Questions about options on 2011 328

[coldfish]

I am going to be ordering a new 2011 328 early next week. I have never owned a BMW before. I have worked out the price and deal, I just need to finish the paperwork. Here is the build as it stands now:

328
- x drive
- premium package
- value package
- navigation
- no automatic (manual transmission, man its hard to find in the midwest)
- jet black / black leather / aluminum

I have spoken to two salesmen and got some conflicting information. You guys seem to know more about BMW's than them, so I thought I would ask this before I got stuck with a build config I didn't like.

- I use my iphone in my current car to play music and live by it. I know that the idrive system can store music. Does anyone here use it? Is there a point to all of the apple iPod/iphone adaption devices? The salesman seem to be very confused about how to connect an iphone to a stock BMW. I think that I can just use the phone functionality through the bluetooth, charge the phone through a 12V and dump data into the idrive through a phone to usb connection. Is this correct? How does the USB work with iphone? Should I get the ipod adapter? Smartphone system? Why does the value package say that it allows you to control your ipod / mp3, but there are several other options/accessories that seem to conflict?

- I am somewhat taken back by the lack of stock security system, but everyone around BMW seems to think its an unnecessary addition. I read a few threads here about it and it seems that all you get out of it is a beep when you lock the door. Is there any value in a security system?

- Are there any "must have" options beyond what I am getting? Is there something I will regret? The salesmen I have spoken to have downplayed virtually every option as useless or of little value beyond the above package.

Thank you in advance.

Notes and disclaimers.
- I know its bad form for a newbie to start a thread with his first post, but I know very little about BMW's and have little to add in existing threads. I went back many pages looking for answers and found several (like mileage), but couldn't get clear stuff for the above.
- Great and active forum.

[RI335d]

First off, welcome to the forums, and the BMW community!

I'll start with the security alarm. I purchased it for two reasons: 1) that beep lets everyone else know that there is in fact an alarm (not just a flashing light on the mirror) and 2) I wanted there to be a 'panic button' for the wife in case she needed to draw attention to herself in the event someone was trying to rob her or whatever. Other than that, I couldn't justify it, but the wife's security was more than enough.

DISCLAIMER: This is how I understand the other things to work. If I am wrong, someone please correct me!

As for storing music, I know that you can take a CD and download it to the drive without any extra options.

The smart-phone integration allows you to use the iDrive to actually control the phone, i.e. scroll through your list of contacts, dial numbers, etc. without touching the phone itself.

The adapters allow you to charge (whatever component it's made for) and access components that aren't Bluetooth compatible (such as iPods), also allowing you to download the music to your car's hard-drive.

[coldfish]

First off, welcome to the forums, and the BMW community!

I'll start with the security alarm. I purchased it for two reasons: 1) that beep lets everyone else know that there is in fact an alarm (not just a flashing light on the mirror) and 2) I wanted there to be a 'panic button' for the wife in case she needed to draw attention to herself in the event someone was trying to rob her or whatever. Other than that, I couldn't justify it, but the wife's security was more than enough.

Thanks. I'm torn. I need to call my insurance company and find out if the security alarm pays for itself in reduced insurance. The car has lojack for free and its practically theft proof anyways. There may be no benefit.



DISCLAIMER: This is how I understand the other things to work. If I am wrong, someone please correct me!

As for storing music, I know that you can take a CD and download it to the drive without any extra options.

The smart-phone integration allows you to use the iDrive to actually control the phone, i.e. scroll through your list of contacts, dial numbers, etc. without touching the phone itself.

The adapters allow you to charge (whatever component it's made for) and access components that aren't Bluetooth compatible (such as iPods), also allowing you to download the music to your car's hard-drive.

I should have done this before.
Option: My understanding.

Value Package iPod and USB adapter ($0): Installs a port in the car that allows the car to control iPod and mp3 devices and play their music.

Smartphone Integration ($150): Puts a device in the car that charges a phone, increases reception and gives iDrive access to contacts.

Apple iPhone USB snap in adapter ($204): Requires smartphone integration. Gives vehicle access to music on phone. Increases reception. I don't understand what this is as the BMW description badly overlaps the above two options.

iPod interface adapter ($370): Integrates iPod into car audio function and allows car to control music. Again, this overlaps the first option.

It seems that I need the first three items to have full functional use of my phone by my car. I just don't understand the descriptions as the first two packages don't say that you need the third to get full functionality. The 4th option is really confusing.

[floydr]

Music seems high on your list. Do not buy the car without the upgraded (Harmon-Kardon) stereo. It is a separate option, not included with any package.

Heated seats in Cleveland will be very nice in the winter. If you want the fold-down seats (to carry long/big objects), you might as well order the cold weather package.

The only option required to use your phone - as a phone - is BMW Assist/Bluetooth (in the premium package). Smartphone integration adds ability to play music stored on your phone; the cradle is unique to the smartphone you have (different for iPhone/Droid/Blackberry/etc). The smartphone integration also allows the phone to use the car's built-in transmitter and antenna (for the Assist feature), giving better reception.

[mryakan]

Smartphone integration is not a prerequisite to get your iPod to work. You just need the 6FL option which gives you a USB port and along with a Y cable that they provide for free, you will get access to your iphone/ipod music and can control it through the radio/iDrive. This option is highly recommended if you like to listen to music in the car and esp. if you have Apple products.
Smartphone integration just allows the phone to charge through a cradle and use the built in antenna for added signal gain. I personally don't think it is worth the money.

In short, just order the 6FL option (btw it comes standard on Canadian 328 models).

[Radman981]

Another option you may want to consider is adding Xenon lamps...I have that on my car (2010 328xi) and it lights up the road at night. Plus the light swivels as you take turns.

As for music you can either download CDs onto the internal hard drive or use the y-cable to hook up your iphone or ipod. I hook up my iphone 3GS and play music all the time. The only issue I have is the cable appears to have a crappy interface connector to the iphone. I need to take it back to BMW and get another cable.

When I bought my vehicle my sales guy told me that the car is very hard to steal and an alarm is not needed. But I have to admit that RI335d's reason is a pretty good one....I actually tried to get one installed and if you do not get the alarm option the alarm wiring is not even installed in the car so you cannot add the BMW alarm at a later if you even wanted to.

The navigation is pretty sweet in my opinion. I have used it several times and for the most part it works pretty well. I also have an external GPS system and I actually like the BMW GPS better. Another cool feature is the option to find restaurants, gas stations, etc. Its pretty cool...

As for the phone interface the bluetooth option (that comes with the premium package) is pretty good. I just synch up my phone to the car and I make calls. The reception is pretty good. I don't think the smart phone integration is needed.

BTW...congrats on taking the plunge....You are gonna love driving a BMW....:redspot

[coldfish]

Thanks for the information people.

I'm still not sure about the security system. If I get the "convenience package" I get that and the xenon lights.

It looks like the basic ipod adapter is all I need for that. I have a case on my phone so based on what I have read, the smartphone adapter wouldn't even work.

I'll look into the stereo.