I would take these:

639 BMW Assist - Must have for safety reasons.
488 lumbar support - helps my bad back

Doesn't the premium package come with that storage package (it has those rails on the cargo floor)...kewl for hooking up bikes, etc.

Also, BMW Assist on the premium package comes with Tele-service....may or may not be useful.

If you ever were to get into an accident, then BMW Assist will call for emergency services (you could be unconscious).

My dad got into a bad accident in his X and that is what his BMW Assist did. Something to consider....

BTW, doesn't Premium package come with BT? Why buy the stuff later only for the warranty to last only 2 years vs. 4-years.

If you retrofit stuff later, you only get 2-year warranty vs. the 4-year warranty that comes with the car when you get it factory installed. Something to consider SG!!:popcorn:

For Me
Auto-Dimming Mirrors (at least the rear-view) is a MUST
I can live without Power-Folding but it is nice with such large mirrors
The Light Package is cool, but not really worth the 1800

I would say, realistically no, but I always lease so it adds little to the payment so I always say go for it

I didn't have a dimming mirror on my 3.0i and couldn't stand it and quickly had one installed with the compass, the 'Reg has The Dim and Compass again and I love it

The Lumber support was useless to me (The Reg as the 4-way too and I have yet to use it)

Back in '05 the PP added alot more important content for me (Wood Interior, Leather etc)

I would say, leave it off, the 4.8i is a fine vehicle without it but I would add the auto-dim mirror in from the stealership (Mine was 300 something installed)

I know what I have but not what may be standard. You get white lights under the outside door latches and door for puddle lights. Yellow-gold (matches cluster lights) under the inside door handles and white lights in the front and back footwells. Probably some other lights I am missing.

Personally I have not gotten around to prgramming the garage door opener as I have random codes and it take a bit more time I think. The rails in the back are OK but I put in a mat so all the latches are dumped in a tray. The rearview mirror compus is a duplicate if you have nav. I tinted the windows so have not noticed much for the auto dimming feature.

I also have comfort access and it is a personal thing.

Well you may also want to think about resale value. If you care about those things. From what I have seen in the wholesale market, non premium package cars will go for quite a bit less than ones with premium and depreciate faster.. Well equiped BMW's always command better resale value and from what I have been seeing at auctions it is worth getting the premium package in the long run. This is my experience.

I am in the same boat as SG...I just placed an order for an 08 4.8 Black Sapphire with Sport, 20s, Tech, PP, auto tailgate, etc. I have been thinking about forgoing the PP and adding Premium Sound.

Anybody able to tell a difference between the Premium Sound and standard sound?

I believe no leather seats without premium package.