September 2008 Changes - 2009MY

[nickc]

I have just had confirmation from BMW about the changes to the Coupe from September:

Thank you for your email.

I can advise that there will be no changes in the model year 2009 to the technical specification or standard equipment in the 1 Series Coupe.

There will be the following changes to the optional equipment however from September 2008:

Option 248, Steering wheel heating, will become available on the ES and SE models. Planned availability will be during Q4, 2008.

Option 5AC, High-beam Assistant, will become available on all models.

Option 606, Navigation system - BMW Business, the BMW Business Navigation system will feature a new iDrive Controller and shortcut buttons for more intuitive operation. No changes to the navigation (or other) software are included.

Option 609, Navigation system - BMW Professional Multimedia, the BMW Professional Navigation system will incorporate a revised dashboard layout and have a 8.8" fixed screen and new iDrive Controller with shortcut buttons together with a more intuitive iDrive menu system on all models.

The highlights of the new system are:

- New iDrive Controller with shortcut buttons.

- High resolution 8.8" (LCD) Control Display with vibrant screen.

- Revised iDrive menu structure.

- Built in hard disc drive for improved speed of operation and data storage.

- More detailed navigation map, including 3D perspective mapping, and new options to enhance
route planning.

- Multimedia capability with 8GB storage for audio files.

- Favourite buttons.

Option 615 BMW ConnectedDrive - Online extended, will become available on all models.

Option 6NF, Bluetooth telephone audio connection, will become available all models. Planned availability will be during Q4, 2008.

Option 6FL, USB audio interface, will incorporate full integration capability with Apple iPhone on all models.

The exterior colour Sparkling Graphite will be discontinued, being replaced with Space Grey Metallic.

The Titanium Light interior trim will be deleted and replaced by Satin Silver matt trim.

[nickc]

For me personally, I would like to get the High Beam Assistant, not sure that Bluetooth Telephone audio connection is and not planning to get an iphone so pretty happy actually

[UK135i]

why on earth are thye getting rid of sparkling graphite isnt it one of the favourite colours....will it make peoples cars who have SG more valuable

[enzo65]

Where does this information come from and do you know if this applies to the US market as well? Thanks.

[dclee1]

what is a high beam assistant?

[nickc]

It comes from BMW UK Customer Services so can be relied upon. Not sure if applies to the US.

High-Beam assistant switched the high beam on and off automatically using a light sensor at the front of the car. Quite a neat little option really and its only £95

[IanM]

All good changes IMHO. Any word as to whether the Heated Wheel, SatNav or particularly the High Beam can be retro-fitted?

I'm glad they didn't have the Space Grey when I ordered though because I probably would have gone for it (I wanted silver/grey but the Sparkling Graphite was a bit purple for me) but I'm more than happy with the Le Mans Blue.

Why couldn't they pick a colour with different initials though? That's going to confuse things on these forums!

[nickc]

I doubt they can be retro fitted as too many bits required I reckon. High Beam will cost way more than £95 retro

[IanM]

Shame because it does sound a genuinely useful option - I drive on dark back roads for most of the year and it would be nice not to keep switching manually.

Of all the improvements it sounds the easiest to retro-fit, but I guess that these things usually involve some difficulty that make them impossible or (more likely) very expensive.

[Strax]

The introduction of space grey is music to my ears!!

[MattD]

Damn, I would have loved Space Grey. That was the colour I originally wanted.

Ah well, I love the silver anyway

[achtungE30]

Sounds like they're gonna destroy the already good looking dash with that new fixed i-drive screen!

[pavelitto]

OHHH! I have my delivery date set for 5 sep You think it is possible to order that high beam assistant? I was asking about that option by the time of making the order and it was not available... Also I ordered the Nav Pro so are there any chances I will get that new type?
Probably not....
Ehhh that sucks that I will get the car and it will be outdated straight since the pick up....

[nickc]

I know, unless you can put back your delivery and build. Doesn't really affect me cos ent getting nav mind you high beam would be useful

[scs]

Originally Posted by AchtungE30

Sounds like they're gonna destroy the already good looking dash with that new fixed i-drive screen!

i was wondering about that, the flip up screen was a selling point for me because i can close it and have a somewhat clean dash. i hate the secondary bump next to the cluster on the 3'er and other bmw's with nav

[pavelitto]

I spoke with the dealer and next week Im going to make the adjustments so the car will arrive with all the latest versions of optional equipment i already ordered and also add the high beam assistant However it will delay the delivery date quite significantly;( Well I would rather wait extra month but get the latest version

[Jon]

Originally Posted by pavelitto

OHHH! I have my delivery date set for 5 sep You think it is possible to order that high beam assistant? I was asking about that option by the time of making the order and it was not available... Also I ordered the Nav Pro so are there any chances I will get that new type?
Probably not....
Ehhh that sucks that I will get the car and it will be outdated straight since the pick up....

I was told the changes to Nav Pro were from build week 40 (29th September - 5th October) but don't quote me on that.

[imported_mac]

Would have liked to get the upgraded screen and the improved idrive with hdd mp3age but it would put my order back months I expect and the current system isn't 'that' bad as is. Also wouldn't be able to hack the nav dvd to bits to add my own little touches, speed camera locations being my first 'mod' :biggrin:

As for the rest, I don't nor ever will have an iPhone, iPod, iAnything infact, nice designs but not a fan of their closed platform ethos. Headlight thingy would have been nice but to be honest, the switch is only a inch or two from the wheel, think I'll manage!

My dealer also mentioned the price increases coming in for 09 although not by how much, think I've spent enough already :eyebulge:

Already ordered the bluetooth phone bit and connecteddrive so imagine there is not much on the car to change in that respect or am I missing something?

And didn't I just have to order the discontinued colour

Arrrrggggghhh the endless waiting!

[nickc]

Nav is week 36 production, BMW UK have confirmed.

Also, prices went up for all registrations from 1st July onwards. New prices are on the BMW UK site

[imported_mac]

Do you know which prices went up?

I've been checking my order and I can't see the difference in any of the options?

[nickc]

1st July 08, the base price went up not options

[arllc312mjf]

Any Chance that the US will see LeMans Blue any time soon, (possibly) maybe in the 2010 135i here in the US?

...nobodys gonna get this, I'm a Bjork fan.