   #1
budfox
New Member
budfox's Avatar
5
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: Audi
Join Date: May 2006
Location: River Oaks

iTrader: (0)

BMW Options Advice

FYI - I'm waiting to buy the 335i when it comes out this fall. I'm new to BMW so I'm asking for some advice from owners themselves.

What options/packages do you recommend?

And, how do you like BMW NAV?

I do love my quattro, so i would enjoy a great suspension.
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2006, 04:54 PM   #2
MoreCowbell
Lieutenant Colonel
MoreCowbell's Avatar
485
Rep
1,700
Posts

Drives: 24 i5M60 23 X740 23 Vette Z06
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Westchester, NY

iTrader: (0)

Must have:

Sport Package
Premium Package
Sat radio prep

Nice to Have:

Cold Weather Package
NAV
Comfort Access
Sat radio


Avoid:

Active Steering
Active Cruise
Sunshades
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2006, 05:08 PM   #3
JSpira
Freude am Fahren
JSpira's Avatar
Austria
334
Rep
5,254
Posts

Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, +
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: New York, München, Wien

iTrader: (1)

Highly recommended:
Sport Package
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Satnav
Comfort Access
Sat radio

Great to have:
Active Cruise
Sunshades

Avoid at all costs:
Steptronic
Active Steering
__________________
Freude am Fahren.

Jonathan




E90 2006 330xi
E90 2006 325i
E39 2003 530i Sport*
E46 2000 328Ci*
E36 1996 328iS*
E36 1992 325i*
E30 1991 318is
E21 1982 320iS*
E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)*
*retired


Nominated: Most Contributing Member
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2006, 05:48 PM   #4
David328M-Sport
Brigadier General
Australia
100
Rep
3,566
Posts

Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Melbourne Australia

iTrader: (0)

The base package will be a great starting point so your first priority will be to check out the suspension. Will there be a sports option that suits your requirement or do you do a 3rd party mod later. Sunroof - lots of lovely light.

Choose the best wheel/tyre option your budget can allow. Navigation is terrific, especially when you need to find that hidden street or your way around another town or city etc.Makes for a stress free drive.

Are you a manual or auto driver. The new auto box sound like it will be terrific and should hold its own against the manual tranny. (off topic but the new Porsche 911's auto is faster to 100km/h than the manual version).

Lots to choose from but you need to sit down and prioritise the options that suit you.

Enjoy the swelection process and enjoy what should be a terrific car.
__________________
328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2006, 06:06 PM   #5
MIKEYMIKE
Lieutenant Colonel
MIKEYMIKE's Avatar
United_States
63
Rep
1,516
Posts

Drives: 330i 6mt
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (3)

Sports Package, Premium Package, Nav, 6mt
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2006, 06:13 PM   #6
akhbhaat
Captain
United_States
181
Rep
883
Posts

Drives: ///M318ti Type-R Turbo S
Join Date: May 2005
Location: T1 run-off

iTrader: (0)

The sport package is the only must-have option. I really don't see the point of the premium package unless you want leather.

Most of the standard features that the average consumer comes to expect in an upscale car today are now will be standard in the 335 - the moonroof, power seats, the upgraded sound system.

My opinion of various options:

Sport package - if you don't want this, you really should be looking at a Lexus instead. The sporty handling and driving feel are the BM's strongest selling points.

Premium package - as above, might as well throw in the extra $800 if you're going to get leather anyway. I strongly dislike leather (and no, I'm not a PETA member), but I'm in the minority.

BMW Assist/Bluetooth - useless. BMW Assist sounds like a great feature on the surface - automated emergency dispatches, scheduling service appointments, etc. Except, like any great feature, you pay for it - a fairly hefty $240 per a year - and the concierge service costs even more. Worth it? Not to me. As for Bluetooth, you'd better have a Bluetooth phone that will sync with the car - though I don't see why you wouldn't just buy a much cheaper wireless headset and use that instead. Sure, you'll look like a tool, but you made the decision to look like a tool the moment you decided to buy a BMW in the first place. Tint your windows.

Park Distance Control - if you can't maneuver a small car in tight spots without hitting something, please just do society a favor and surrender your license immediately. I've used this feature in the E60 M5 and I don't like it nor trust it.

Automatic transmission - some people have their reasons. I can respect that.

Active steering - one question: why? Bad arthritis? Laziness? Buy a Lexus.

Cold Weather - I live in Florida, so I've no opinion on this.

Comfort Access - Admittedly, I'm a sucker for cool gadgets. This is one of the cheaper options and I like it.

Active Cruise Control - You know, I used to laugh at these systems - but then, while stuck in traffic on I-75 surrounded by people who make a bad habit of accelerating and braking repeatedly (is the concept of holding a constant speed lost on people?), I began to wish I had one. It has its uses - IF you spend a lot of time on the interstates. Personally, at $2200, it's too steep given what it does and how often you'll probably use it.

On-board Nav/iDrive - another gadget. This would be a tough decision. I doubt I'd get much real use out of it, to be honest, but it would be nice to have at times.

Heated Front Seats - one of my fellow E46-driving friends swears by these. I think they're silly down here. Probably worth it if you live in a northern climate.

Fold down seats - if you need the utility, go for it. But then, why aren't you buying a touring? Hurts the chassis stiffness considerably, for those who like to track or autox their cars.

Power shades - it's called window tint and it's fairly cheap (cheaper than the sunshade), and it also improves the look of the car from the outside. I suppose if you'd like to write in a nasty (retractable) message to tailgaters, then by all means...

Satellite Radio - buy an iPod instead.

Any questions?
__________________
Avid collector of the very finest Deutscher Schrott
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2006, 08:26 PM   #7
BMWDavid
United_States
431
Rep
860
Posts

Drives: MSport F30
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: BMW Secret Test Facilities

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW M3 Sedan  [0.00]
2005(sold but not f ...  [10.00]
2006 X3  [0.00]
1984 633csi  [0.00]
The suspension on the coupes are lower than the sedans. AWD models with sport packages have different suspensions (not lowered). Option 226 lowered suspension on the 335 will be standard equipment. The sport package will consist of sport seats, top speed increased to 150mph, and different style wheels. So if the wheels and the seats aren't important to you don't get the sport package. I think the other replies that the sport package is a must, are from posters that don't know the upgraded suspension is included. This is e90 post, not e92 post, so maybe some of the replies will come from sedan owners (who mean well), and not previous coupe owners who are more familiar with the options, and packages.

The nav is cool because also included is the voice command feature that works with the radio, climate, and bluetooth features as well. You can say "FM 104.1" and viola, there's your station.

Heated seats for colder climates.

Moonroof, xenons, upgraded sound/Logic 7 are standard equipment.

Select your transmission, colors. I'd get nav and heated seats.

Enjoy.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2006, 08:31 PM   #8
JSpira
Freude am Fahren
JSpira's Avatar
Austria
334
Rep
5,254
Posts

Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, +
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: New York, München, Wien

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by david06M3

The nav is cool because also included is the voice command feature that works with the radio, climate, and bluetooth features as well. You can say "FM 104.1" and viola, there's your station.
I always wanted the car to play the viola upon command.
__________________
Freude am Fahren.

Jonathan




E90 2006 330xi
E90 2006 325i
E39 2003 530i Sport*
E46 2000 328Ci*
E36 1996 328iS*
E36 1992 325i*
E30 1991 318is
E21 1982 320iS*
E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)*
*retired


Nominated: Most Contributing Member
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2006, 08:39 PM   #9
budfox
New Member
budfox's Avatar
5
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: Audi
Join Date: May 2006
Location: River Oaks

iTrader: (0)

Thanks everyone.

I think I will go with the:

Sports pkg
Prem pkg
Nav
Comfort Access

One more thing, Iv'e never owned an automatic. I drove a 2005 M3 standard and it felt amazing. So, how is the steptronic in these cars? Some times I wish i had an Automatic... This will be a tough call but I have some time to ponder.

I also drove my buddies 760 and it was automatic. This was down right smooth. Don't know which way to go on the tranny.

Thanks again!
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2006, 08:42 PM   #10
BMWDavid
United_States
431
Rep
860
Posts

Drives: MSport F30
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: BMW Secret Test Facilities

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW M3 Sedan  [0.00]
2005(sold but not f ...  [10.00]
2006 X3  [0.00]
1984 633csi  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by JSpira
I always wanted the car to play the viola upon command.
If you are in the DC area and you say "FM 104.1" it will. 104.1 is WGMS classical music.

"Some people know, others need an explanation"- Dennis Leary (No Cure for Cancer)
__________________
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2006, 08:44 PM   #11
stressdoc
Moderator
stressdoc's Avatar
Dominica
616
Rep
10,853
Posts

Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Waco TX

iTrader: (0)

ZSP, 230s. Period.
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2006, 09:10 PM   #12
JSpira
Freude am Fahren
JSpira's Avatar
Austria
334
Rep
5,254
Posts

Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, +
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: New York, München, Wien

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by david06M3
If you are in the DC area and you say "FM 104.1" it will. 104.1 is WGMS classical music.
So they would of course have more viola concertos than other stations.
__________________
Freude am Fahren.

Jonathan




E90 2006 330xi
E90 2006 325i
E39 2003 530i Sport*
E46 2000 328Ci*
E36 1996 328iS*
E36 1992 325i*
E30 1991 318is
E21 1982 320iS*
E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)*
*retired


Nominated: Most Contributing Member
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2006, 09:19 PM   #13
flush01
Major
46
Rep
1,419
Posts

Drives: 33m@%#ing5
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: toronto

iTrader: (0)

can you program that navi voice commands ? like you say buuyaaaa and it goes to a station you preprogrammed ?
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2006, 09:20 PM   #14
SCA
Brigadier General
SCA's Avatar
United_States
562
Rep
3,742
Posts

Drives: Multiple BMWs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: 🇺🇸

iTrader: (0)

SP, PP, Sat. Prep and maybe HS, but that depends where you reside.
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2006, 10:22 AM   #15
gohawks23
Major
United_States
423
Rep
1,454
Posts

Drives: Bauer S29s
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Ice

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by akhbhaat
The sport package is the only must-have option. I really don't see the point of the premium package unless you want leather.

Most of the standard features that the average consumer comes to expect in an upscale car today are now will be standard in the 335 - the moonroof, power seats, the upgraded sound system.

My opinion of various options:

Sport package - if you don't want this, you really should be looking at a Lexus instead. The sporty handling and driving feel are the BM's strongest selling points.

Premium package - as above, might as well throw in the extra $800 if you're going to get leather anyway. I strongly dislike leather (and no, I'm not a PETA member), but I'm in the minority.

BMW Assist/Bluetooth - useless. BMW Assist sounds like a great feature on the surface - automated emergency dispatches, scheduling service appointments, etc. Except, like any great feature, you pay for it - a fairly hefty $240 per a year - and the concierge service costs even more. Worth it? Not to me. As for Bluetooth, you'd better have a Bluetooth phone that will sync with the car - though I don't see why you wouldn't just buy a much cheaper wireless headset and use that instead. Sure, you'll look like a tool, but you made the decision to look like a tool the moment you decided to buy a BMW in the first place. Tint your windows.

Park Distance Control - if you can't maneuver a small car in tight spots without hitting something, please just do society a favor and surrender your license immediately. I've used this feature in the E60 M5 and I don't like it nor trust it.

Automatic transmission - some people have their reasons. I can respect that.

Active steering - one question: why? Bad arthritis? Laziness? Buy a Lexus.

Cold Weather - I live in Florida, so I've no opinion on this.

Comfort Access - Admittedly, I'm a sucker for cool gadgets. This is one of the cheaper options and I like it.

Active Cruise Control - You know, I used to laugh at these systems - but then, while stuck in traffic on I-75 surrounded by people who make a bad habit of accelerating and braking repeatedly (is the concept of holding a constant speed lost on people?), I began to wish I had one. It has its uses - IF you spend a lot of time on the interstates. Personally, at $2200, it's too steep given what it does and how often you'll probably use it.

On-board Nav/iDrive - another gadget. This would be a tough decision. I doubt I'd get much real use out of it, to be honest, but it would be nice to have at times.

Heated Front Seats - one of my fellow E46-driving friends swears by these. I think they're silly down here. Probably worth it if you live in a northern climate.

Fold down seats - if you need the utility, go for it. But then, why aren't you buying a touring? Hurts the chassis stiffness considerably, for those who like to track or autox their cars.

Power shades - it's called window tint and it's fairly cheap (cheaper than the sunshade), and it also improves the look of the car from the outside. I suppose if you'd like to write in a nasty (retractable) message to tailgaters, then by all means...

Satellite Radio - buy an iPod instead.

Any questions?
Nope, I agree...CA is the only option I really thought about but I'm fine using my key as before!

The only options I have ordered on past BMW's were sunroof and xenons...along with sport...now, with those two being standard, the only option I am getting on my 335 is sport...the rest of the options I have no need for...I'd rather put the $ saved into MSD's or use it in case I decide to pay cash.
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2006, 10:54 AM   #16
mkoesel
Moderator
United_States
7506
Rep
19,370
Posts

Drives: No BMW for now
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Canton, MI

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by akhbhaat
As for Bluetooth, you'd better have a Bluetooth phone that will sync with the car - though I don't see why you wouldn't just buy a much cheaper wireless headset and use that instead. Sure, you'll look like a tool, but you made the decision to look like a tool the moment you decided to buy a BMW in the first place. Tint your windows.
Not sure how you are arriving at that conclusion.

Anyhow, the convenience of have it "just work" when you get in the car, vs. f-ing around with a headset is worth the extra cash, IMHO.
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2006, 11:09 AM   #17
gohawks23
Major
United_States
423
Rep
1,454
Posts

Drives: Bauer S29s
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Ice

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel
Anyhow, the convenience of have it "just work" when you get in the car, vs. f-ing around with a headset is worth the extra cash, IMHO.
I agree...but $750 for just that? Plus if I lease I'm only getting a 24 month lease so I'm paying for 2 years of something I won't have. (BMW Assist)
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2006, 11:13 AM   #18
LEDZEP
Lieutenant General
LEDZEP's Avatar
417
Rep
12,276
Posts

Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Area 51

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Just to go on record, I refuse to participate in the "if you don't get a car exactly like mine you're an asshole" fest.

Look at the brochure. Talk to your CA. Take test drives. Decide.
__________________


I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2006, 11:18 AM   #19
Poindexter
Revenge of the Nerds
Poindexter's Avatar
United_States
12
Rep
117
Posts

Drives: X5
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Burlington, VT

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by greginaz1
I agree...but $750 for just that? Plus if I lease I'm only getting a 24 month lease so I'm paying for 2 years of something I won't have.

If you figure those $40 wired headset things break within a month's worth of use, that is:

$40 x 24 months = $960

See! You actually save money with some Bimmer options
__________________
2012 BMW X5d - Sold as of Mar 5th
2014 BMW X5d - Delivery on Feb 27th

Past Bimmers: E46 M3, E60 M5, and a few Spec E30 race cars
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2006, 11:19 AM   #20
gohawks23
Major
United_States
423
Rep
1,454
Posts

Drives: Bauer S29s
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Ice

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by LEDZEP
Just to go on record, I refuse to participate in the "if you don't get a car exactly like mine you're an asshole" fest.

Look at the brochure. Talk to your CA. Take test drives. Decide.
Agreed, but it is fun to debate the merits of various options...no?
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2006, 11:23 AM   #21
gohawks23
Major
United_States
423
Rep
1,454
Posts

Drives: Bauer S29s
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Ice

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Poindexter
If you figure those $40 wired headset things break within a month's worth of use, that is:

$40 x 24 months = $960

See! You actually save money with some Bimmer options


Mine is BT wireless and cost about $90...

http://www.jabra.com/JabraCMS/NA/EN/...500/JabraBT500

Though...because it is wireless with no cord to my phone I lost one about a year ago...
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2006, 11:31 AM   #22
StewtheBassman
Major General
Canada
197
Rep
6,381
Posts

Drives: 2011 X5d 421,000kms
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hudson, Quebec

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by LEDZEP
Just to go on record, I refuse to participate in the "if you don't get a car exactly like mine you're an asshole" fest.

Look at the brochure. Talk to your CA. Take test drives. Decide.
__________________

Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:12 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST