[simoneves]

I'm about to place an order for a 2016 M235i and although I'm ticking the boxes for many of the electronic toys, I thought I'd stick with SensaTec (cheaper and wears better), omit the moonroof (more headroom, less to break/rattle, never open it anyway!), and get the basic stereo (planning an upgrade anyway).

I'd like to think I shall be keeping this car for a long time (which is why I'm going to buy it outright instead of leasing, especially with this month's silly lease numbers), but I have a nagging voice telling me I'll be shooting myself in the foot in terms of desirability if I did want to sell it on.

I'd like to think that anyone in the market for this car (especially with 6MT) will agree with my "enthusiast" logic, but...

[IK6SPEED]

In my opinion i would get the leather instead of the other two options, Ive had about 11 BMWs during the last couple years, e90/92, f30, f22, and the ones with sensatec just felt and smelled too cheap and my back would get much hotter compared to leather seats. While maybe sensatec should wear better than leather, it doesn't mean that it does not wear at all, when in the sun a lot it can crack and pieces of it can chips away exposing the white fabric underneath, while leather might just crease and wear on the side bolsters.
Regarding sunroof that it a personal preference and on the m235i i can justify it being omitted as well as the HK stereo (i heard it not that good anyways).
Just my $0.02

[crbalch]

I just took delivery of my 16 M235xi and will say the following:

a) Sensatec: there are lots of threads debating this in detail, but I am in the Sensatec camp. I had it in my 135i, and I have it in my 235i. Not really sure the smell the poster above is alluding to, but it smells like a new car. Dakota leather in these cars is not of amazing quality, and definitely not worth the $1500 upcharge. For me, I was getting black regardless, so I saved the money.

b) Moonroof is personal preference, but I personally like my sunroof just to have the ability to get a bit more light in the car if nothing else. Sometimes it can feel a bit claustrophobic in a coupe without.

c) I opted out of the H/K based on everything that I read on the forums. Come to realize that the stock sound isnt even that bad at all. My take would be to get the stock system, then upgrade. I am going to the installer to add the Focal ISC100s in the front, because its a pretty inexpensive upgrade, and I figure if I like the stock sound, the Focals are going to be that much better.

[MikeT]

I have a '15 m235 (black sensatec, stock sound system, moonroof delete).

The sensatec is fine, and I expect it to hold up better than leather.

The sound system is mediocre, but I've heard that the HK is nothing to write home about either.

I don't like moonroofs, and I don't use them. Deleting was a no-brainer decision for me... more headroom, one less thing to rattle/leak/break/whatever... and the roof looks better without it.... definitely a cleaner, sportier look, IMO.

Doubt any of it will have any impact at all on resale value.

[merlin3008]

I think all of these items are personal preference. But here are my .02. I have a hard time buying a $50,000 car and not getting real leather. My Honda Accord had leather. It's just one of those intangibles. Now I'll fully admit that I've never really spent time with the SensaTec, but my father has a new Benz with MBTec. It has a good look and seems to wear well, but when you get in there is definitely a different feel than leather. And deep down, I know it's vinyl.

The sunroof is totally your call. I did get the HK stereo since I know I'm not doing any upgrades myself. I'm sure it's not great to someone who knows their way around a sound system, but as far as I'm concerned, it's a marked improvement above the standard stereo.

[BEM-S4]

HK will have no impact on resale. Leather from a $ perspective probably minimal, but from a "foot traffic" perspective probably a decent impact when you look to sell it.

[Cyberdemon]

Buy a car for today, not the couple of hundred dollars someone will negotiate you over in 5 years.

You are financially better buying a stripped down car than one with every option. The reality is if someone sees the car in 5 years even if they offer you a few thousand less than a similarly priced optioned car, that person probably spent $15k on options to begin with.

If you're happy with Sensa, no moonroof and the base stereo go for it. You're far more likely to put off a buyer with your color combination than you are your choice of fabrics.

[simoneves]

I ended up getting a loaded 228i THP manual from stock, which has all three options, so now it's a moot point, but thank you all for your responses!