[makrop]

Hey guys, I am selling my 135i tomorrow and will be upgrading to an M240i. Gotta have 6MT so I'm planning on placing my order this afternoon/evening since there's apparently only 6 on lots in the entire U.S. right now... Anyways, I'm on the fence about a few options and was needing some help! What options did you order or acquire that you wouldn't miss if you didn't have them, and vis-a-versa? I'm debating leather vs sensatec to save some money. Not a huge difference in feel and I've heard the sensatec actually holds up better in the long run. Also harmon kardon? I had them on my e46 330ci and they weren't nearly as good as the base system in my 10' 135i (7 years newer, but still the base system in 135i was really pretty great). Lastly, on the fence about getting the PDC monitors. I've never had them on any car and have yet to crash into anything lol. More of a question for re-sale value I suppose.

Anyways, I'm dead set on Mineral Grey w/ Black wheels, 6MT, Premium package. The rest I can take or leave. What would you do?

[nikijack]

Heated steering wheel, Harmon Kardon, and the thing that keeps the lights on for a couple of minutes are the things I would miss.

Jack

[makrop]

Originally Posted by nikijack

Heated steering wheel, Harmon Kardon, and the thing that keeps the lights on for a couple of minutes are the things I would miss.

Jack

Yeah the heated wheel and seats come with the premium package. Not familiar with the lights thing? What is that?

[Lucky13]

Its such a personal decision only you can know what you want. I personally have owned 16 BMW’s and never had one without leather. Coral Red or Cognac color would be really sharp with dark gray.

[makrop]

Originally Posted by Lucky13

Its such a personal decision only you can know what you want. I personally have owned 16 BMW’s and never had one without leather. Coral Red or Cognac color would be really sharp with dark gray.

Man I had subconsciously ruled out Coral Red since that's what I have now. But it would look great... Dang it. Thought I was set on Black, just didn't know the material. I'm going the wrong way with narrowing my choices down ha. Not sure how I feel about Cognac. I'd need to see it in person.

[3rdcoast228i]

I have the sensatec seats and I love them, mainly because they look great and are low maintenance.

You can read about the Harmon Kardon system, I get the feeling that most are not that impressed with it. That being said, I feel like audio is highly subjective to the person listening. I have the S663A "BMW Professional Radio" and it's just fine for me, but I'm not an audio guy. Worth noting that the HK system comes with a few more speekers.

I don't have the PDC monitors, visibility out of the car is very good IMO. My understanding is they are too high to pick up curbs and that would be the only use I would have for them. Of course everyone's situation is different, I don't have to worry about parking in tight spots.

[3rdcoast228i]

Originally Posted by krop135i

Man I had subconsciously ruled out Coral Red since that's what I have now. But it would look great... Dang it. Thought I was set on Black, just didn't know the material. I'm going the wrong way with narrowing my choices down ha. Not sure how I feel about Cognac. I'd need to see it in person.

If you are worried about resell value as stated above, then think twice about going red seats. I look at the price of used M235i every week to see if I can find an excuse to upgrade. (Haven't yet, the 228i is fantastic, and paid for) Anyway, I see a lot if cars with the red are listed with lower prices than the others and they typically don't sell as fast. I've seen a few deals that I could live with, but I can't stand the red.

[makrop]

Originally Posted by 3rdcoast228i

If you are worried about resell value as stated above, then think twice about going red seats. I look at the price of used M235i every week to see if I can find an excuse to upgrade. (Haven't yet, the 228i is fantastic, and paid for) Anyway, I see a lot if cars with the red are listed with lower prices than the others and they typically don't sell as fast. I've seen a few deals that I could live with, but I can't stand the red.

Interesting. I have the coral red right now and every prospective buyer has loved them. I've had like 10 people this week alone inquire about it, all from at least 2 states away. But more of that probably has to do with it being the only manual within like 500 miles lol.

[mattc1176]

I just placed an order with a similar build (went Min White as I have Min Grey now). I have the HK on my current 235 and ordered it again. I'm not blown away by it, but if it's not that great then I can imagine how crappy the base stereo is so I didn't want to chance it. Can probably do better with aftermarket but I'm not handy and don't want to pay for installation. Otherwise as long as you know how to drive I can't see wasting money on the parking/drive assist nonsense.

[Lucky13]

Originally Posted by krop135i

Interesting. I have the coral red right now and every prospective buyer has loved them. I've had like 10 people this week alone inquire about it, all from at least 2 states away. But more of that probably has to do with it being the only manual within like 500 miles lol.

I have Coral Red now also and the first thing people say is the love the red seats. I personally hate black interiors.
When I had BMW’s with black interiors I never had anyone say “I love your black interior”. By far more comments onmy a black M3 with red interior, a silver E93 with saddle interior, a black Z3 with saddle and my silver M235 with Coral. No comments ever on all the black interiors its just meh.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by 3rdcoast228i

I have the sensatec seats and I love them, mainly because they look great and are low maintenance.

You can read about the Harmon Kardon system, I get the feeling that most are not that impressed with it. That being said, I feel like audio is highly subjective to the person listening. I have the S663A "BMW Professional Radio" and it's just fine for me, but I'm not an audio guy. Worth noting that the HK system comes with a few more speekers.

I don't have the PDC monitors, visibility out of the car is very good IMO. My understanding is they are too high to pick up curbs and that would be the only use I would have for them. Of course everyone's situation is different, I don't have to worry about parking in tight spots.

My PDC is perfect detecting curbs pulling in or backing up.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by krop135i

Hey guys, I am selling my 135i tomorrow and will be upgrading to an M240i. Gotta have 6MT so I'm planning on placing my order this afternoon/evening since there's apparently only 6 on lots in the entire U.S. right now... Anyways, I'm on the fence about a few options and was needing some help! What options did you order or acquire that you wouldn't miss if you didn't have them, and vis-a-versa? I'm debating leather vs sensatec to save some money. Not a huge difference in feel and I've heard the sensatec actually holds up better in the long run. Also harmon kardon? I had them on my e46 330ci and they weren't nearly as good as the base system in my 10' 135i (7 years newer, but still the base system in 135i was really pretty great). Lastly, on the fence about getting the PDC monitors. I've never had them on any car and have yet to crash into anything lol. More of a question for re-sale value I suppose.

Anyways, I'm dead set on Mineral Grey w/ Black wheels, 6MT, Premium package. The rest I can take or leave. What would you do?

While I don't own a new BMW, i have an older E46, both my parents have new BMWs (2016 3 Wagon and 2017 5 Series), which I have driven a bunch and experienced. Since your set on the premium package, you will definitely enjoy the infotainment system and the heated steering wheel. Honestly sansatec is really good and the only excuse to not get it is if you want the red or cognac colored seats. Adaptive LEDs aren't needed since standard LED headlights should be good enough, I would advise for the driving assistance package as its only $500 and includes many good safety features such as lane departure warning, collision warning, and other useful features. Skip the hardon karmon, don't do much difference for almost $1K. PDC isn't that needed since a rear view camera is standard, but since you are buying a coupe it could be useful, that one is debatable. Hope this info helped.

[XutvJet]

PDC is great as seeing the corners of this car can be difficult. I also love being able to turn it on when pulling up to a curb, front or back.

Get the HK stereo. Then unplug the center speaker and replace the rears with a set of $140 4.5" JL Audio speakers. Done deal and most of the complaints by the audiophiles of the HK system are washed away. I love the setup. The base stereo is really bad in comparison. Really bad.

Coral red kicks butt too.

[Dylan86]

What he said ^^ Can't imagine not having the HK, unless you plan on doing a full system..

Does unplugging the center speaker really help? Haven't done this..

I'm also not a fan of PDC just for long term ownership, but now that I have it, I love it. If ordering new I'd probably have skipped that option.

[makrop]

Well I made my order! Mineral Gray, 6MT, Coral Red, Black Wheels, Premium Pkg, adaptive LED headlights, and apple car play as the only options. Tried out a few on the lot without the HK and it was good enough for me. I always have windows down anyways. Not a huge deal for me and I thought they sounded pretty good. No PDC or Driving assistant nannies either. Not needed. Now the agonizing wait begins. Selling the 135i tomorrow so I'm stuck driving a beater white van that belongs to my church for 8 weeks. Gonna be tough...

[3rdcoast228i]

Congrats!

[SlickShift]

I miss my 135i (titanium silver, coral red, 6MT, picked up at the PC). I agree the HK sound on the 1er was fantastic. The HK sound on my 235i was atrocious. I've never bought speakers for a car before and I had to for the 2er. I'd say get the PDC. I don't have it, but my wife does on her X1 and it's a very helpful feature. Good luck with the purchase!

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by Dylan86

What he said ^^ Can't imagine not having the HK, unless you plan on doing a full system..

Does unplugging the center speaker really help? Haven't done this..

I'm also not a fan of PDC just for long term ownership, but now that I have it, I love it. If ordering new I'd probably have skipped that option.

Yeah, unplugging the center channel does make a noticeable difference. Same goes for upgrading the rear speakers with a good set of JLs. It's pretty shocking the difference. I'm not a huge audio guy, but I could not image having the 2 series with the base system. It's completely lacking in depth and base. It's worse than the base system in my 2012 WRX. For the amount you'd spend on upgrading it and tearing a part your interior and risk breaking things, you could have just bought the HK. The underseat sub woofers make a massive difference over the base system as well in adding depth.

As for the PDC, I too thought it was a bit silly, but now after having the car for two years, I love having the sensors. It's a small car, yes, but the way you sit in it, the low bumper, and it's somewhat high window sills does make for some difficulty when parking.

[Ron Jeffries]

I saved a few hundred by not getting PDC and I regret it

[Rayscott]

Originally Posted by 3rdcoast228i

I have the sensatec seats and I love them, mainly because they look great and are low maintenance.

You can read about the Harmon Kardon system, I get the feeling that most are not that impressed with it. That being said, I feel like audio is highly subjective to the person listening. I have the S663A "BMW Professional Radio" and it's just fine for me, but I'm not an audio guy. Worth noting that the HK system comes with a few more speekers.

I don't have the PDC monitors, visibility out of the car is very good IMO. My understanding is they are too high to pick up curbs and that would be the only use I would have for them. Of course everyone's situation is different, I don't have to worry about parking in tight spots.

I have the Sensatecs on my 2012 X3. They hold up well but I have minor cracking on the left side of the drivers seat. I have oyster white on the 2016 228ix and so far they are fine. As long as you regularly maintain both they should hold up nicely. Use Leatherique for Sensatec and a good leather cleaner/conditioner for leather.

[mrmike44]

I got the Cognac interior with MG and love it. I haven't had sensatec since my 2006 3 series. I'm a sweaty guy and found the sensatec too hot on my back in the summer. The leather seems to be better for breathe-ability, in my opinion.

[xantdieselx]

Originally Posted by krop135i

Well I made my order! Mineral Gray, 6MT, Coral Red, Black Wheels, Premium Pkg, adaptive LED headlights, and apple car play as the only options. Tried out a few on the lot without the HK and it was good enough for me. I always have windows down anyways. Not a huge deal for me and I thought they sounded pretty good. No PDC or Driving assistant nannies either. Not needed. Now the agonizing wait begins. Selling the 135i tomorrow so I'm stuck driving a beater white van that belongs to my church for 8 weeks. Gonna be tough...

Congrats! Man the wait is a killer!!