Adaptive LED and PDC opinions

Filteq · 05-26-2018, 06:01 PM

I am in the process of ordering a 2018 M240i and it's unknown if there will be an allocation available as 2019 production starts soon. Due to it being the end of the cycle there is a 3k rebate available on the car that won't be available on the 19's. Price is not the end all, but that's a pretty nice discount...

Anyway, I found a car within 300 miles that has most of the options that I want, but it is missing both adaptive LEDs and PDC. I have searched the forums and have found some opinions on these but they are pretty sparse. In fact, I think I only found one photo of the non adaptive lights on the 2018s.

Please share your opinion on these options if you have them on your car.

Thanks!

amw896 · 05-26-2018, 06:12 PM

I used to think pdc was useless until my 235. I can never go back now.

cdn240cab · 05-27-2018, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filteq

I am in the process of ordering a 2018 M240i and it's unknown if there will be an allocation available as 2019 production starts soon. Due to it being the end of the cycle there is a 3k rebate available on the car that won't be available on the 19's. Price is not the end all, but that's a pretty nice discount...

Anyway, I found a car within 300 miles that has most of the options that I want, but it is missing both adaptive LEDs and PDC. I have searched the forums and have found some opinions on these but they are pretty sparse. In fact, I think I only found one photo of the non adaptive lights on the 2018s.

Please share your opinion on these options if you have them on your car.

Thanks!

If you plan on lowering your car or adding the MP front splitter, PDC is nice to have.

morphomeman · 05-27-2018, 06:14 AM

PDC is great if you parallel park a lot. With any sort of low front, the problem is often the concrete thingy that sits at the end of a parking spot and sometimes those are too low for the PDC to pick up, so you hit the block anyway. Just back in Japan-style and you are in less danger.
As for the adaptive LEDs, there are mixed opinions out there, and they don't do all the dipsy doodles in the US that they do in Europe, so you are paying double for half the value.
Last point: by getting a 2018 instead of waiting, you may save $3K but if you sell the vehicle any time in the next few years, you may lose more than that in the lower value of the older model. If you are leasing, the calculations are different but you should still check on the cost of a comparable 19 fitted the way you want it.

Pyrotech7 · 05-27-2018, 09:26 AM

I have standard halogen headlights in my 228i and boy do I wish I had at least the regular LEDs, if not the adaptive LEDs (sadly wasn't up to me). There's no excuse in not spending a little extra on safety. With one life and one body, why wouldn't you want to see as much of the road as possible? As for PDC, it's one of the best systems. It allows you to not hit anything unwanted and provides means to park perfectly every time. I will never get another BMW without PDC honestly. But it's definitely not a 100% needed option the way I feel the best headlights are. If you live in an area with less traffic and less parking concerns then by all means, forego PDC. Parking next to a wheat field in Kansas should be fairly easier than squeezing into a spot between a Toyota Tundra and a Mercedes G-wagon in California. But I still would get it anyways. You're paying a lot for some nice property, why not pay just a bit more to keep it nice?

Denk · 05-27-2018, 12:55 PM

I skipped the adaptive only because I prefer the classic Halos, they're still LED. Had adaptive on previous BMW's and have it on my SUV but I'm not missing it on this one, it was never a biggie for me. I like PDC, it helps me safely expedite tight parallel parking and other tight squeezes in Portland.

orangeglim · 05-27-2018, 04:05 PM

After having both features on my M235i I consider them to be must-haves in any other car I purchase. I would be disappointed if they weren't there.

Filteq · 05-28-2018, 04:58 PM

Thanks for all the replies. It looks like PDC is a must have and Adaptive LED is a wash. Either way I'm going to have to order a car.

Now to decide between 18 with rebates vs. 19 with build quality improvements and better long term residual.

mr_clueless · 05-28-2018, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filteq

Thanks for all the replies. It looks like PDC is a must have and Adaptive LED is a wash. Either way I'm going to have to order a car.

Now to decide between 18 with rebates vs. 19 with build quality improvements and better long term residual.

IIHS rates adaptive lights as Acceptable, but non-adaptive lights as Marginal. This is on a scale Good-Acceptable-Marginal-Poor.

You can see the details here, including where the standard LEDs do poorly.
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/veh...oor-coupe/2018
[Scroll down and look for the "Headlights" tab in the menu on the left.]

Adaptive LEDs are a must have for me. I have adaptive xenons on mine since the car pre-dates BMW's LED offering, and those are rated Acceptable; the standard halogens were rated Poor.

If the car has side/top view cameras (are those available on a 2 series?), I think I could easily live without PDC. However, in my case, I only have PDC+rear view camera, so PDC is a must have.

Ron Jeffries · 05-29-2018, 06:18 AM

When I order a car, I always skip a few frills to keep the price down. On my M240i, I skipped the PDC.

After I get the car, I always wonder why I "saved" $1000 out of 50 or 60 large.

Order everything, that's my advice.

mblaucoupe135 · 05-29-2018, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filteq

I am in the process of ordering a 2018 M240i and it's unknown if there will be an allocation available as 2019 production starts soon. Due to it being the end of the cycle there is a 3k rebate available on the car that won't be available on the 19's. Price is not the end all, but that's a pretty nice discount...

Anyway, I found a car within 300 miles that has most of the options that I want, but it is missing both adaptive LEDs and PDC. I have searched the forums and have found some opinions on these but they are pretty sparse. In fact, I think I only found one photo of the non adaptive lights on the 2018s.

Please share your opinion on these options if you have them on your car.

Thanks!

imho pdc is nice but it doesn't really help me avoid hitting super low curbs with the m performance splitter I have on my car. plus it pisses me off they charge extra for it. also I believe the rear view camera is standard which is the most important parking/backing up aid. therefore I'm going to pass when I order my m240. however I do like the looks of the adaptive LEDs and the new angel eye design and that they help illuminate the corners when turning. you also get the LED turn signals which I think are much easier to see and look cool!

as for the rebates on the 2018s, I thought they were only 2k. where did you see they were 3k?

Filteq · 05-29-2018, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mblaucoupe135

as for the rebates on the 2018s, I thought they were only 2k. where did you see they were 3k?

In my area, there's a 3k rebate for financing with BMW and a 2k rebate for leasing.

mr_clueless · 05-29-2018, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Jeffries

When I order a car, I always skip a few frills to keep the price down. On my M240i, I skipped the PDC.

After I get the car, I always wonder why I "saved" $1000 out of 50 or 60 large.

Order everything, that's my advice.

More is not always better. For example, many folks regretted getting Apple CarPlay.

In my case, I tend to order only those things I think I will need. Unfortunately, BMW has started packaging things like MB where packages are cascaded on top of each other. So on an F30, you can only get adaptive lights if you add a $6000 executive pack, which includes premium pack, which includes nav.

I have adaptive lights and no nav on MY2015 and I have never felt the need for nav.

snaketh · 05-30-2018, 03:26 AM

PDC has saved me a couple of times. I love adaptives on the curves at night.

dradernh · 05-30-2018, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_clueless

In my case, I tend to order only those things I think I will need.

That's pretty much how I view this subject. That's why I ended up ordering a 6-speed, SensaTec, no sunroof, and heated seats. If they had been available, I would have ordered manual seats.

MarcoZandrini · 06-03-2018, 04:33 PM

leds are essential in my book.

Keall · 06-03-2018, 07:46 PM

Hi everyone first post here!
Thought I'd confirm that the discount is £3k, just bought an instock one on the 30th, should be picking her up soon.
Went through Carwow which got a fair deal, better than ttrying to talk to the sales staff.
Car + opttions rrp at £41150 got for £36930 then add the £3k finance deposit contribution and not too bad OTR price.

Wentt for saphire black, black wheels, sun glass, media pro,auto box & front seat heating as tthat what was in stock and I'm happy with that if it's only a ten day wait.

Not sure I'd order adaptive led even if I had the choice for the price they are.

There is always a LCI or new model on the horizon, this has the new B58 so I'm happy : )

05-26-2018, 06:01 PM	#1
Filteq New Member 3 Rep 20 Posts Drives: Mk VII Golf R Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Maine iTrader: (0)	Adaptive LED and PDC opinions I am in the process of ordering a 2018 M240i and it's unknown if there will be an allocation available as 2019 production starts soon. Due to it being the end of the cycle there is a 3k rebate available on the car that won't be available on the 19's. Price is not the end all, but that's a pretty nice discount... Anyway, I found a car within 300 miles that has most of the options that I want, but it is missing both adaptive LEDs and PDC. I have searched the forums and have found some opinions on these but they are pretty sparse. In fact, I think I only found one photo of the non adaptive lights on the 2018s. Please share your opinion on these options if you have them on your car. Thanks!
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05-26-2018, 06:12 PM	#2
amw896 Major 583 Rep 1,117 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M235i Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: ontario iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M235i [10.00]	I used to think pdc was useless until my 235. I can never go back now.
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05-27-2018, 06:14 AM	#4
morphomeman Major 593 Rep 1,219 Posts Drives: 2015 M235ix Join Date: May 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 BMW X3 [0.00] 2015 BMW M235ix [0.00]	PDC is great if you parallel park a lot. With any sort of low front, the problem is often the concrete thingy that sits at the end of a parking spot and sometimes those are too low for the PDC to pick up, so you hit the block anyway. Just back in Japan-style and you are in less danger. As for the adaptive LEDs, there are mixed opinions out there, and they don't do all the dipsy doodles in the US that they do in Europe, so you are paying double for half the value. Last point: by getting a 2018 instead of waiting, you may save $3K but if you sell the vehicle any time in the next few years, you may lose more than that in the lower value of the older model. If you are leasing, the calculations are different but you should still check on the cost of a comparable 19 fitted the way you want it.
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05-27-2018, 09:26 AM	#5
Pyrotech7 Enthusiast 5 Rep 19 Posts Drives: 2015 228i, 2003 325i Join Date: May 2018 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I have standard halogen headlights in my 228i and boy do I wish I had at least the regular LEDs, if not the adaptive LEDs (sadly wasn't up to me). There's no excuse in not spending a little extra on safety. With one life and one body, why wouldn't you want to see as much of the road as possible? As for PDC, it's one of the best systems. It allows you to not hit anything unwanted and provides means to park perfectly every time. I will never get another BMW without PDC honestly. But it's definitely not a 100% needed option the way I feel the best headlights are. If you live in an area with less traffic and less parking concerns then by all means, forego PDC. Parking next to a wheat field in Kansas should be fairly easier than squeezing into a spot between a Toyota Tundra and a Mercedes G-wagon in California. But I still would get it anyways. You're paying a lot for some nice property, why not pay just a bit more to keep it nice? __________________ Current- 2015 F22 228i, Schwarz 2 (jet black) Current- 2003 E46 325i, Schwarz 2 (jet black)
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05-27-2018, 12:55 PM	#6
Denk Brigadier General 1006 Rep 3,341 Posts Drives: 2021 X5M Join Date: May 2011 Location: PNW iTrader: (2)	I skipped the adaptive only because I prefer the classic Halos, they're still LED. Had adaptive on previous BMW's and have it on my SUV but I'm not missing it on this one, it was never a biggie for me. I like PDC, it helps me safely expedite tight parallel parking and other tight squeezes in Portland.
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05-27-2018, 04:05 PM	#7
orangeglim Lieutenant 345 Rep 442 Posts Drives: 2019 M2C Join Date: May 2016 Location: NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 M2C [0.00]	After having both features on my M235i I consider them to be must-haves in any other car I purchase. I would be disappointed if they weren't there.
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05-28-2018, 04:58 PM	#8
Filteq New Member 3 Rep 20 Posts Drives: Mk VII Golf R Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Maine iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the replies. It looks like PDC is a must have and Adaptive LED is a wash. Either way I'm going to have to order a car. Now to decide between 18 with rebates vs. 19 with build quality improvements and better long term residual.
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05-29-2018, 06:18 AM	#10
Ron Jeffries Old Member. Old in general, actually. 388 Rep 889 Posts Drives: 2018 M240i xDrive convertible Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	When I order a car, I always skip a few frills to keep the price down. On my M240i, I skipped the PDC. After I get the car, I always wonder why I "saved" $1000 out of 50 or 60 large. Order everything, that's my advice.
	Appreciate 1 Pyrotech74.50 Quote

05-30-2018, 03:26 AM	#14
snaketh Second Lieutenant 100 Rep 260 Posts Drives: 2015 M235i 6MT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	PDC has saved me a couple of times. I love adaptives on the curves at night.
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06-03-2018, 04:33 PM	#16
MarcoZandrini Major 444 Rep 1,262 Posts Drives: 2018 M240i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	leds are essential in my book.
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06-03-2018, 07:46 PM	#17
Keall Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: M240i Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Hi everyone first post here! Thought I'd confirm that the discount is £3k, just bought an instock one on the 30th, should be picking her up soon. Went through Carwow which got a fair deal, better than ttrying to talk to the sales staff. Car + opttions rrp at £41150 got for £36930 then add the £3k finance deposit contribution and not too bad OTR price. Wentt for saphire black, black wheels, sun glass, media pro,auto box & front seat heating as tthat what was in stock and I'm happy with that if it's only a ten day wait. Not sure I'd order adaptive led even if I had the choice for the price they are. There is always a LCI or new model on the horizon, this has the new B58 so I'm happy : )
	Appreciate 0 Quote