Well, I decided to go ahead and get the DSC and the PDC (after seeing pics/video of the integration with the Nav system)

Unfortunately this means I now have slightly over $1,000 additional I need to put down on the car. Figures ... lol

So close it's painful ... just need about 3-4K more saved for my downpayment. Guess it just means a few more months of arranging alternative means of transportation.

It will be worth it ... I know it ... I keep having to remind myself

 

Like the Royal Family

 

$500 one is just for the bluetooth capability itself. $1000 option adds the dock for charging your phone + giving it an amplified antenna signal. Yes $500 is utterly ridiculous for a phone dock (and one which many phones are not even compatible with) but since when does BMW charge reasonably for optional items?

Great decision on the DSC and PDC. Much better to splurge in the beginning and wait a bit, than rush into your purchase hastily and have regrets. From your updated specs it's going to be one sharp MINI.

Oh and answering your questions from earlier. Factory bluetooth can be installed by the dealer but it's very complex and extremely expensive. $2000 is what I've heard quoted.

Also the USB port only comes if you opt for one of the two bluetooth options.

 

The $1000 bluetooth comes with MFSW (250) and armrest (250) and of course bluetooth (500), so really the wired armrest dock is free, but you have to buy your phone's adapter at an extra charge. Considering the disslikes of the OEM armrest, I believe it would be better to buy the 500 BT and the 250 MFSW, then wait and see if you really need an armrest. If so, buy the other style that folds up higher, has a lid that folds up, and more storage for 200 to 250ish online. This can be found in other threads discussing armrests.

 

I stand corrected, you're certainly correct.

+1 on foregoing both the comfort bluetooth and convenience package for that matter, just to forego the center arm rest. Hate it!

 

You should check with your MA, but I think the USB only comes with the Bluetooth. It is a 2008 option, so I don't have it on my 2007. If there are two Bluetooth options for 2008, perhaps one comes without the armrest. Better make sure it also comes with the USB.

The thing about the weight of the sunroof is that even if it is only 55 lbs. it is at the very top of the car, raising the center of gravity. A point to consider for autoX. On the other hand, if you don't get it, there will be a toggle missing in the upper toggle bank. It is in the center position, so it is still symmetrical without it. Missing the rear fog light toggle is more noticeable because it is not in the center.

Get DSC.

 

Yep, only way to get the USB port is with either of the two bluetooth packages. And it is in fact possible to get bluetooth without the armrest, just opt for the $500 package.

I never realized there'd be a missing toggle without the sunroof. Makes sense thinking about it now, however. I'm all the more happy that I specced it.

 

There are a number of threads in Second Generation - Navigation with pictures. Here are 2 I lifted.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...play.php?f=201

 

I'm from a different school of thought that says the OEM armrest ain't that bad.

Personally I would drop the NAV, the PDC and the leather/cloth interior and add DSC and LSD.
I had a sunroof before but the SO wasn't a huge fan of having it open so I decided on mm 07 that I would only be buying a window and when I looked at it that way I decided it wasn't worth it.

All of this being said this is YOUR car and if you can wait to get the down payment together to get the car YOU want then more power to you because I couldn't, lol.

 

Check out this video. You can also see how the voice recognition works with other things like the radio and CD player.

 

buy the cheapest stocdk wheels available and get some good ones aftermarket....if you need navigation, you need another car