,

[snowsedan04]

I ordered the '04 325xi with manual transmission, jet black exterior with sand leatherette interior, sport package, premium package, upgraded stereo, winter package (I need a split rear seat so my fishing poles fit in the car, and figured what the hell, warm seats ain't bad either), NAV system. Pretty much everything but the Xenons, which didn't seem that important to me though others seem to really love them.

How 'bout you?

 

[Big Daddy]

Sounds great, I like the fishing pole idea. Hey if I can see good enough to drive my car that's all I need.

 

[mscoins]

The subject title of "," is pretty interesting. Congrats and enjoy your new ride when it arrives.

 

[dumayou]

I love my Xenon, and plus you got mostly every option for you car..might as well get the Xenon too, since it's only $650 more ..have fun and enjoy!!!

 

[snowsedan04]

Question on the Xenons: the bulbs alone can't account for the price tag, so I assume the cost of that option is more closely related to the technology that allows the lighting to bend around the curves and adjust for car hight. Is there an aftermarket alternative that allows you to simply change from halogen bulbs to xenons?

The wife already freaked when I added the NAV system, so selling her on a $650 set of light bulbs didn't go over very well.

 

[MrElussive]

Congrats, guy.
Definitely go for the Xenon headlights. For the 3-series Sedan, they are only auto-leveling (adjust up and down), they are not Adaptive headlights that adjust left and right. Only the 2004 3-Series Coupes have the Adaptive Xenons option. Either way, you should definitely get the Xenon headlights. The quality of lighting completely blows Halogens away and it makes night time driving significantly easier and safer. In my opinion, I do a lot of night time driving so Xenon headlights for me is a must !!

 

[JamieD22]

Xenons would be worth their weight in gold, without a question. Aftermarket alternatives (Catz Zeta, etc) usually result in excessive bulb purchasing; you'll be replacing bulbs every few months... Xenons are well worth the $, not to mention they'll still be worth every cent when you sell the car.

 

[codex57]

If anything, getting the stock xenons is a much better deal than stock nav. First of all, it's cheaper. Secondly, aftermarket xenons (like the others explained) are not nearly as good as the stock ones. It's the reverse for the Nav. The aftermarket nav systems are generally much better than the stock BMW one, even their new DVD based one.

 

[snowcrash]

codex any recommendations on aftermarket nav systems ?

 

[snowsedan04]

Aftermarket installation of a NAV system is a nightmare scenario. Would never even consider it. The BMW system may not be perfect, but cutting holes in the dash ain't on my menu. Toss the overpriced lightbulbs and get the BMW Navigation unit instead. No worries mate!

 

[PuShAkOv]

I would go with Xenons instead of NAV. I see BMW navigation system as a nice new gadget that people drool/get obsessed over but after they show it to every one of their friends and learn all they can about it... they tend to never use it. 90% of the time people travel the same routes and even if they do get lost they would often not bother with the computer. Navigation technology and in-car computer assistance as a whole is not at the desired point just yet,.. just look at the 7-series as an example. If you have too much money it is always cool to have it... but when the choice is between Xenons and NAV... I would take xenons.. upgarde them a bit.. and have your car stand out from the crawd.

 

[snowsedan04]

True?

I hear the Xenons look really cool when the air pumps kick in and the front end starts to bounce up and down. White lights, adaptives moving all over the place like a wild-eyed cat, 1000 watt stereos blasting.

Yeah baby!