[BMWinGE]

Have you driven the base model yet with the standard suspension? If so and you are happy, then i'd say go with the lighting package, as it really makes the biggest difference (functionally and aesthetically) to the car IMO. If you have not tried the standard suspension, I would suggest you try it out first because you may want to upgrade to the DHP or Sport line instead of one of these options you have listed.

[trinipirate]

i would trade in dakota leather for BMW's leatherette any day if it means getting the lighting package, moonroof, or navigation system.

i wouldnt trade it for the HK system though

[boltjames]

He lives in Chinatown.

C is the only choice.

BJ

[shabadoo25]

I don't know if you have small kids, but my wife insisted that I order the rear view camera and I'm glad I did.

I also had an E90 and the sight lines out the back of the more slope-y F30 aren't as good. It adds extra piece of mind to have that backup camera.

[pkimM3r]

NO CAR IN THIS CLASS SHOULD NOT COME WITH XENONS STANDARD. THIS IS A SHAME.
Whenever I see an Audi / BMW / MBZ with halogens I think its just ridiculous because every damn TSX / IS / ES has HID standard.

So get the lighting package.

[Rambo]

Thank you all for your positive suggestions!

I would love to have the sport line or sport suspension, however my father in law has a bad back and a bad temper. For the past month our Mini Cooper S has been in the dealer for warranty work and the dealer lent us a base model non-S cooper as a loaner-NA engine with 15" Michelin energy tires. My father in law has been lecturing us every other day when we pick him up on why we purchased the sport package with the stiff suspension, low pro 17" RFL tires, and the turbo engine since we are not "race car drivers". He also emphasizes the cheaper base model cooper is so much smoother in both ride and throttle response-what a bad choice we made. I hope I don't become a nag when I reach his age. Lol.

From the consensus, it will be either the PDC w/ rear camera or lighting package. My wife likes both options however I'm a bit frugal and would like to keep the price under $40k. We only have one dealer in Honolulu so the pricing will always be above MSRP.

Thank you again. I will talk it over with my wife.

[shabadoo25]

Originally Posted by Rambo

Thank you all for your positive suggestions!

I would love to have the sport line or sport suspension, however my father in law has a bad back and a bad temper. For the past month our Mini Cooper S has been in the dealer for warranty work and the dealer lent us a base model non-S cooper as a loaner-NA engine with 15" Michelin energy tires. My father in law has been lecturing us every other day when we pick him up on why we purchased the sport package with the stiff suspension, low pro 17" RFL tires, and the turbo engine since we are not "race car drivers". He also emphasizes the cheaper base model cooper is so much smoother in both ride and throttle response-what a bad choice we made. I hope I don't become a nag when I reach his age. Lol.

From the consensus, it will be either the PDC w/ rear camera or lighting package. My wife likes both options however I'm a bit frugal and would like to keep the price under $40k. We only have one dealer in Honolulu so the pricing will always be above MSRP.

Thank you again. I will talk it over with my wife.

FYI, the sport suspension in the F30 is not jarring as it was in the E90.

[rjc32000]

Wow, that's a tough choice, but I'd go with lighting package. Leatherette isn't much of a downgrade from the rather shabby BMW leather (and apparently wears much better--although I've heard that it doesn't breath very well, which might be a concern in Hawaii). The stock HiFi is pretty awesome (I listen to lots of music, and I think the stock system is great). PDC is nice feature, but I agree with others who say that lighting really adds a great look to car, and the lights are pretty amazing on night roads. The halo rings are so distinctively BMW that it seems a shame to miss out on them.

Good luck with your decision!

[Rambo]

Update:

We just purchased a 2013 328i Melbourne red sport line with pdc and rear camera. The car was at dealer storage and stills needs to be processed, pick up is next Tuesday. It was the only 3 series in red and my wife is a big fan of red. This was our fifth visit at the dealer. Thank you all again.

[BMWinGE]

congrats, I think you made a good choice.

[trinipirate]

Originally Posted by Rambo

Update:

We just purchased a 2013 328i Melbourne red sport line with pdc and rear camera. The car was at dealer storage and stills needs to be processed, pick up is next Tuesday. It was the only 3 series in red and my wife is a big fan of red. This was our fifth visit at the dealer. Thank you all again.

so no xenon?

[Rambo]

Originally Posted by trinipirate

so no xenon?

Unfortunately not. The xenon was only available on the highly optioned ($47k+) out 328i cars on the lot.

[DerekS]

Originally Posted by Maz335i

I would personally get both but if you HAD to choose one, then go for B as the Xenons are very important IMHO. It improves night time visibility and makes the car look 1000 times better.

Agree 100% !!! If you do any night time driving, xenons would offer a huge improvement for your night vision over the standard halogens. IMO, they are a must have option.

[vchiu]

B can help you avoid hitting something while going really fast
C can help you avoid hitting something while going really slow