Sorry for the long post. Trying to narrow down my options list on a 2013 328i. Read some posts, BMW brochures, and discussed with dealer but, still confused. Each item shows my take. Please, correct me where I'm wrong.
1. BMW Assist – Provides an OnStar like capability for emergencies, wireless streaming of music from an iPhone through Bluetooth, allows you to use voice commands to change radio stations/make phone calls. I’ll likely only use the Bluetooth to make phone calls. Without the BMW Assist option, I know I’ll have to use my phone to do the dialing and call selection but, to me that’s not a big deal. I can still use the bluetooth and not have to hold the phone. Anything else I’m missing?
2. BMW Apps – Allows web surfing, access to apps, Facebook, Twitter, etc. from your iPhone and displays iPhone interface on BMW screen. Regardless of this option, Dealer said I have to connect to the car through the USB connector in the console. If you want the iPhone cradle, you have to buy it as an accessory. Without this option, I would have to select the playlist, Slacker station, Pandora station from the iPhone interface rather than the BMW interface. However, I wouldn’t use this feature often because, I prefer SiriusXM. I doubt also I would spend much time using apps (not a Facebook, Twitter guy). Anything else I’m missing?
3. Premium Package – Not interested, if I go with the Sport Line. A moonroof is useless in the desert. I get plenty of sun. I would like to order the leather seats as a stand-alone option. Dealer says I won’t get power seats, lumbar support if I go this route. Is this true? Dealer also says to get satellite radio, I need this package. I thought 2013 models came satellite ready and only required activation of the service through SiriusXM. If I go with the Luxury Line, this becomes a moot point. I would have to order the Premium Package.
4. Technology Package – If I don’t order BMW Assist or BMW Apps, I also won’t likely order the Technology Package. I can live without the heads-up display. I would like to order the Navigation Package as a stand-alone. I know $2,150 is a lot of money when, you can buy a GPS receiver and cradle for a few hundred bucks. However, the BMW integrated one is so easy to use I really want it. Anything else I’m missing?
5. Harmon/Kardon Sound System - $875 is pricey for an upgrade. I usually put in my own aftermarket equipment but, if this system is really good and saves me the install it may be worth it. Any comments?
Thanks in Advance!!
1. BMW Assist – Provides an OnStar like capability for emergencies, wireless streaming of music from an iPhone through Bluetooth, allows you to use voice commands to change radio stations/make phone calls. I’ll likely only use the Bluetooth to make phone calls. Without the BMW Assist option, I know I’ll have to use my phone to do the dialing and call selection but, to me that’s not a big deal. I can still use the bluetooth and not have to hold the phone. Anything else I’m missing?
2. BMW Apps – Allows web surfing, access to apps, Facebook, Twitter, etc. from your iPhone and displays iPhone interface on BMW screen. Regardless of this option, Dealer said I have to connect to the car through the USB connector in the console. If you want the iPhone cradle, you have to buy it as an accessory. Without this option, I would have to select the playlist, Slacker station, Pandora station from the iPhone interface rather than the BMW interface. However, I wouldn’t use this feature often because, I prefer SiriusXM. I doubt also I would spend much time using apps (not a Facebook, Twitter guy). Anything else I’m missing?
3. Premium Package – Not interested, if I go with the Sport Line. A moonroof is useless in the desert. I get plenty of sun. I would like to order the leather seats as a stand-alone option. Dealer says I won’t get power seats, lumbar support if I go this route. Is this true? Dealer also says to get satellite radio, I need this package. I thought 2013 models came satellite ready and only required activation of the service through SiriusXM. If I go with the Luxury Line, this becomes a moot point. I would have to order the Premium Package.
4. Technology Package – If I don’t order BMW Assist or BMW Apps, I also won’t likely order the Technology Package. I can live without the heads-up display. I would like to order the Navigation Package as a stand-alone. I know $2,150 is a lot of money when, you can buy a GPS receiver and cradle for a few hundred bucks. However, the BMW integrated one is so easy to use I really want it. Anything else I’m missing?
5. Harmon/Kardon Sound System - $875 is pricey for an upgrade. I usually put in my own aftermarket equipment but, if this system is really good and saves me the install it may be worth it. Any comments?
Thanks in Advance!!