[-=TSL=-]

Hey all,

I have been driving a 316ti Sport Compact for 4 years, and the time has come to sell it, depreciation is a bitch..

I'm going to BMW tomorrow to possibly order a 325ci M Sport.
Colour wise, I think I'm going with Alpine White and Saddle Brown interior. I know there aren't many of these combos around (in the UK anyway), but looking at the pics on this forums, it undoubtably looks HOT! IMO

But is it a logical decision? It may be all good having that colour in the nice sunny USA, but is it a good idea in the temperamental climate of good old Blighty??

I spoke to the dealer yesterday, and he believes that for you to drastically increase the resale value, it is best to order it as an automatic rather than a manual trans, which i prefer especially on one thats pretty much fully loaded!

What do I do!?? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance and have a happy new year everyone!

TSL

[dxb335d]

Welcome to E90POST.

I Have always wanted to see a A/W with saddle i think it would look the frickin BOLLOX!!


I promise you, A/W will be easier to keep clean and looking good compared to Monaco Blue and the black colours.


Carlos

[-=TSL=-]

Thanks for the advice Carlos, good to know!! Both my bro and my father have white cars, and i see where your coming from.

Has anyone listened to the Individual sound system btw? The dealer says its pretty special (well, he would) as i DO enjoy my music!

Thanks,

TSL

[CD]

Hi TSL

im not too sure on the resale values of that combo , but i would imagine the more 'standard' a car in the way of personalisation the better it would for the resale. I dont think you could go wrong with AW, saddle im not too sure about to be honest. Its interesting the dealer told you automatic was preferable over manual, allthough i do like the auto box, i thought the general opinion was towards manual.

But at the end of the day go for what you like , becasue theres no point in spending all that money on a compromise

i was told satnav was 'esential' for the resale, but i kind of got the opinion that the salesman was trying to stack up the options list so be cautious.

welcome to the forum

Chris

[-=TSL=-]

Hey Chris,

That is definitely the dilemma, ordering what i want or what will get me more money at the end...

I've driven a BMW auto in the past on an X5, and I do prefer a manual. Is there noticeable reduction in power when driving an E92 auto as to a manual?

Many thanks,

TSL

[beemerbird]

Hello TSL, I agree with Chris, go for what you like. AW seems to becoming very popular, so by the time you come to trade in etc. you may well have a colour combo people want. Anyhow, set a new trend.

As for auto. hmmm, if it was say a 5er 3.0 engine plus then yes auto, as would be probably expected. Don't really see the dealers point re. a 325ci M sport though. Possibly a money maker like you say. Check out BMW's website and do a national search for your model etc. and see how many are actually auto boxes.

[BC4J]

Originally Posted by -=TSL=-

Thanks for the advice Carlos, good to know!! Both my bro and my father have white cars, and i see where your coming from.

Has anyone listened to the Individual sound system btw? The dealer says its pretty special (well, he would) as i DO enjoy my music!

Thanks,

TSL

G33 has Individual Sound System, doesn't think much of it (http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...postcount=18); not worth the money. If you go with AW, better stock up on detailing gear as it's gonna need some serious cleaning, especially this time of year!

[Z4 Beemer]

Welcome to the forum TSL.

Regarding your point about manual vs auto, I think your dealer might mean it would perhaps be easier for them to sell on an auto, but I certainly wouldn't let it affect my decision.

Alpine white when clean does look amazing, although the state our roads are in at the moment I can see why you would be put off... just have it professionally valeted and you will be fine

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...51&postcount=1

[Hotcoupe]

Welcome to the Asylum TSL.

I'd go AW,I think it looks the dogs doo dahs personally.
Have a look at Bumps car, gorgeous:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/bpgara...o=view&id=2098


Your dealer would probably advise going more mainsteam colour wise and as you have already intimated has suggested you go for the auto box.

Ignore the dealer and buy the car you want, rather then something that might,but then again might not be worth more come p/ex time.

If you like your music go with the Hi-Fi upgrade too.
Sunroofs are gay apparently, so depending on which side you bat for, will determine your choice.

I always advocate buying with your heart rather then your head, you only live once, and you can't take it with you.

[Evil Diesel]

Welcome to the forum.

AW will be nice - not too many around.

I would skip the individual sound system and go for Hi Fi with 6fl - sounds great in mine. Better to spend the money on the ProNav - the iDrive compliments the other options well.

PS - Electric bum warmers are a must!!

[Gibbo]

Welcome,

Your car so spec as you want. The dealer auto quote is because it's a London dealer, anywhere else in the country the would not care manual/auto.

Just remember the more you spend the more you loose come trade in.

White is coming back in fashion including premium cars. Saddle I wanted myself but would not buy without seeing and there was none around in the South East when I brought. It's also on the New X5 and 6 series so you might see on one of these.

Enjoy the fun of specing your new car tomorrow and please give us an update tomorrow evening.

[Gibbo]

It will be interesting to see what discount you get now that BMW are trying to give less away to the customer.

[beemerbird]

Originally Posted by Evil Diesel

Welcome to the forum.


PS - Electric bum warmers are a must!!

What is the big thing with bum (fanny) warmers? I must be missing something here, had them on the Volvos and the E90 and maybe used them once in each car. Just had a thought....I've got more 'padding' than you guys

[Evil Diesel]

You can't tell me that at -2 degrees you don't hit the button?

I skipped it on my e46 330 to my eternal regret - and I live in the tropical urban heat island compared to you!

[M3-FAST]

I agree 'evil

Never had em before but using em loads in this cold wintery weather!!

....Helen.....maybe you have a higher 'keep your bits warm ' threshold than us men!

[beemerbird]

Originally Posted by Evil Diesel

You can't tell me that at -2 degrees you don't hit the button?

I skipped it on my e46 330 to my eternal regret - and I live in the tropical urban heat island compared to you!

Tony, there's no button to hit. Didn't spec. the car that way. Actually, it's been much warmer up here lately than down there.

Originally Posted by redE93cab

I agree 'evil

Never had em before but using em loads in this cold wintery weather!!

....Helen.....maybe you have a higher 'keep your bits warm ' threshold than us men!

Paul, my bits don't dangle maybe that's it I think the extra padding must also help.

[-=TSL=-]

Great responses all round, thanks for the advice!!

I agree with the, 'get what you want' mentality, so I think it'll have to be a manual! Dont think I would enjoy an Auto as much as a manual right now..

beemerbird, I took your advice a did a national search for the car, and disappointingly the autos do have a higher resale value 2nd hand! Found this was the general trend:

325i M Sport Coupe /Auto/ 2007/ Titanium Silver/ Black Dakota leather/ £31,895
325i M Sport Coupe /Manual/ 2007/ Black Sapphire/ Coral Red Dakota Leather/ £28,995

The manual actually had a lower mileage too... so to those who have an auto, be happy!!
As far as options go i think i'll be choosing Saddle Dakota, 19" M Wheels, NavPro, Bluetooth, Individual sound (hmmm), 6FL iPod, and if it doesnt blow the budget; Heated Seats!!
I saw the Aluminium Glacier finish on a M-Sport few days ago, but I do like the Brushed Aluminium finish... any thoughts comments, or suggestions on that by any chance?? hehe

Thanks again, everyone! And will definitely let u know how it all goes!
Cheers

TSL

[mjh93sa]

Welcome to the forum TSL. I'm sure the comments will come flooding in over the next couple of days.

As others have said (and as you are thinking) get the car that you want. If your driving history is anything to go by you'll be spending four years with the car and only a few weeks trying to sell it. Okay the residual might be hurt a bit, but that's just the price of four years of not kicking yourself for what you want and depreciation will kick you in the nuts whatever.

If the dealer is still pushing you towards the auto then make sure he lets you try both before you decide. It's only fair, and you'll be sure of your choice.

It sounds like you'll have the car specced up to the hilt so there isn't much to say, other than the individual sound being a whole heap of money that I would want to hear before signing up for.

On the brushed Al vs Glacier... I've not seen the Glacier in the flesh so I can't pass comment, other than I'm perfectly happy with the brushed Al trim on mine.

Good luck, and let us know what you do get.

[Hotcoupe]

Just a comment on the brushed ali v glacier, I've heard that the brushed ali is easily damaged by the seat belts,it's probably just a question of being extra careful if you prefer the brushed over the glacier really.

The glacier is now the default choice on the sports, so make sure you spec the brushed if that's the one your going for.

For what it's worth,I ended up with the glacier, despite thinking I was getting the brushed, something to do with the change from MY07-08.
I prefer the brushed

[G33]

is glacier real aluminium like the brushed?

[Mike UK]

Originally Posted by beemerbird

Tony, there's no button to hit. Didn't spec. the car that way. Actually, it's been much warmer up here lately than down there.



Paul, my bits don't dangle maybe that's it I think the extra padding must also help.

Padding? You wearing a nappy?

[beemerbird]

Natural padding love. Nappy, once a month