03-27-2014, 10:59 AM | #1 |
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Is Premium Package worth it?
I am still debating, I don't care much for Leather but the only thing I want from it is Ambiance Lighting (know as door handle light).
Leather, Sat Radio, Comfort access those I don't really care much. I rather have the Sensatec seat better. Not sure if I should pay $2300 for this package. If I have to buy the package, I would only have chosen Coral Red Leather seating but now I lose the trim with BLUE highlight... errr!!!!!! Thoughts? Help!!
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03-27-2014, 11:22 AM | #3 |
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It seems to me that you need the premium pkg for the universal home link (garage door opener)? That is all I wanted and was willing to forego the opener, but my wife really wanted leather so I went for the premium pkg. Glad I did so I can avoid a pure black interior.
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03-27-2014, 11:39 AM | #4 |
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I'm only familiar w the Cdn premium pkg, so I'll have to rely on your (OP's) description of what the U.S. premium pkg entails. The ambient lighting (presumably outside and inside the doors) is really nice, but I wouldn't pay $2,300 just for that. However, leather is a must (especially if u wish to avoid a wall-to-wall-ceiling black interior like me (the Terra interior is awesome), and comfort access is also really convenient. U didn't mention whether it is an M235i or 228i, but regardless, I think it boils down to value. I would definitely go for the premium pkg (will increase resale or residual value). Now if your on a budget, stick to it. My first BMW had leatherette and no ambient lighting inside (only outside on door handles) and no comfort access, and it was just fine. Henceforth, I always go for leather, CA, ambient lighting, sunroof, etc. if you can afford it.
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03-27-2014, 01:27 PM | #6 |
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Agreed. Outside of two must-haves being leather forcing the premium package and bluetooth music forcing the tech package, they're really just unnecessary packages to increase margin for BMW.
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03-27-2014, 02:57 PM | #7 |
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Yep. Pretty slimey really. Same idea as in the TV industry - force people to buy a package when they only really want one or two things. I had to forgo the HK sound system because it was in the $2500 executive package, in which I didn't want any other option. I wasn't going to pay that much just for one damn option.
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03-27-2014, 03:38 PM | #8 |
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For me, although I've been happy with sensatec in the past, since I
was already getting leather the step up to premium wasn't that bad. In addition to them moving the ambiance lighting (which used be in the base 3 series coupe) to premium my "want" was the folding mirrors - which have a practical value. If they offered manual seats I would have gone for that with sensatec. Eliminating power seats and moorroof saves well over 100 lbs! |
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03-27-2014, 10:41 PM | #9 |
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I think the tech package is better, think about it, navigation even though you probably not gonna use it as much it can help when traveling etc...instrument cluster with extended controls (you can actually see your oil temp) BMW Apps (Pandora Remote services etc) and the traffic information...ill pass on the premium for the tech package
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03-28-2014, 09:33 AM | #10 | |
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Quote:
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03-28-2014, 10:49 AM | #11 |
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Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor
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Prem pkg is to take advantage of leather seats and the mirror and garage door stuff...if you dont need thosr then skip it
For me, prem pkg is a must cuz those items are everyday use items
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03-28-2014, 11:14 AM | #12 |
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I didn't find it to be worth it. Standalone terra leather $1400, auto dimming rear view mirror by selecting automatic high beams $250, you are at about $1650 and get the best items from the package. Only thing i wish was a standalone option was the illuminated door handles but let's be honest we'll live.
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04-28-2014, 10:33 AM | #13 | |
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04-28-2014, 11:19 AM | #16 |
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Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor
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Every item in the prem pkg I will use daily so its worth every penny for me
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04-28-2014, 11:26 AM | #17 |
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Depends but I don't think it's a deal breaker if you don't get it. However, for ambient light and many extra in that package make my life easier so I'm glad that I have that package.
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04-28-2014, 12:16 PM | #18 |
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The other thing to look at is the resale value will be more with all the options. Evaluating my trade i was told if i had nav in my car they could have given me another 1k. So i figure for the options i wanted that happen to be in both prem and tech pkg i went for it all. Figure in the end i have more trade in value to the next car.
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04-28-2014, 01:31 PM | #19 |
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228i yes.
235i no. 235i already has leather seats, moonroof, power seats. Those are the main benefits of the premium package. Sirrus/XM radio doesn't work in Europe either (yet, apparently they are launching a new satelite soon that will cover North America and Europe). |
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04-28-2014, 01:36 PM | #20 |
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You can have a Mexican install all the crazy ambient lighting you want in the car for 200 bux.
Door openers cost about $10 and can be mounted anywhere. The auto-dimming rear view mirror should be standard on any car above $15K in the year 2014. Xenon head lights? I guess I don't see the point of those at all. |
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04-28-2014, 02:00 PM | #21 |
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Also, I don't think you get power-folding exterior mirrors in the US without getting the premium pack...if that matters to you. That was a big one for me because I back into my double-car garage that has 2 separate single doors.
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04-28-2014, 03:45 PM | #22 | |
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That only makes sense to the government. |
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