I'm considering the Roadster S.... What options do you suggest, and can I keep the cost under 30,000 with them?
I have a loaded 135i with Nav: Nav was a waste.... will not get this!

 

I really like the S vs. the Justa...mostly for the power....which makes keeping the price under 30K tough. With that said...

Bluetooth is sort of a waste in the Roadster (I think). USB is nice if you like bringing your own music and unfortunately that is bundled with bluetooth. Power top not necessary although I think you now have no choice. Cold weather package...depends on where you live. HK upgrade is nice and I think worth it.

Pretty much everything else is cosmetic (certain paints, stripes, mirror caps, dash trims, etc.) or comfort related (leather seats, comfort access, arm rest, etc.)

 

what color are you leaning towards?

 

With the base at $29,250 and the invisible $750 option according to the configurator you're at $30,000 right off the bat, so you literally have zero wiggle room to keep under $30,000.

Having said that....
- If you drive at night in the back roads get the xenons. They are "night and day" better that the regular lamps. $500
- I have the leather/cloth seats (which have so little leather I feel ripped off). I had the cloth on my R56 and liked it so I'd go with that. $0
- The Harman Kardon is awesome. I'd be really reluctant to go without it. $750

The rest is all frills. You'll have 16" wheels, but Bluetooth and USB is finally standard, so you can get a really nice car for $31,250 list.

 

I would go with the xenons, unless you only drive in the daytime, and cloth checkered carbon seats, Harman Kardon is nice but very expensive imo.
If you can squeeze a couple hundred throw in some sport stripes black or white depending on your body color.

 

O.K. Forget what the configurator says. An S with center armrest and stripe will be $29,750.00 on the nose, so long as it is white or red. I was torn between the white and red and configured a white with black wheels and a black stripe and it looked great. I went red and black but would have been just as happy with the white and black.

 

xenons are great but top down really the HK stereo is the way to go
dont make my mistake get the alarm! it can't be retro fitted on roadster

 

I think the basic S is very well equipped--you don't have to add anything if you are on a tight budget. The Zenon lights are amazing and worth considering if you drive a lot at night. If you want larger dia. 17" wheels, it's probably cheaper to option them from the factory as long as you like one of the less-expensive styles available. I wanted the armrest for myself also. I still think you could drive a no-option car and be happy with it