Option and Package Feedback

[Richard in NC]

Here is my take.

Originally Posted by F150 Duke

All,

There is a chance I may make a move and order a 2011 d this weekend. That being said the wife and I are stuck between some options and colors. Looking for some feedback from the group (you guys have been beyond helpful, so I figured why not get some feedback on this too.)

Exterior colors in consideration: All personal preference. Space Gray does hide the dirt, had it on a 550i.
1. Space gray – Different color then I’ve had before. Might hide the winter grime in MN nicely.
2. Black sapphire metallic – My truck is black and I am trying to avoid another black vehicle. But Oyster looks best with this combo. Black is a pain to keep clean, especially through a MN winter.
3. Sparkling bronze – I like the metallic flake and the “different” look. But this color could also get old quick and be a pain to resell because it narrows the market of potential buyers.

Interior colors in consideration: I would like Oyster but already had a white interior in a Z4. It could get dirty quickly. I have Beige Nappa.
1. Oyster – My favorite interior color hands down. Downside is I cannot get Nappa leather or Active Ventilated Seats. It also wouldn’t look that great if I went with Space gray.
2. Black (Napa or Nevada) – Downside is an entire black interior doesn’t have the wow factor of a two tone interior. Tan is out of the question. Not a fan of the BMW tan. Very rich looking in Nappa but I prefer 2 tone.

Packages/Options We’d Definitely Order:
· Premium Sound Package - Sounds really good, but the BSW kit now avail could help the base unit tone but not volume.
· Premium Package - For sure
· Technology Package - Yes, an after market nav looks cheap in an expensive vehicle and it works OK. I really like the top view and rear view cameras.
· Cold Weather Package - Yes for the heated wheel, I miss that with M Sport.
· Comfort Access – No way I’m buying a BMW and having to stick a key in the dash. Agree, spoiled by it.
· Heated Rear Seats – Keep the guests warm in the winter.
· 3rd Row Seat – I need a self leveling rear suspension for the boat in the summer.
·

Packages/Options on the Bubble or Dependent on Color Choice (i.e. Not offered with Oyster):
· Rear Climate Package – Wife really likes the pull up shades for the future baby. That being said I can buy a lot of the ones that stick to the window for $900. Especially if your wife or children would prefer different temps than you.
· Sport Activity Package – I’m not a fan of the stock 18” rims. I really like the 20” rims but that means I have to spend $2,000 in order to spend another $900. But at $2,900 it’s probably cheaper (and includes more upgrades) then trying to buy them separately. This means I’ll have to buy winter rims and tires though next fall. I think it completes the look.
· Active Ventilated Seat Package – Gives me access to contour seats and the cooling feature would be really nice in the summer since the interior is all black. I'd pass. It might reduce the sticky feeling on a hot day but I've never felt I needed it, even in a southern climate, and went for the Nappa instead.
· Multi Contour Seats – I can get these through the SAP or AVS. It’s neat but feels a bit over the top. I feel a bit pretentious asking my BMW to massage my butt while I’m driving. But then again with a MSRP pushing $70k loaded, this thing better be doing that and more. Definitely. They don't include massage unless you go with the AVS but the comfort and adjustability are well worth the cost.
· Napa Leather Package – I can get this through the Premium Package for the best price. Then I also have the Napa dash and center console. I sat in the Napa leather in a 7 series and LOVED the feel of this leather. Its butter smooth and makes the Nevada leather feel like borderline vinyl-leather. The big downside is I cannot get it in Oyster, Active Ventilated or means Multi-Contour is another $900, though I’m not completely sold on the multi-contour. Ideal scenario would be to have Napa with Active Ventilated Seats in Oyster. I love the Nappa but its personal preference.
· Napa Leather Dash – I could add this if I went with the Active Ventilated seats or Oyster. I think the leather and stitching provides a more expensive feel to the car (duh - because it is more money) but I like the look of the stitching.
· Auto High Beams – At only $250, I think it’d be nice to have and have a bigger convenience impact for the dollar spent. I passed. Rarely use high beams.
· Carpeted Floor Mats – $165….blows my mind that $70k doesn’t include floor mats…am I missing something? The dealer should throw them in.
· All weather floor mats - $74…see above.

Packages/Options I like but probably won’t get due to the cost or cannot get:
· Heads-up display - At $1,300 its expensive and I see it being turned off more than it being on. Once you have it, you'd love it, especially for nav instructions.
· Active Cruise Control – Not available on the diesel! Cannot believe it, I really like that feature. I've followed BMWs with it. Wouldn't want it myself.
· Space saving spare – I’m hosed in the winter or if I switch the 20” rims from RFT. Cannot get this because of the 3rd row seat I paid thru the nose to add it later but with a third row, the pump/goop option will have to do.
· Smart Phone Integration – We have android based phones that I don’t believe BMW supports. Not only that, can’t I have the Bluetooth port over the music from my phone? Then I already own a plug in charger for the phone. Just doesn’t seem necessary anymore. True.
· Side View Cameras – Were not that expensive for the impact when I say them on the inline 6. BUT not offered on the diesel. Not sure why.