Advice on New X3 Please

My wife and I placed an order for a 2013 X1 today after cross shopping with the Audi Q5 and VW Tiguan. Thanks to this forum I just learned that the 2014's will start production in April so we are going to change the order on Monday to a 2014.

I would appreciate feedback on the options. We are buying this as a second car that my wife will drive 4,000 miles per year. It is designed to complement my sedan. Since my car is leased car we generally drive her car on trips. Our children are now adults and on their own, so children are not a factor. We like the X3, as opposed to a sedan, for many reasons: its a BMW, rides great, 4 wheel drive, large cabin, roof rack can carry 2 bicycles or 1 bicycle on the interior. Being a second vehicle our desire is to keep the cost down as much as possible and still get the esssentials. Like her last car, we intend to keep it for 10+ years.

This what we intend to reorder.
2014 X3 xDrive28i
Black paint, looks great and is cheaper than metallic
Black leatherette
Cold Weather Package
Rearview camera and Park Distance Control
Roof rails

I am contemplating adding the following:
the new 6NS package, Enhanced Bluetooth plus Smartphone integration, currently offered on the 3er sedan, $500 MSRP
Lighting Package which includes Xenon Headlights with Adaptive Light Control

What we do not want is the sunroof because my wife had skin cancer.

I would appreciate your feedback. Do we have the right "biggest bang for the buck options" given our objectives? Is there anything that we are missing?

What are your thoughts on possibly adding:
6NS package, Enhanced Bluetooth plus Smartphone integration
Lighting Package

Thank you in advance for whatever input that you might offer.

Get the Xenon lights. They are fantastic.

Originally Posted by pharding

...What we do want is the sunroof because my wife had skin cancer....Thank you in advance for whatever input that you might offer.

Did you mean "do NOT want"?

I'm at the same age and stage of life and I've probably researched, cross shopped and configured the X3 more than human should. Some out of the box thoughts that weren't obvious (at least to me) at the beginning:

I've done the trips with the two bikes inside my current crossover and don't like it (mess, rattle, suitcase ...). But at the same time, I don't see myself putting them on a roof rack. My X3 would have the tow hitch for a bike rack.

As I understand it, the standard X3 has it's suspension tuned one way while the M-Sport is tuned a little sportier. I found the ride of the X3 M-sport undesirable on the highway. I know you aren't getting the M-Sport package but the DHP package is a way to get (as I understand it) a more comfortable suspension for long trips than the standard X3 suspension tuning. Needs more research.

The Comfort Access Keyless Entry Option is needed to be able to lock and unlock without using the key fob.

The built-in rear window shades are very convenient if grandkids are in the future over the next 10 years.

There's a Convenience package that includes those two items and a couple others if that works for you.

There's the BMW Apps option that you may want to go along with the smartphone integration option.... and the snap in adapters.

Enhanced Bluetooth really isn't necessary unless you want to stream music. Xenons are a must.

Originally Posted by ErnestHouse

Did you mean "do NOT want"?

Yes, I made a typo. We do not want the sun roof. I have DHP on my 550i and I do not care for it. The DHP comfort setting is too floaty for a BMW in my opinion. Thank you for your response.

Since this is for your wife and you will be driving less than 4K miles per year -- be sure you acquaint yourself with the "time" driven vice mileage driven maintenance requirements. Brake fluid every two years, is one example. I understand that BMW no longer provides "free" oil service after 12 months -- if you have not driven enough to qualify for the normal interval. Personally, I believe this is a mistake and would pay for an oil service myself just to get rid of the acids and gunk from the combustion process and to be sure that there was clean oil in the crankcase. You probably could get away with just draining and replacing the oil -- since the filter would be hardly used at 5K miles. If you can delete the sunroof by all means do it. They have been a continuing problem with the X class since the inception; clogged drains, expensive repairs, continuing leaks and rattles, and so on. I just finished driving a '13MY 3 series service loaner with the 28 engine and I have to say I was impressed! Very smooth, superb gas mileage, and no turbo lag that I felt. I liked the car and the nav system (which I didn't think I would) with the HUD and I will definitely get those on my next car. No, it doesn't have that ripping BMW straight six sound, but it was so quiet inside I didn't miss that at all.

Originally Posted by UncleJ

Since this is for your wife and you will be driving less than 4K miles per year -- be sure you acquaint yourself with the "time" driven vice mileage driven maintenance requirements. Brake fluid every two years, is one example. I understand that BMW no longer provides "free" oil service after 12 months -- if you have not driven enough to qualify for the normal interval. Personally, I believe this is a mistake and would pay for an oil service myself just to get rid of the acids and gunk from the combustion process and to be sure that there was clean oil in the crankcase. You probably could get away with just draining and replacing the oil -- since the filter would be hardly used at 5K miles. If you can delete the sunroof by all means do it. They have been a continuing problem with the X class since the inception; clogged drains, expensive repairs, continuing leaks and rattles, and so on. I just finished driving a '13MY 3 series service loaner with the 28 engine and I have to say I was impressed! Very smooth, superb gas mileage, and no turbo lag that I felt. I liked the car and the nav system (which I didn't think I would) with the HUD and I will definitely get those on my next car. No, it doesn't have that ripping BMW straight six sound, but it was so quiet inside I didn't miss that at all.

BMW still does do the free oil change if you do not hit your service interval within a years time. Mine had 5,500 miles at the one year mark and I brought it in for a free change. OP, Don't let that be a factor in your decision.

Xenon lights are a must. With Xenons and fog lights on the road is so bright I never feel the need to turn high beams on.

ABSOLUTELY get the premium stereo. It is worlds better than the stock, and give far better speakers and amp and head unit that cost far more than the upgrade price. Best upgrade out there for the cost.

Completely agree with the premium sound

I drove an X3 for two days without the premium stereo...decided to wait for one with the Premium system. Sound without the Premium system seemed muttled and barely any base coming from the speakers.