What are must have options?

grubster · 12-03-2011, 08:43 PM

Thinking of buying a new x3 28i for my wife. What are must have options? I don't want a boring run of the mill car. Do I need xenons to get angel eyes?

I wanted tech package but that required premium package. PP seemed to be a bit of a rip off. Does anyone have leatherette? How does it compare to the leatherette on my old 2004 x3? That stuff wasn't great. Can I get sport seats in leatherette?

What about sport activity vs m sport package? I don't think I would get both.

chrisE92 · 12-03-2011, 10:21 PM

You do need xenons to have the new LED angel eyes.

If I had to choose between sport and m-sport, I would get the m-sport package, solely for the aesthetics. The m-sport body kit is beautiful on the X3!

Le Chef · 12-03-2011, 10:58 PM

Focus on functional options - heated seats and heated steering wheel are two for Chicago. Add SAP if you want adjustable steering, suspension, powertrain, and sports seats. If you want to look like you're packing when you're not, then buy the M-Sport package (aka the empty codpiece).

tuco44 · 12-03-2011, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Le Chef

Focus on functional options - heated seats and heated steering wheel are two for Chicago. Add SAP if you want adjustable steering, suspension, powertrain, and sports seats. If you want to look like you're packing when you're not, then buy the M-Sport package (aka the empty codpiece).

You are the only poster I have noticed refers to the MSport package as an "emply codpiece"...??!!

Is this something you have knowledge of personally that creates such an impression?

greg2step · 12-03-2011, 11:09 PM

tech package. more than the nav, the rear view, top view camera system (you only get the top view w/ the tech package) is my favorite feature on my X3. makes parking so easy.

jsplayin · 12-03-2011, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greg2step

tech package. more than the nav, the rear view, top view camera system (you only get the top view w/ the tech package) is my favorite feature on my X3. makes parking so easy.

Initially I ordered just the parking sensors, then quickly added tech package. Now that I have the car I'm amazed by the top view and back up cam. Xenons and heated seats are must haves, and tech package is just awesome.

Nahoa · 12-04-2011, 12:15 AM

The 35i and the sport package.

torzeck · 12-04-2011, 12:48 AM

I agree with Nahoa,
if you can swing the 35i go for it. It is an amazing motor.
And, you get a few more included items.

Sport package for sure so you get the better sport seats.
Leather (you'll appreciate in the summer)
Cold weather package 1 for the heated seats and the split rearseat
Xenons if do the 28i (35i comes standard with the xenons)

Not as important but fun:
Keyless entry if it's stand alone as there is no keyslot so never having to grab the remote seems pretty cool. I don't have it and the key is only used to lock and unlock so it's sort of clumsy.

You may want the premium package just to save cost but you need to do the
math for individual options vs. the packages.

Tech package for the nav , top and rearview cameras (save your wheels from getting curbed)

BMW apps for Pandora , Mog and the future

Sunroof (standard with 35i) lightens the interior.

Big problem is your spending a chunk and it's easy to add another $10k but then again, no regrets.

GenX3 · 12-04-2011, 01:11 AM

Heated seats and steering wheel are a must. If you live in FL, maybe not so much. For me the Nav sold the car. No other nav has as much to offer... M-Sport was nice for me... in addition to looks, etc., I like the chubby steerwheel

Le Chef · 12-04-2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuco44

You are the only poster I have noticed refers to the MSport package as an "emply codpiece"...??!!

Is this something you have knowledge of personally that creates such an impression?

There's nothing behind the styling kit that justifies it. No 400hp engine, no additional cooling, it's not faster, doesn't handle any better, so why bother with it? It's the equivalent of the roll hoop on a Honda Civic, but if it makes you feel like you're packing then go with it.

tuco44 · 12-04-2011, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Le Chef

There's nothing behind the styling kit that justifies it. No 400hp engine, no additional cooling, it's not faster, doesn't handle any better, so why bother with it? It's the equivalent of the roll hoop on a Honda Civic, but if it makes you feel like you're packing then go with it.

I prefer the looks of the MSport package, particularly the wheels, the front and rear treatments, the seats and the steering wheel.

It has nothing to do with "packing". I don't need visuals to set my personal image, as it appears some others do. I've had my share of hotter cars, including an M3.

grubster · 12-04-2011, 11:15 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I was thinking 35i, nice that you do get xenons and pano roof standard, but it's for my wife and she don't care about engines. You would think prepoum package would be cheaper since pano roof is standard on the car.

Don't kill me for asking, but would I be dumb to buy a 09 ML Mercedes CPO and loaded up for like 33-35k? FYI, I am a BMW driver exclusively since 1998.

knarfjp · 12-04-2011, 01:23 PM

We purchased a 2011 X3 28i from a dealer as a demo, so did not custom order it. We did have a "formulation" ready to order though. Since you will be ordering a 2012, the package alignment will be slightly different than on our 2011.

One thing that our vehicle has is the Convenience Package, including keyless entry, adaptive Xenons, and the power tailgate. We love all of these options but would have not ordered the package on a custom vehicle. We would have ordered the power tailgate as a single option. Live and learn....

I mention the PP as it has the pano moonroof, garage door opener, lighting package, and auto-dimming mirrors. We would have ordered this package and we enjoy everything in it.

Standalone options that we have are the heated front seats and heated steering wheel, they are both great for northern climates. We did plan on ordering these.

We don't have any other packages and so far we do not yearn for anything like Nav. We travel in mostly familiar areas and will add a standalone GPS if needed. Now the Nav Pkg. adds much more than GPS but we don't need the complications. The single options that we like the best, independent of the package, are the power tailgate and the keyless entry. Once summer returns (June in Michigan) we will enjoy the pano much more I'm sure!

Regards...

thefreeze · 12-04-2011, 01:28 PM

What is leatherette? Is that fake leather? (in that case, buy a Kia with real leather)

paul386 · 12-04-2011, 02:38 PM

Xenon Light Package is a must
Sport Package gets you nicer seats
Tech package gets you the top view / backup camera

Dr Stig 2 · 12-05-2011, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefreeze

What is leatherette? Is that fake leather? (in that case, buy a Kia with real leather)

As Smurf is to Smurfette, Leather is to Leatherette.

It may look all nice and pretty, but it was created in a lab by an evil wizard who was trying to trick people into thinking it was the real thing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smurfette

nonagon · 12-05-2011, 04:19 AM

Personally, I'd start with the 35i engine, Sport, Cold Weather I, Technology and see what else is in your budget after that.

Nahoa · 12-05-2011, 06:19 AM

As far as packages and features, as noted from all the comments above, everything is good. None of this stuff is a "must have", though. All of it, to me, is "can have". I enjoy all the gadgets and use them, but could get by without them if needed. I skipped the Head-Up display and the Automatic Headlights (and M-Sport package, but it wasn't a choice at the time). I was worried about the special windshield with all the rocks around here and the cost of replacement. Was probably too worried about that and would have enjoyed the fun of that gadget. Not a need, though. The driving info is easy to see in the standard cluster (of course), and the Nav info is both on the Nav and in the cluster (which is also very cool). I don't miss the Automatic Headlights; this area has so much traffic, pedestrians, houses, lighting, and such that there's rarely a use for the high beams.

Love the comfort access, xenons, the Sport Seats, the audio system, heated seats, automatic lift gate, all of it!

jk · 12-05-2011, 11:46 AM

when i went in to order an x3 last week, i asked to see a vehicle with the head up display. as soon as i sat down and saw the display i knew it would drive me nuts to see graphics hanging out in front of me instead of just the road and surrounding scenery.

grubster · 12-05-2011, 01:06 PM

Does the sav and msport packages offer the same sport seats?

Le Chef · 12-05-2011, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grubster

Does the sav and msport packages offer the same sport seats?

And they're great seats with good lateral grip and firm enough to be supportive.

nfs060 · 12-05-2011, 04:59 PM

Convenience Package: Keyless entry, rear power door.

LED rings, xenon headlights looks great and worth every penny.

Leather, heated seats and steering. Wow, does that steering wheel keep you warm in the morning.

Sport SAP: The adjustment of the suspension, makes a big difference between regular and sport, almost like having two cars in one.

Panoramic Sunroof is sweet, however a regular sunroof would do, as there is not a great difference for the drivers seat.

I love the 35i power, I push it hard, so that's a must for me. If your a cruiser, then the 28i will do as it's wonderfully strong durable smooth engine.

12-03-2011, 08:43 PM	#1
grubster Private First Class 3 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 08 535i Sport, 09 GL550 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	What are must have options? Thinking of buying a new x3 28i for my wife. What are must have options? I don't want a boring run of the mill car. Do I need xenons to get angel eyes? I wanted tech package but that required premium package. PP seemed to be a bit of a rip off. Does anyone have leatherette? How does it compare to the leatherette on my old 2004 x3? That stuff wasn't great. Can I get sport seats in leatherette? What about sport activity vs m sport package? I don't think I would get both. __________________ '07 335i Coupe 6MT
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12-03-2011, 10:21 PM	#2
chrisE92 Brigadier General 245 Rep 4,494 Posts Drives: Monaco Blue E92 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: LA to HB iTrader: (21)	You do need xenons to have the new LED angel eyes. If I had to choose between sport and m-sport, I would get the m-sport package, solely for the aesthetics. The m-sport body kit is beautiful on the X3! __________________ photos
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12-03-2011, 10:58 PM	#3
Le Chef Banned 17 Rep 412 Posts Drives: BMW X3 35i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Focus on functional options - heated seats and heated steering wheel are two for Chicago. Add SAP if you want adjustable steering, suspension, powertrain, and sports seats. If you want to look like you're packing when you're not, then buy the M-Sport package (aka the empty codpiece).
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12-03-2011, 11:09 PM	#5
greg2step X3 Owner/Driver 212 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X3 M40i (G01) [0.00]	tech package. more than the nav, the rear view, top view camera system (you only get the top view w/ the tech package) is my favorite feature on my X3. makes parking so easy. __________________ 2018 X3 M40i G01 \| Phytonic Blue \| Mocha \| Premium+Exec \| Driver Assist \| Adaptive M Suspension 2011 X3 XDrive35i F25 l Deep Sea Blue l Mojave Leather l Sport, DHP, Premium, Nav/Technology, Cold Weather, Convenience [traded in] 2008 328XI E91 Sportwagon l Sparkling Graphite [traded in]
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12-04-2011, 12:15 AM	#7
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	The 35i and the sport package. __________________
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12-04-2011, 12:48 AM	#8
torzeck Lieutenant 52 Rep 400 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i, 2020 X3 30i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Portland Oregon iTrader: (0)	I agree with Nahoa, if you can swing the 35i go for it. It is an amazing motor. And, you get a few more included items. Sport package for sure so you get the better sport seats. Leather (you'll appreciate in the summer) Cold weather package 1 for the heated seats and the split rearseat Xenons if do the 28i (35i comes standard with the xenons) Not as important but fun: Keyless entry if it's stand alone as there is no keyslot so never having to grab the remote seems pretty cool. I don't have it and the key is only used to lock and unlock so it's sort of clumsy. You may want the premium package just to save cost but you need to do the math for individual options vs. the packages. Tech package for the nav , top and rearview cameras (save your wheels from getting curbed) BMW apps for Pandora , Mog and the future Sunroof (standard with 35i) lightens the interior. Big problem is your spending a chunk and it's easy to add another $10k but then again, no regrets.
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12-04-2011, 01:11 AM	#9
GenX3 Private First Class 27 Rep 159 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 35i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Colo Spgs iTrader: (0)	For me... Heated seats and steering wheel are a must. If you live in FL, maybe not so much. For me the Nav sold the car. No other nav has as much to offer... M-Sport was nice for me... in addition to looks, etc., I like the chubby steerwheel __________________ 2012 X3 35i \| Space Gray \| Sand Beige \| Sienna Packages \| M-Sport \| Cold I & II \| Tech \| Premium \| Sound \| BMW Apps, HUD, Net
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12-04-2011, 11:15 AM	#12
grubster Private First Class 3 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 08 535i Sport, 09 GL550 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the replies. I was thinking 35i, nice that you do get xenons and pano roof standard, but it's for my wife and she don't care about engines. You would think prepoum package would be cheaper since pano roof is standard on the car. Don't kill me for asking, but would I be dumb to buy a 09 ML Mercedes CPO and loaded up for like 33-35k? FYI, I am a BMW driver exclusively since 1998. __________________ '07 335i Coupe 6MT
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12-04-2011, 01:23 PM	#13
knarfjp Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 28i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	Premium Package - No Brainer We purchased a 2011 X3 28i from a dealer as a demo, so did not custom order it. We did have a "formulation" ready to order though. Since you will be ordering a 2012, the package alignment will be slightly different than on our 2011. One thing that our vehicle has is the Convenience Package, including keyless entry, adaptive Xenons, and the power tailgate. We love all of these options but would have not ordered the package on a custom vehicle. We would have ordered the power tailgate as a single option. Live and learn.... I mention the PP as it has the pano moonroof, garage door opener, lighting package, and auto-dimming mirrors. We would have ordered this package and we enjoy everything in it. Standalone options that we have are the heated front seats and heated steering wheel, they are both great for northern climates. We did plan on ordering these. We don't have any other packages and so far we do not yearn for anything like Nav. We travel in mostly familiar areas and will add a standalone GPS if needed. Now the Nav Pkg. adds much more than GPS but we don't need the complications. The single options that we like the best, independent of the package, are the power tailgate and the keyless entry. Once summer returns (June in Michigan) we will enjoy the pano much more I'm sure! Regards...
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12-04-2011, 01:28 PM	#14
thefreeze Hans 16 Rep 116 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 2.0D Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Holland iTrader: (0)	What is leatherette? Is that fake leather? (in that case, buy a Kia with real leather) __________________ X3 20D auto High Executive. Moonroof, privacy glass, sport seats, professional audio & sat nav, 19" 309 wheels summer, 18" 307 winter, X-Line, Xenon, parking heater. Mineral Silver / Oyster leather interior, wave trim. V70 2.5T (private)
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12-04-2011, 02:38 PM	#15
paul386 Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 274 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i Jet Black Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Xenon Light Package is a must Sport Package gets you nicer seats Tech package gets you the top view / backup camera
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12-05-2011, 04:19 AM	#17
nonagon Captain 113 Rep 777 Posts Drives: Porsche Cayenne GTS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Arlington VA iTrader: (0)	Personally, I'd start with the 35i engine, Sport, Cold Weather I, Technology and see what else is in your budget after that.
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12-05-2011, 06:19 AM	#18
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	As far as packages and features, as noted from all the comments above, everything is good. None of this stuff is a "must have", though. All of it, to me, is "can have". I enjoy all the gadgets and use them, but could get by without them if needed. I skipped the Head-Up display and the Automatic Headlights (and M-Sport package, but it wasn't a choice at the time). I was worried about the special windshield with all the rocks around here and the cost of replacement. Was probably too worried about that and would have enjoyed the fun of that gadget. Not a need, though. The driving info is easy to see in the standard cluster (of course), and the Nav info is both on the Nav and in the cluster (which is also very cool). I don't miss the Automatic Headlights; this area has so much traffic, pedestrians, houses, lighting, and such that there's rarely a use for the high beams. Love the comfort access, xenons, the Sport Seats, the audio system, heated seats, automatic lift gate, all of it! __________________
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12-05-2011, 11:46 AM	#19
jk Private First Class 2 Rep 114 Posts Drives: '12 x3 35i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	when i went in to order an x3 last week, i asked to see a vehicle with the head up display. as soon as i sat down and saw the display i knew it would drive me nuts to see graphics hanging out in front of me instead of just the road and surrounding scenery.
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12-05-2011, 01:06 PM	#20
grubster Private First Class 3 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 08 535i Sport, 09 GL550 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Does the sav and msport packages offer the same sport seats? __________________ '07 335i Coupe 6MT
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12-05-2011, 04:59 PM	#22
nfs060 New Member 2 Rep 19 Posts Drives: 2011 x3 35i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Convenience Package: Keyless entry, rear power door. LED rings, xenon headlights looks great and worth every penny. Leather, heated seats and steering. Wow, does that steering wheel keep you warm in the morning. Sport SAP: The adjustment of the suspension, makes a big difference between regular and sport, almost like having two cars in one. Panoramic Sunroof is sweet, however a regular sunroof would do, as there is not a great difference for the drivers seat. I love the 35i power, I push it hard, so that's a must for me. If your a cruiser, then the 28i will do as it's wonderfully strong durable smooth engine.
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