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Luck of the draw has me picking up my new '05 MCS next week. I've got until Monday to change any options I want. I really prefer factory/dealer options for anything electrical or mechanical just to avoid the "complications" that can arise. I've been browsing through the forums for a couple of hours now, but concise opinions on these options would be fantastic!
6-disc CD changer (about $750 US from the dealer) JCW air filter kit (about $800 US from the dealer)
The car has the premium, cold weather and sport packages. Aside from the above, are there any items that you wish you would have ordered on the car before you drove off the lot?
I just have the basic CD radio which I'm happy with. I would have liked to have had the iPod adapter installed - but that wasn't an option when I ordered.
Also I would have liked the chromeline interior - that wasn't available either at the time
Is the sun-roof included as part of one of the packages? That would be nice to have even if you have air-con
I guess my question is do you really need the 6 disc cd changer? The head unit plays MP3s so i think unless you have the urge for 80 hours worth of songs in your cd changer at all time, i think its kind of silly. especially for 750 dollars. It also takes up valuable boot space which the mini has all too little of. I would say if you dont have a computer to burn the mp3 cds with then use the 750 to purchase yourself a nice setup. Thats just my opinion though...
I have a 2005 MCS. I would recommend getting the ipod connection. It is much better than a 6 CD changer. Also, the chrome line interior package really makes the interior look very striking. The arm rest was not available when I ordered my car in Oct 2004. I would consider that option.
Thank you! I suppose that I should mention a little about myself. I'm in the insurance software industry, I live in Minnesota, I'm a rabid fan of the BMW 2002tii (my inspiration for a MCS) and BMW E36 M3 (which I will be trading in for the MCS) and I'm a former member of the BMW CCA.
Yep, Chromeline inside and out.
Oh yeah! That big ol' moonroof was an absolute requirement. In fact, here's how the car is presently spec'd out:
Cooper S
Cold Weather
Premium Package
Sport Package
Lapis Blue Leather
Dark Silver with Black Roof
Anthracite Interior
Rubber Boot Mat
Union Jack Plate Frames
Clear Shield
Rubber Mats
Personally, I think the CD changer is WAY over-priced. My entire music collection is in OGG-Vorbis format, but I can thunk to MP3 and burn as necessary. I'm leaning away from the changer based on those factors.
I'd like to get the carbon fiber interior, but the dealer tells me they don't have it for the 2005 yet. Ultimately, I think the biggest change I'm very seriously considering is the JCW Air Box upgrade. Sure, it's a pretty miserable "bang for the buck" at over $100 per horsepower, but it is factory warranted and my dealer tells me the carbon fiber intake surround is included (which I'm rather doubting to be honest).
My dealer wants just shy of $500 for that dang armrest! That's $200 for a pretty simple part and 3 hours of labor at $100 an hour! From reading here, however, it looks like I might be able to pick it up and install it myself. I'm certainly no stranger to a wrench.
Thanks for the feedback on the iPod connection. Unfortunately, I don't have an iPod and probably never will since it doesn't support OGG-Vorbis.
[Although if you really want one, there are better aftermarket ones available for that price. Not much can go wrong with the sound system (either works or doesnt) and that is a separate "circuit" so can be fixed independently. I am sure the installer will give you a warranty.]
I looked at the JCW air intake kit, but the cost in ridiculous. You can by the Alta one, which is just as good, if not better, and put it in yourself for $250 (there are cheaper ones too). And that will not effect your warrentee. It's not like a supercharger pulley. And if your real paraniod, just put the old one back in before bringing to service.
Actually, it's not the air box they tell me is in carbon fiber, but rather the hood scoop surround piece on the outside of the car. I can't find anything that verifies that, however. Does anyone know where my dealership got that carbon fiber hood scoop piece?
I agree with the others, scrap the CD-changer option. I have a trunk changer in my Passat and it always has the same 6 CDs in it. It becomes a bother to swap CDs all the time.
Spend the money instead on an iPod and an IceLink adapter. Less money, far more functionality. Plus you get to take your music collection with you everywhere.
The iPod is one of those rare gadgets that once you own, you could never live without.
I'll admit they're quite cool, but I prefer OGG-Vorbis over MP3 for various reasons and that rules out the iPod. I might do the AUX input in case I get a compatible player down the road, however.
Out of curiousity, does the Sirius satellite radio play MP3 discs?
JCW does offer a carbon fiber air inlet (hood scoop) separately, but it's expensive eye-candy and has nothing to do with the performance of their air intake.
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