About to place an order, need opinions

[MentholGuy]

Hello Guys,

I currently own 05' X5 4.4i but I'm in love with new M3 Coupe.
and I'm about to place an order

Alpine White/Black/Carbon Fibe Trim/Premium/Tech/Cold Weather Pkg/M DCT/PDC for sure,

but I'm still not sure for

19" wheel, Premium Sound, Ipod adapter.

1. I have BSW Stage 1 speaker w/subwoofer system and very happy with them.
How's premium sound pkg? I had HK sound system before but it was just soso.

2. 19" wheel, worth to get it?
I'm going to upgrade stock rims to HRE Monoblock series anyway, should I get 19" and sell them or sell stock 18"? which is a smart move?

3. Ipod adapter, currently I have Intravee II system, I've tried Ice>Link, Dice before, but didn't like them.
what other options are available for iPod?

and lastly, what's the must have option/pkg??

Thank you guys!

[Vegasmach1]

Must have, Tech Pkg IMO. Read some of the recent posts on the Premium I'm not convinced it's a must have. I'm not getting it. Rims are your choice 18" or 19" tires, for me I don't like all of the sidewall on the 18's. I'm also leaning towards the speed cloth as this desert heat is tough on this soft leather.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by MentholGuy

Hello Guys,

I currently own 05' X5 4.4i but I'm in love with new M3 Coupe.
and I'm about to place an order

Alpine White/Black/Carbon Fibe Trim/Premium/Tech/Cold Weather Pkg/M DCT/PDC for sure,

but I'm still not sure for

19" wheel, Premium Sound, Ipod adapter.

1. I have BSW Stage 1 speaker w/subwoofer system and very happy with them.
How's premium sound pkg? I had HK sound system before but it was just soso.

2. 19" wheel, worth to get it?
I'm going to upgrade stock rims to HRE Monoblock series anyway, should I get 19" and sell them or sell stock 18"? which is a smart move?

3. Ipod adapter, currently I have Intravee II system, I've tried Ice>Link, Dice before, but didn't like them.
what other options are available for iPod?

and lastly, what's the must have option/pkg??

Thank you guys!

Sounds good.

1. Do a search or look through the Audio forum on the sound system. I went with the Premium, and it's quite good. Some say the stock system is fine. The differences, I suspect, will be heard on good program material at higher volumes. In this class of car, I said "what the heck, go for it".
2. I got the 19s, which I prefer to the 18s. That's an individual decision, though. If you think you'll do aftermarket, the only reason to get the 19s would be either a) easier to resell, or b) can swap the tires to aftermarket rims. I don't see a big reason to go eaither way. Guess I'd go with 18s. You can still sell them to someone looking for snow wheels.
3. I'd get the iPod/USB option (and did). If you don't want to use the iPod device, memory sticks work fine (get 16 or 32 Gb and load with 256 or 320 kbps MP3s. Again, search the Audio forum.

I think the Tech package is a must. You might consider getting just the heated seats and not the full CWP and save a couple bucks (and no ugly messy washers on the front bumper). I went with Premium, because I wanted the HomeLink, CF Leather trim and leather,seats and it's a pretty good value.

[MentholGuy]

Thanks for the replies guys!

You might consider getting just the heated seats and not the full CWP and save a couple bucks (and no ugly messy washers on the front bumper).

Totally agree with that!

[Keto]

If you're going to upgrade, get 18's, as ordering 19's could delay your order indefinitely. Otherwise, what Greg said.

[MentholGuy]

Originally Posted by Keto

If you're going to upgrade, get 18's, as ordering 19's could delay your order indefinitely. Otherwise, what Greg said.

Thanks Keto,

but shouldn't 19" get more chance to sell quick than 18"??
what's the resale value of 18" and 19"?

[sayemthree]

go for the 19's. get the PP and the tech P.

[dawgdog]

I say get the 19" wheels even if you have to wait. I ordered my e46M3 with 18" wheels and regretted it. As far as stereo goes, I had an aftermarket system in my e46 with 2 amps and 2 sets of high end speakers and base box. This is not feasible with i-drive. The best you could do is add an amp and base box. Not inclinded to do this for wt. issues. So I would get the upgraded audio. If it is only as good as Logic 7 in the 5 series or 335 it is worth it.

[Zirenz2006]

I'd say definitely get Tech Package. I don't know if you plan on getting CWP but I personally am going to opt only for heated seats this time. It isn't saving a lot of $$ but the headlight washers just make a mess and I don't need the ski bag.

[Keto]

Originally Posted by MentholGuy

Thanks Keto,

but shouldn't 19" get more chance to sell quick than 18"??
what's the resale value of 18" and 19"?

The 19's will sell fast because of all the people that went 18 to get their car.

You will wait longer for the 19's.... exactly how long, who knows. Check out the threads in the ordering forum.

[Ronin13]

Originally Posted by MentholGuy

Hello Guys,

2. 19" wheel, worth to get it?
I'm going to upgrade stock rims to HRE Monoblock series anyway, should I get 19" and sell them or sell stock 18"? which is a smart move?

If the delay is over and you can order 19s, it's a tough call. I don't know that the market has really been set on e92 take-offs yet. Probably more limited due to the offsets being unique to the M3. There's a couple auctions on ebay right now for 19s. With a couple days left, a wheels/tires/tpms combo is ~$1800. We'll have to see where it closes, but it may be challenging to get more than your extra $1200+tax investment back in selling the 19s vs 18s.

[Davo2003]

My advice to anyone, either load it up or order a "near" stripper, I would have been happy either way. I ordered a loaded car with DCT. DCT rocks btw. The only options I left off were PDC and HL washers. Also think of resale. The Prem Pkg is dirt cheap and considering leather, pwr fold mirrors and auto dimming mirrors are used daily, just get it. If I wanted to save money, I would be happy with the following config:

Jet Blk, 19's, Prem Pkg, Ipod/USB...that's it. Oh and the N/C sunroof which I use daily as well.

[Davinhci]

Go with the 18's. The 19's are just alright plus you have to wait for the delays and pay extra $1900. I rather use my 18's until I find a set of aftermarket wheels (which you planning to do anyways) which i really love and use the $1900 towards that. I'd rather have the car first rather waiting on some wheels that are just so so.

[Davo2003]

Originally Posted by Davinhci

Go with the 18's. The 19's are just alright plus you have to wait for the delays and pay extra $1900. I rather use my 18's until I find a set of aftermarket wheels (which you planning to do anyways) which i really love and use the $1900 towards that. I'd rather have the car first rather waiting on some wheels that are just so so.

I will say this, the 18's AND 19's look much better in person, but the 19's are pure sex when clean...extremely solid looking and not too flashy, just right. By the way at $1200 (not 1900 in the US anyway) the 19's are a true bargain.

[emkmd]

If you are thinking about an option, then order it, you don't want to regret it later. If you are going aftermarket on the rims, then definitely get the 18s. By the way, I am not a big fan of aftermarket rims on BMWs, but your X5 loooks great. It seems that half of the M3s in this forum are white so I think white is a little too popular.

[rai]

I am sorry to say the technology package is a must. Only because I want comfort access and that's the only way to get it. I am not convinced the value of EDC or I-drive or M-drive functions but they come together in the technology package and are the only way to get CA.

For me must have:

CA (if it was a stand alone option)
premium sound (if it was a stand alone option)
ipod
sat radio
Premium package (want bluetooth, leather and carbon-leather trim so it's a good package for me).
M-DCT.

since what I prefer CA and premium sound require the technology or i-drive then I had to get the technology package. But I'd do without i-drive/navi if I could have.

I got the 18" they are fine (IMO).

[Big Windy]

Originally Posted by rai

I am sorry to say the technology package is a must. Only because I want comfort access and that's the only way to get it. I am not convinced the value of EDC or I-drive or M-drive functions but they come together in the technology package and are the only way to get CA.

For me must have:

CA (if it was a stand alone option)
premium sound (if it was a stand alone option)
ipod
sat radio
Premium package (want bluetooth, leather and carbon-leather trim so it's a good package for me).
M-DCT.

since what I prefer CA and premium sound require the technology or i-drive then I had to get the technology package. But I'd do without i-drive/navi if I could have.

I got the 18" they are fine (IMO).

can I ask you why CA is so important? I am the exact opposite of you, I care about Tech package for everything BUT comfort access.

[ihyln]

I didn't really notice a $1900 improvement with the premium audio. The extra $1k was difficult to justify for the premium package even though I have a BT enabled phone, my car will primarily be a weekend/fun trip car. If someone calls me I probably won't answer anyway. I used that extra $1k to get a new exhaust.

[Davinhci]

Originally Posted by Davo2003

I will say this, the 18's AND 19's look much better in person, but the 19's are pure sex when clean...extremely solid looking and not too flashy, just right. By the way at $1200 (not 1900 in the US anyway) the 19's are a true bargain.

Damn you right there has been so much talk of the Premium sound i'm getting my numbers all messed up. $1200 is correct.

[MentholGuy]

Thank you very much for the inputs guys!

[Davo2003]

Originally Posted by Big Windy

can I ask you why CA is so important? I am the exact opposite of you, I care about Tech package for everything BUT comfort access.

I agree 100% with Rai's comments...identical to my feelings except for the 18's...I had to have 19's especially after seeing what happened to the previous M3 gen with 18's. More than one BMW pre-owned rep has told me they have hell moving an M3 with 18's.

As for CA. If you have never used it I will give you a recap. All you need is the remote in your pocket...never take it out. The car knows when you are near,inside, or outside. To unlock the car, you just walk up and pull the handle. You do have to pause approx 1/2 a second after you touch the car so it knows you are there. But approx 1/2 sec after you touch the handle, the driver's side lock or both locks unlock (you can program the car either way). To lock, you just touch a 1/2" touch pad on the door handle outside the car...voila. When seated in the car, you just push start and do not have to insert the remote. Same goes for the trunk...just walk up and open it....the car knows you are there. Even in your pocket, the car will read the mirror settings, radio stations, mirror settings, seat settings etc. It is really awesome.

BMW marketing purposely and with malice of foresight , packaged these things together knowing guys like me and Rai would be "forced" to order the expensive Tech Pkg just to get a couple options we really wanted though we could have lived without others.

[!Xoible]

Originally Posted by MentholGuy

Hello Guys,

I currently own 05' X5 4.4i but I'm in love with new M3 Coupe.
and I'm about to place an order

Alpine White/Black/Carbon Fibe Trim/Premium/Tech/Cold Weather Pkg/M DCT/PDC for sure,

but I'm still not sure for

19" wheel, Premium Sound, Ipod adapter.

1. I have BSW Stage 1 speaker w/subwoofer system and very happy with them.
How's premium sound pkg? I had HK sound system before but it was just soso.

2. 19" wheel, worth to get it?
I'm going to upgrade stock rims to HRE Monoblock series anyway, should I get 19" and sell them or sell stock 18"? which is a smart move?

3. Ipod adapter, currently I have Intravee II system, I've tried Ice>Link, Dice before, but didn't like them.
what other options are available for iPod?

and lastly, what's the must have option/pkg??

Thank you guys!

ZTP is a must, iPod is a must. PDC is very nice, sound system unless u already wanna replace it then it is a must.

wheels is meh, especially if ur swapping them