[llirik]

Hey all,

I'm a recent (well, just over a month) owner of a 2009 BMW 325i convertible (alpine white, red leather interior, aluminum trim) and I have a couple questions. I've tried searching around and found some answers, but not all, so here is my first post and I'm hoping you can help!

1. What differences (besides the obvious, ie hp) are there between the north american releases and the (i suppose?) european/gulf ones. Looking at the canadian bmw site (im from canada), i see the models as 328/338. but here in the uae they are 320/325/330/335. Not that it matters, but im curious as to the reasoning (i know very little about cars aside from how to drive them and that I like the 3 body shape).

2. Mine came with the business edition nav/iDrive (same thing right?)... and i'm wondering if it's possible to upgrade from the business edition to the professional. whether it be via AGMC here (The bmw dealership) or using aftermarket parts. I've found conflicting stories, and have not asked the bmw dealership directly yet. I would like some advice on this. I'll be taking it in to be checked when i get the time anyway (ive noticed the bass through the sound system randomly dies down and comes back. only for a couple seconds, but very annoying).

3. Similar to above, upgrading the sound system: to go from the 4 speaker basic setup to a higher end... um... 8? speakers (4 in front, 4 in back etc). Is it better to do this via bmw (i know they'll charge more) or so it yourself. Finding the right cones and hooking them up isn't hard, im worried about how i would tackle cutting through the fabric in the back to install them. I dont know if its worth the risk or not. Your opinions would be helpful.


That's about it. I could have gone for 335 with all this in it, but decided for my first BMW to be a LITTLE conservative, considering here in the UAE its already more expensive than back in Canada. I could live with wanting a bit more power out of the engine, but after seeing the professional iDrive and hearing a better sound system, that's kind of annoying to not have em and (i hope) is feasible to actually upgrade.


Thanks for all your help!

[GAM3OVR85]

I don't think there are any difference between 320/325/330/335 besides the engine size (more hp). Here in Canada for the coupes there are only 328/335 (not 338 j/k). I don't know why but its like that but for the sedans we have 323/325 (not anymore...i think)/328/330 (not anymore)/335.
I don't have idrive so i don't know about the differences there.
Regarding the sound system, we have logic 7, i don't know how many speaker but definitely more than 4 .

[mhkm]

I will try to add to that:
1. Changing your system from business to professional at the dealer will be very expensive. If you are intent on doing this and are going to keep the car, go for aftermarket items...
2. Ditto for sound system and speakers.,,
In conclusion, it may be wiser to either trade in your car for one with the options you want...
Just my 2 cents...

[llirik]

Thanks.

That's what im leaning in towards, tradeing in for a 335. But im debating whether to wait for MY 2010. But i can't find much info on what additions that may have.

[GAM3OVR85]

Originally Posted by llirik

Thanks.

That's what im leaning in towards, tradeing in for a 335. But im debating whether to wait for MY 2010. But i can't find much info on what additions that may have.

yea wait for the 2010, it will have led turn signals, something similar to the LCI E90