[Dennis H]

A few questions on BMW accessories for my first 325i
I just ordered my 325i and I was thinking about ordering the factory alarm. Does it really cost $595? I also want to get a the CD changer but they want to charge me $695. Does anyone know the invoice price for both of these items. They also wanted to sell me the Full maintenance upgrade. I know that it extends from 36/36 to 48/50. Is it really worth it? My build date is 06-21-02. Want can I do to not go crazy waiting for my car to be built and shipped? This is my first BMW so please be patient with me and my questions.


Thanks for your time.
This wait is going to kill me.


325i ti silver
steptronic
sport package
xenon
harman kardon
moonroof
power / heated seats
:bawling: :bawling:

 

[RChoudry]

the alarm isn't worth it according to most folks. Their advice is to get the clow-nose activated instead as a decoy. Not sure if 325 comes with it though.

A CD changer is a great option. It's up to you. Avoid the glovebox mount according to some folks who've had problems.

I'm pretty sure you can extend the warranty down the road. Why not wait and see how the car holds up first. I think you can add it on several months after purchase. Ask your dealer.

Save the alarm money for other things like an M3 wheel, etc...

 

[ronrich]

Just bought the cd changer (trunk) and alarm for 650 combined. I got the price from Pacific BMW and gave my dealer first shot at matching it. They matched it. While we are talking accessories, anybody know where the fricking unbrella goes.

 

[Technic]

You can find the alarm at Hendricks Imports in NC for $220 and brand new CD changers for $295 at ebay.

Plus installation, estimate around $600 for both.

 

[rost12]

I'm just wondering, how many cars are stolen each day in US?
You people seem so at ease with the idea of leaving your car out there without this simplest security measure :dunno:

I wouldn't even consider NOT getting alarm. But then again, I'm from Russia. Maybe that's why

As for CD changer, I got it after the purchase from the same dealership, $800 cdn., install included. Didn't even try to find a lower price, just seemed content with the fact that with premium brands come premium prices

Just my 0.4 canadian

 

[rost12]

By the way, Dennis H, I got exactly the same same car. Except I got the manual and my car is a year old

Congrats and take it easy! It's comming :bigpimp:

 

[ERK]

Dennis:
I didn't order the alarm because I went with the "no one pay attention to them" attitude. A few months ago I got all four of my tires and wheels stolen while I was parked overnight at my girlfriend's. I am now an advocate of the alarm.

Buy it yourself and install it yourself...under $300 to buy and less than a hour to install. You'll need a dealer to activate it. Most do it for less than $60 (an hour's worth of labor).

I went for the Panasonic 6-disc changer to save a few bucks. Either option Panasonic or OEM (Alpine) is good.

ronrich:
The umbrella gets mounted to the left side of the passengers footwell.

 

[bluer1]

A few questions on BMW accessories for my first 325i
I just ordered my 325i and I was thinking about ordering the factory alarm. Does it really cost $595?

Nope - mine was $299 installed, (ordered with the car).

I suspect the dealer is trying to make a little back there - since
the alarm and changer are dealer installed, try to see if they'll
negotiate on it. If not, shop around.

cody

 

[Pinecone]

You can negotiate the prices. There are a couple of places that sell the parts at 20 - 25% off of MSRP. Check out Circle BMW and Pacific BMW online for prices.

I don't know about the alram for the 325, but for the E46 M3 it shouldn't take more than 1 hour to install.

The CD changer, about the same or less. So check the prices at the two places mentioned and offer them that plus an hour or two of shop time for the install.

One advantage of getting the accessories installed by the dealer as part of the new car delviery, is they become covered by the full 4/50 warranty, versus 1 year is you buy and install them yourself, or wait a month and have the dealer install them.

As to whether the added maintenance coverage depends on how much you drive. The service interval for your car is about 15,000 miles. So you will get a free oil change at 15,000 miles, Inspection 1 at 30,000 and oil at 45,000. The big thing is are you going to get to the Inpection 1 (30K miles) within 3 years? 4 years? If within 3 years or over 4 years, I feel the extended maintenance is not worth it. If your normal mileage puts the service in the range of the extra coverage, it may be worth it. I have no idea what an Inspection 1 costs for your car, but I would quess at least $400 - $500 if everything is fine.