need advice on addons before I purchase -
 

I was looking to do a few addons for my 05 X3 -

Alarm, tint, iPod integration and Angel eyes, GPS

Now the alarm I was going to get from BMW since it is pre-wired for it, first I was quoted $379 installed, called today to make the appointment - I was told $550 installed, so I thought what about after market? What are you thoughts on after market alarms?

Tint - no brainer

iPod -

I am considering the Dice unit sine it is cheaper than the $387 I was quoted for a Aux port in the glove box from BMW shop here - I know there is a long debate in ipod integration so if you want to comment on that feel free, if not I am back to reading all the other threads at 5 different forums

Angel Eyes to replace the Halogens I have -

Pros/Cons, ease, - I am rather new to this but know that I much better like the look (Physical to the car as well as light output) so I would am really after the "look" of the newer BMW headlights - again new to this and any info would be fabulous.

GPS - of course this will not be a integrated to the vehicle - just a portable unit - currently looking at the Nextar Q4-02 - anyone have a good suggestion for a GPS that you have had luck or experience with?

I would go with the BMW alarm for the benefits of the vehicle integration.

I would never put aftermarket tint on a vehicle, but that is just me.

I had the precursor to the Dice, worked well. Tom G is the best source. The aux input from BMW is fine, we use it in my wife's X3 on road trips. You need a separate charger, and will have no controls for track selection except on the iPod. It is OK as long as you aren't trying to use the iPod while driving.

Never upgraded lights, always bought Xenons.

Many have reported good results with the Garmin portable nav units.

why dont you like tint?

Because it is too often applied ahead of the B-pillar, which is unsafe. Because it is often applied too dark, which is tacky. Because it is often low quality, and has bubbles or comes off.

You can avoid all of those issues, using a slight tint that replicates factory tint, only behind the B-pillars, from a good quality installer, and then I have no negative comments. Trouble is, not many do that. I am one of those guys that does a happy dance every time I see someone getting a ticket for too dark a tint, or obstruction of the view of the driver. Again, that is just me.

Mine has to be dark per an eye sensitivity to light - it is prescribed by my eye doctor so I guess in some cases it is warranted and needed - on a per person basis though.

Sorry to hear that. Do you have limits on tint % and location where you live? If so, I can't see that an eye doctor's prescription overrules a road traffic rule.

Sunglasses may be more effective.

The only limit is is on the windshield as well as drives cabin (Both driver and passenger) everything else allows for as dark as you wish it to be, the others have to allow 80% or better of the light in.

A doctors prescription actually clears you but it must be kept in the presence of the vehicle at all times - I also checked with this local and state highway patrol.