Need help selecting extras

[dodgy]

Hi,

I'm looking to get a 335d M Sport Coupe or Saloon (your opinions on that choice would also be welcome), and I've a few items on the configurator that I don't really understand what they are. I wonder if anyone could help:

BMW ConnectedDrive-Assist
BMW ConnectedDrive-Online - what are these two for?
Universal Remote Control?
Voice Control System - what does this allow me to control exactly? Is it any good?
BMW Individual Audio System - I want great audio, is this the choice for me?
Nav System Business
Nav System Professional - what's the difference between the two systems?
Bluetooth phone + telematics
Bluetooth Phone Preparation - again, what's the difference? Do I have to use my phone in a holder, or can I just link it via bluetooth? Do these two mean I would have a cradle somewhere in the car? Must I use it?
Comfort access - a gimmick, or worth paying for?
Climate Control Screen - what is it? A heated front screen?
Sun protection glass = tinted windows?
Sliding front armrest - do I get an armrest if I don't select this? What's better about this?
USB/Audio Interface - this will allow me to connect my iPod and have the songs displayed on the display, right?
Blinds (rear/side/etc) - any use?
Electric Front Seats with driver memory
Semi-electric front seats - what's different?
Adaptive headlights - worth having? They are costly
High beam assistant - what's it do?
Active steering- worth having, again a costly option
Active cruise control - I understand what it does, does anyone think it's actually useful in the real world?Thanks very much for any help

[mattjw916]

Some of these items are subcomponents of packages like the cold weather or premium package and won't be able to be individually selected.

As far as some of your questions, here goes:

BMW Assist: It's free here, set it up and ignore it

Universal Remote: Buttons on the rear-view mirror can be programmed to open your garage, may or may not be useful

Voice Control: I don't use mine and simply use the iDrive controller. Personal preference

Nav: I'm only aware of one version personally.

Bluetooth: Let's your car become a "headset" paired with your bluetooth enabled phone. No cradles, completely wireless. Awesome!!!

Comfort access: Neat, I don't have it, but I'm not sure why it's so hard to insert the fob into the dash.

Electric seats with memory are part of the packages.

iPod Interface is a separate option than the USB, make sure you select it, you will need a special cable for it

Active steering and headlights are once again, personal preference... you either care or you don't. They do not make or break the car.

Sun shades are cool in a 7 series, not sure what the point is in a coupe.

Active cruise is not really useful for me, very expensive and gimmicky.

If you plan on taking passengers often, get a saloon... if you travel light, get the coupe.

As far any other options, just go to the dealer and check out the cars and the different options and trim levels. I'd be just as happy in a base model 3-er as my loaded 335xi. The options are just the icing on the cake.

[brokenbimmer]

I never had Bluetooth and Voice control until now. It's a must have, as I use it all the time!
If I could have one more option added, it would be Comfort Access.
If I could have a second option added, it would be 6FL (USB/Audio Interface).

[IR DOC]

My favorite options, in order of "need":

Satellite radio
Comfort Access
Rear auto sun shade

[aftp302]

Based on cost/benefit I would say:

Get:
Comfort Access - More than just not sticking the fob into the dash. You never have to touch the key. Leave it in your pocket and just touch the door handle to unlock, then press start button to start. Press the stop button to shut off the car, touch the door handle on the way out to lock. I wasn't sure how "useful" this option would be, but now that I have it, I can't imagine living without it. Every time I climb into the wife's car now and get strapped in and comfortable, I curse because I have to dig into my pocket to extract the key.
iPod Integration - Definite plus for the money, allows full control of iPod from headunit (even better with NAV screen) and you can also use it for other USB based flash media

Pass:
Active Steering - Not necessary, very high cost
Active Cruise - Nice concept, not often usable, very high cost