[docrates]

Hi all. This is my first post so please bear with me.

I'm not a car enthusiast, collector, addict or [wildcard]phile.

I did, however, decide that my next car would be a Bimmer and that I would spend around $40K.

Background: I live in Panama, Central America, so prices here are a bit higher, while engines are a bit smaller. The size and power of the engine is very, very irrelevant to me since streets here are super crowded, commutes are measured in intersections, not miles, and whenever I go to the beach, which is not often, the whole thing takes about 45 mins. (plus, it's generally considered bad form here to own a car with such huge engines and low MPG's)

The model I've settled on (mostly based on price range and test drives) is the 320i, which are sold here with the following standard configuration:
- 1995cc engine, 4 cylinders
- 6 speed Steptronic transmission
- leather seats and wooden dashboard
- 16" 205/60 style 156 tires/rims
- Electronic seats without memory
- No xenon lights, sunroof, proximity sensors, iDrive, adjustable lights or extra cupholders
- $38,900

So after going over color combinations and extras, I have the following decisions to make:
1- Should I go with the Sparkling Graphite with black leather interior which they have right now (actually, it arrives on April 18) for the price mentioned above (less whatever I manage to negotiate down)?
2- Or should I custom order one with Sunroof ($1600) and wait the 90 days?
2a- If I'm already ordering one, should I go for the beige leather considering the extreme heat the car will be subjected to (and I can't make up my mind if it looks better. I like the contrast, but it looks somewhat tacky), or should I stay with the black interior plus tinted windows?
2b- If I'm already ordering one, what other extras are worth the investment (xenon lights, proximity sensor at the top of my list)?

So what do you guys think? Please avoid the "it really depends on what you like" line. I'm clear on that one but would like to know what your decision would be based on you. Somebody else's reasons might make sense to me and tip the balance.

Thanks!

[Chesmu]

1. dark leather
2. sunroof is over-rated
3. xenon lights (everyone loves angel-eyes)
4. sport package is a must
5. welcome to the forum

[mkeds]

ZEEEE-KNONS

[shragon]

if you're going with sg, go with black leather. beige doesn't go well with sg. if you're considering options, think of xenons and sport package.

[docrates]

Thanks for the tips. So I understand the sport package includes:
- Cooler steering wheel
- Cooler rims/tires
- Sports Seats
- Sports Suspension.

Can anyone help me understand the difference between the standard issue seats and suspension vs. the sport ones?

Is there anything else included in the Sport Package? anything that I have to exclude from the standard config to make it compatible with the sport package?

Please keep the advices coming!

[Chesmu]

The steering wheel is not "cooler". It is thicker and has the thumb rests, which make driving more comfortable.
The wheels on the zsp are 18" vs. 17", which does look better IMHO, but makes winter driving harder...should not be an issue for you in Panama.
The sport seats have lumbar support and are adjustable in more ways than the standard seats.
The suspension is firmer with zsp.
The engine tuning is slightly diff't with the zsp.

[docrates]

Ok, so here's the deal:

After much deliberation with my boss (the wife), we're *this* close from deciding to go with a one year of use model that the BMW Latin America used for one of their regional executives. It's been sold by the dealer, which in the case of Panama is BMW itself, not a third party. Here are the specs:
- 325i SG/Black
- Sunroof
- Xenon and adjustable lights
- 161 model tires/rims (17")
- Electrical seats (both seats)
- front and rear proximity sensors
- iDrive
- 5000km usage (3000 miles)
- 2 year full warranty (instead of 3)
- containers package
- 6 speed Steptronic
- Alarm

There are some other additional extras that are not standard for the 325i here

The price is $42,800. Quoted brand new with those specs: $59,000 and can finance it as a new model.

That's about $2K more that I was going to pay for a plain 320i.

So what do you guys think? Any advice on what to check on the car? Is it a good deal? Anything I should be worried about?

Thanks

[MonacoBimm]

We Are Two!!!!!!!!! Second Panamanian On This Forum Yayy!!!!

[MonacoBimm]

Originally Posted by docrates

Ok, so here's the deal:

After much deliberation with my boss (the wife), we're *this* close from deciding to go with a one year of use model that the BMW Latin America used for one of their regional executives. It's been sold by the dealer, which in the case of Panama is BMW itself, not a third party. Here are the specs:
- 325i SG/Black
- Sunroof
- Xenon and adjustable lights
- 161 model tires/rims (17")
- Electrical seats (both seats)
- front and rear proximity sensors
- iDrive
- 5000km usage (3000 miles)
- 2 year full warranty (instead of 3)
- containers package
- 6 speed Steptronic
- Alarm

There are some other additional extras that are not standard for the 325i here

The price is $42,800. Quoted brand new with those specs: $59,000 and can finance it as a new model.

That's about $2K more that I was going to pay for a plain 320i.

So what do you guys think? Any advice on what to check on the car? Is it a good deal? Anything I should be worried about?

Thanks

I really dont think the 325i with those specs can sum up to 59,000 USD, because my 330i has more extras than that or the same ones, and it costs me just about the same.. Maybe it was 49k?

[docrates]

Monaco, I'm really surprised!

First, so cool you're a fellow Pana!

List price for the 325i WITH NO ADDITIONAL EXTRAS was $49K (listed on the showroom and straight from their computer system, which I saw over the rep's shoulder), so I'm racking my brain trying to figure out how you managed to get a 330i for that figure.

When you add the extras that I could find the prices for it quickly went up. It's probably more than $59K if I would have had all the prices.

the 330i they had started at just under $60K!

What year's your model? Who did you talk to?

I NEED to know more...

[MonacoBimm]

Originally Posted by docrates

Monaco, I'm really surprised!

First, so cool you're a fellow Pana!

List price for the 325i WITH NO ADDITIONAL EXTRAS was $49K (listed on the showroom and straight from their computer system, which I saw over the rep's shoulder), so I'm racking my brain trying to figure out how you managed to get a 330i for that figure.

When you add the extras that I could find the prices for it quickly went up. It's probably more than $59K if I would have had all the prices.

the 330i they had started at just under $60K!

What year's your model? Who did you talk to?

I NEED to know more...

Listen, I can call you if you want. If I were you Id get the 325i, it has a fairly amount of extras, and you dont want the 320i trust me, it lacks power and its plain plain plain. If I were you id get the 325i hands down! The 325i is almost fully loaded. And my 330i apparently has the same extras as your car. A new 325i with these extras may cost around 50k. Yes and I paid whaty I paid for ym 330i because, at that time the Euro was a little cheaper so the prices were a little cheaper than now.

[docrates]

Do you use msn? how about we talk there so I can send you my number there?

my msn is joserobertogarcia@hotmail.com

Thanks for the advice!

[MonacoBimm]

Btw, the silver 330i thats in the showroom does not have sport package nor 161s rims. So I think your 325 may be better equipped than this 330i which is in the showroom right now, except for the motor ofcourse.

[docrates]

Anybody else care to comment on this deal?