[Ethirtynine]

To me, the Sport package is the most important option. Also, take what you like from the E46 and be sure to include it in the E90.

[barrett9699]

Lots of folks think I'm crazy (including my wife), but I think a great way to save a few bucks is to go with non-metallic paint. Luckily, my favorite color happens to be the red.

I'm planning on passing on the premium package also and just going with the stand-alone leather option. Not sure I have an appreciation for the extra gadgets that come with the package.

I think the only people who should get the manual transmission are people who like manual transmissions. OK, OK... they are faster and sportier, but you have to SHIFT GEARS and USE A CLUTCH EVERY DAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No way in a million years I'd shackle myself to a manual transmission.

Comfort access is tempting to me, but then I start thinking about how many times I'd reach into my pocket for $500. Reaching in my pocket is probably about fifteen cent worth of annoyance each time. I probably reach for my car key about 16 times a week. At that rate, I'd start seeing value after four years of ownership. I'm leaning toward passing on comfort access, but I need to assess the "cool factor", which would be worth something.

I was sure I would get the aluminum trim until I test drove a car with it in there. Something about it didn't appeal to me real life. I'm going with poplar.

Xenons are a no brainer in my opinion. They are safer (especially for me - night vision not too good) and look the shizzle.

I also changed my mind on the sport package. I was turned off by the sport seats and prefer a softer ride. I'll take the money I'm saving and go with aftermarket wheels for a sporty look.

Point taken, though, on satellite radio prep. $75 is pretty cheap to keep your options open. However, I think I'm going all aftermarket anyhow on the stereo if I can find someone competent to cut into my new bimmer (this has been causing me a lot of anxiety).

[ben1364]

Seems that you have spec'd a nice car at a relatively attractive price. I too am partial to manual transmissions but my current car and the one it replaced are automatics for the reason you stated. I seriously doubt that 3% of the people on this forum can realize a performance gain with a manual transmission over a modern ZF automatic.

[RGRAY]

MSRP INVOICE

$30,900 $28,300

Optional Equipment $4,150 $3,825

Metallic Paint $475 $430
Sport Package $1,600 $1,455
STEPTRONIC $1,275 $1,210
Xenon Headlights $800 $730
Destination Charge $695 $695

Total with Options $35,745 $32,820

Plus $200 BMW adv., $100 processing fees, tax and tags.

Floor mats, key chain and a full tank of gas should be thrown in.

Always start with dealer's invoice prices ($32,820) and try to get it for $500 over that.

For that package you shouyld pay $32,820 plus $500 over invoice, $200 BMW adv., $100 processing fees, tax and tags.

[LEDZEP]

Premium Package is a requirement IMO. No point buying the E90 without it.

[poldim]

Originally Posted by upandown

I have graphite with a beige interior, six speed stick, premium, and a sports package.

Zenons aren't worth the money.

And the car still gives me a stiffy every time we roll.

I would completely ignore the Xenon's comment. They are more than worth the money and should be the first option on any car you buy. I got every option except for Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Steering (see specs of my car in my sig). I know that not everyone needs all that, but I'm loving it.

If you can afford it, I would get Sport and Premium packages with Comfort Access, Xenons, and Sat Prep.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Premium Package is a requirement IMO. No point buying the E90 without it.

Once again I agree with you LED. When you trade it in you take a nice hit for not having it. Its a BMW not a Ford just get the preminum package and call it a day. I know we are all on a budget but If you cant afford in your budget $2,900 option on a $36,000 your strapping yourself to much for the car and should spend a lot less anyways and get a car under $30,000. I dont mean to offend anyone but this is how I feel. For other people that just dont want it I just dont see how you would not want it. But everyone has a choice thats why they are options.

I would dump confort acces for leather seats alone without the premium package if I want to stay within a certain price range.

packages a must have on a e90..

1. premium
2. sport
3. xenon

[barrett9699]

Originally Posted by ALPINE6SPD

I know we are all on a budget but If you cant afford in your budget $2,900 option on a $36,000 your strapping yourself to much for the car and should spend a lot less anyways and get a car under $30,000. I dont mean to offend anyone but this is how I feel.

IMO it's not a question of affordability but rather value. Yes, I sympathize with those out there who have a lot of appreciation for gadgets like the garage door opener and the Bluetooth and the auto-dimming mirrors and what not but must go without due to budget constraints. However, there are plenty of people out there who could afford the M6 if they really wanted it but instead seek the best car for the money based on what they value. For me, that's probably a lightly equipped 330i.

If you just assume those without the premium package simply could not afford it, often times you'd be way off the mark.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by barrett9699

IMO it's not a question of affordability but rather value. Yes, I sympathize with those out there who have a lot of appreciation for gadgets like the garage door opener and the Bluetooth and the auto-dimming mirrors and what not but must go without due to budget constraints. However, there are plenty of people out there who could afford the M6 if they really wanted it but instead seek the best car for the money based on what they value. For me, that's probably a lightly equipped 330i.

If you just assume those without the premium package simply could not afford it, often times you'd be way off the mark.

Im should have clarified myself better sorry.Im not really talking about the people here. I sell BMW's and I see people come in that really can not afford the car and are stretching like crazy. They have you price a car then its too much so they take off options one by one. I just think they are crazy and should by something within their needs thats all.

[mike20022]

IMO, skip the packages and get the base 330.

[barrett9699]

Originally Posted by ALPINE6SPD

Im should have clarified myself better sorry.Im not really talking about the people here. I sell BMW's and I see people come in that really can not afford the car and are stretching like crazy. They have you price a car then its too much so they take off options one by one. I just think they are crazy and should by something within their needs thats all.

Agree. I work in the car finance biz, and it's amazing how people strap themselves with cars they can barely afford. We basically let 'em go up to a year's salary worth of car (zero down), which is at least twice as much as I personally feel is reasonable.

If you'll have to sacrifice living in order to make your payments, then you shouldn't get a BMW.

[stressdoc]

1. Do not stretch.
2. Get an E90 with few luxuries instead of a loaded POS. For example, a 325 ZSP non-metallic on ED is about 29k. That is mucho mejor, IMO, than anything at that price range. I would rather ride a bike (KS1100?) than drive a Kia.

[kakaxbox]

Okay I been thinking and I wanted to add some options and here it goes:


2006 E90 325i - Titanium Silver
609 i Drive/On-board Navigation System w/Voice Recognition
ZSP Sport Package
205 STEPTRONIC 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
677 Logic 7 Sound System
522 Adaptive Xenon Headlights
322 Comfort Access

msrp
$39,445

invoice $36,185

I know i'm streching and might have to cut of some option at the end but this is what I want for now . Thoughts?

[barrett9699]

Keep in mind, if you go with the 330i, xenons and Logic 7 are standard.

What do you think you would prefer Kakax? Having Nav/ idrive or having the extra power stepping up to a 330i would provide? We're pretty much talking about the same price now.

[RGRAY]

Originally Posted by kakaxbox

Okay I been thinking and I wanted to add some options and here it goes:


2006 E90 325i - Titanium Silver
609 i Drive/On-board Navigation System w/Voice Recognition
ZSP Sport Package
205 STEPTRONIC 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
677 Logic 7 Sound System
522 Adaptive Xenon Headlights
322 Comfort Access

msrp
$39,445

invoice $36,185

I know i'm streching and might have to cut of some option at the end but this is what I want for now . Thoughts?

That looks really good.

The only thing I would consider dropping is the 609 i Drive/On-board Navigation System w/Voice Recognition

The rest are essential.

[kakaxbox]

Originally Posted by RGRAY

That looks really good.

The only thing I would consider dropping is the 609 i Drive/On-board Navigation System w/Voice Recognition

The rest are essential.

Yea I should drop it. I'm just curious, is it not worth it?

[Oz]

Originally Posted by kakaxbox

Yea I should drop it. I'm just curious, is it not worth it?

I think it's worth it if you are into gadgets and travel a lot. I wasn't planning to get iDrive at first but now I am glad that I got it because it adds so much more to the car...

[kakaxbox]

Originally Posted by barrett9699

Keep in mind, if you go with the 330i, xenons and Logic 7 are standard.

What do you think you would prefer Kakax? Having Nav/ idrive or having the extra power stepping up to a 330i would provide? We're pretty much talking about the same price now.

I rather drive a 330i then. Here's some more changes:

Titanium Silver E90 330i
ZSP Sport Package
205 STEPTRONIC 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Msrp $40,645
Invoice $37,275
TMV (what others are paying) $39,117

[BellasBmw]

Originally Posted by kakaxbox

I rather drive a 330i then. Here's some more changes:

Titanium Silver E90 330i
ZSP Sport Package
205 STEPTRONIC 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Msrp $40,645
Invoice $37,275
TMV (what others are paying) $39,117

I would go for the 330. Your trading in another bmw, you'll get a decent amount back. If i could go back and re do it. Id get a base 330 with just step and sport. I just didnt get much back from my trade, so it was a bit too much for me..

[Romulus]

Originally Posted by kakaxbox

Yea I should drop it. I'm just curious, is it not worth it?

you can get a very nice aftermarket nav system for 500 bucks which is transferrable.

you've picked a nice car.. nothing wrong with it.