2010 Buyback & 2011 Ordered, but a few order Qs

[ABMW]

As some of you remember my 2010 35d (bought in 12/09 had major stalling issues. Thankfully, it wasn't in my head or something that was only taking place on the road and not at the dealer.

The DDE (the vehicle's main computer) registered a fault indicating it, itself, needed replacement. That took many days to source from S.C. After replacement, less than 200-miles later, the vehicle again began stalling, and again, there were error codes. In fact the same error codes showed up!

Strangely, the DDE indicated it needed replacement a second time. There was also a relay that was replaced as a "guess," but the relay was a "dumb" component and the tech said when he bench tested it, it worked fine, but he was doing what he was told by BMWNA/FASTA (I have all the part numbers and exact error codes if anyone is curious). Long story short, no one was confident the vehicle could be repaired, the regional engineers had never seen two DDEs (main computers) go out, let alone one (apparently) on a 35d. Luckily the service manager spoke candidly and said he really had no idea how to fix the vehicle, and he wasn't confident they could fix it, as they simply couldn't figure out what was wrong. BMW even ordered them to check for water damage! Keep in mind I had put less than 50 miles on the vehicle when this first started. It was in the shop for 3-weeks total.

Long story short: BMWNA and the dealer quickly agreed to buy the car back and replace it with a 2011 at the Dealer's Cost (supposedly their real cost) which will be determined by BMWNA. They're also not charging for any usage of the 2010 35d, given it occurred on the 3rd day of ownership 50-miles into my ownership of the SAV (luckily this was verified by SOS).

The buyback was not very difficult in this case. The underlying fact was that everyone knew the consequences of the issue, should it occur at the wrong time. Luckily the dealer could replicate the stalling, but even with the help of the engineers they still had no clue as to what was causing it.

For it's replacement I ordered the following which is very close to what I had save for the wheels and seats, which I changed on the 2011:
2011 35d
Space Grey
Tech Package (Nav, etc.)
Sports Package (comfort seats, trim bits, anthracite headliner)
Roof Rails
Side Steps
Cold Weather Package (heated front seats, heated steering wheel, light washers, thicker steering wheel- similar to M wheel)
Comfort Seats
4 Zone Rear Climate Control
20" Style 214 Runflats
Nevada Sand Leather Seats
Dark Bamboo Trim
IPOD USB Integration
Active Drive Suspension (Deletes Standard Sports Suspension)
Lane departure warning System (new for 2011)
Satellite Radio

Options I wanted that aren't avail.
-bumper/traffic cameras are not currently avail. on the 35d I'm told.
-Intelligent Cruise Control is also not avail. on the 35d at this time.
-Stop and Go Traffic Cruise is not avail. on the 35d at this time

I would have loved the options above but my SA says they're not avail. currently. I sat next to him as he was ordering the vehicle and indeed they were not avail., on his screen, at least. It's like ordering a computer online. Pretty simple.

Two options I'm wondering about that I skipped:

A) The smart phone integration for $150.00. It is my understanding this can be added after the fact and it's a snap in module, that one must then buy another phone specific snap in module for. My SA says this must be performed at the factory. I thought it just snaps in, at any time? I use an iPhone, so I'd then have to buy the snap in module for the iPhone, etc. I'm sure the new iPhone will require a different snap in module, so it gets a bit silly IMHO.

B) Ventilated Seats with active driver seats. They're about $1,100.00 more than the standard 20-way adjustable seats, I believe. We have a few 100 degree days here. I don't really care that much, but I did want the perforated leather. This can only be ordered with ventilated/active seats my SA told me. That seemed strange.

Any thing else I'm missing or any advice. I'm still wondering about the 20" wheels. I guess I can try them and if they're too rough, I can always sell them and pick up a set of the 18's, but I'm wondering if the 19s would be a better choice. The Roads in S.F and the surrounding region are not that greatest, but they're very old, so there are lots of non-engineered freeway passes, etc. Handling is what I'm after, so I'm sure there will be less comfort, than my current 18s, but the comfort seats may make up for some of that, as I currently have standard issue seats.

Again, any thoughts, on the above order would be appreciated. I know the stalling issue and the main computer failing (twice) is not common, so I'm willing to take another shot at the vehicle and the brand. It's the best option out there for my needs, and had the thing not stalled so frequently, I would have much praise for the vehicle.

Thanks in advance for any help- and if anyone knows anything about the bumper cameras availability, that would be great. It was a feature I was really looking forward to. The top view is a life saver when parking in the city, but anything that assists with getting out of tight spots and avoiding pedestrians and traffic is huge.

[CGSTL]

Great Specs! You're going to love the Comfort seats. Sounds like an awesome vehicle.

[ABMW]

Yeah, the seats seem awesome. The 35d I have now, was just what they had on the lot. I didn't have the opportunity to special order it and the standard seats are pretty uncomfortable.

I guess the biggest issue will be dodging potholes with the 20" wheels, but I'm looking forward to this fresh start with the vehicle and the brand.

[Bodaddy]

Very nice. I'm jealous that you're able to order with the 214 run flats. Comfort seats are awesome and you guessed it...comfortable! Congrats, glad everything worked out for you.

[XXX555]

Get the ventilated seats, they are worth every penny. No downside except the cost from my experience with them.

Since your getting everything at a discount, your right to check off the options with less restraint in this case. With all your B/S hassel, reward yourself...

[bimmer_buachaill]

Nobody answered the question on whether smart phone integration can be done after production. Anyone?

[ard]

Originally Posted by ABMW

A 2011 at the Dealer's Cost (supposedly their real cost) which will be determined by BMWNA.

They're also not charging for any usage of the 2010 35d, given it occurred on the 3rd day of ownership 50-miles into my ownership of the SAV (luckily this was verified by SOS). .

Very good to here that the issue was resolved. I know you had a hard time of it here, but it sounds like you managed bmw well and are getting a very good resolution.

I am dying to know if 'dealer cost' is any different that what we all think dealer cost is... such info would be seismic.

Comfort seats are fantastic. I don't like holes in my leather, but that's me. I've said it can trap dirt, liquids and smells- and be less durable- but others disagree with me.

The smart phone actually does NOT include the stupid snap in thing- just the wiring, modules and mount- you still need to buy the snap in for your phone. For $150 I did it though.

How about the spare tire? I wish I had ordered one...

Are you getting the ECO credit? if you aren't, I bet the dealer IS.

Kudos on the Adaptive drive.

Good Luck-

A

[arjuno]

Originally Posted by ard

I am dying to know if 'dealer cost' is any different that what we all think dealer cost is... such info would be seismic.

I think this site would implode if that ever happened.

In all seriousness, I've always suspected that true cost was always lower across the board for all models than the circus act we all go through getting those X over invoice deals. True cost is probably something only the involved owner and the sales/finance manager at a dealership are privy to.

Originally Posted by bimmer_buachaill

Nobody answered the question on whether smart phone integration can be done after production. Anyone?

Smart phone integration I believe can only be done at the factory. Don't think it can be retrofitted at the dealership. This is what $150 buys. The separate cost for the phone specific snap in adapter (iPhone, Nokia etc) is around another $135-150.

[BMW_F1]

Originally Posted by bimmer_buachaill

Nobody answered the question on whether smart phone integration can be done after production. Anyone?

My understanding is there is two parts to the smartphone integration. First is the unit that is installed at the factory. Second is a snap-in adapter that is made for the iPhone. etc.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by arjuno

In all seriousness, I've always suspected that true cost was always lower across the board for all models than the circus act we all go through getting those X over invoice deals. True cost is probably something only the involved owner and the sales/finance manager at a dealership are privy to.

I believe that BMW dealers get the equivalent of a "Holdback" that other manufacturers typically provide. But with BMW NA, I believe that (a) the dealer has to have good customer service/satisfaction ratings and (b) gets it as a credit that can be applied to parts and other payments to BMW NA.

Perhaps someone connected with a dealership can provide more accurate info?