NEWBIE QUESTIONS

[JDB30]

Hi All,

I just bought a 2010 s35i yesterday (happy new year to me!). Very excited. Will take a second to get used to (I have been in a Boxster). The car is pretty loaded but didn't come with a couple of options that I would have ordered. I'm wondering if anyone can give me some advice on a few things...

1) ALARM--surprisingly, the car came without the factory alarm. I've never owned a car without one but the dealer claims it's fairly worthless. Any thoughts about whether one could/should be installed? Is there an aftermarket alarm that makes sense?

2) SMART PHONE INTEGRATION--Does anyone out there have this and, if so, is it helpful? Am I obsessing over nothing? My iPhone works well via the bluetooth but am I missing any functionality by not having this?

3) STEREO--I did get the premium sound package but it sounds fairly dreadful to me. I live in the Southern California area if anyone can recommend a good aftermarket solution.

Really happy that this forum exists and appreciate any advice from you all.

Happy New Year!

JB

 

[mcbeee]

Hi and welcome,
I just bought the same car a month ago ( a 2009) and it sounds like you don't have the "Executive Package". The alarm, logic 7 Sound system, heated steering wheel, auto dimming exterior mirrors were all part of the package. Do you have these?

Ciao,
Mcb

 

[JDB30]

Hi and welcome,
I just bought the same car a month ago ( a 2009) and it sounds like you don't have the "Executive Package". The alarm, logic 7 Sound system, heated steering wheel, auto dimming exterior mirrors were all part of the package. Do you have these?

Ciao,
Mcb

Hi McB,

Thanks for your response. I don't believe that package exists in the U.S. The packages mine came with were the Premium Package, Sport Package, Premium Sound Package & Exclusive Ivory White Extended Leather Package. The car did not come with the cold weather package (living in So. California, that would be hard to find. It did come with heated seats, though.

 

[mcbeee]

I just checked the configurator on BMWUSA, you are right, the packages are all a little different. Anyway, that doesn't help you with your Iphone or stereo.

D Don't worry about the stereo, with the top down you can barely hear it anyway, enjoy the ride.

 

[JDB30]

I just checked the configurator on BMWUSA, you are right, the packages are all a little different. Anyway, that doesn't help you with your Iphone or stereo.

D Don't worry about the stereo, with the top down you can barely hear it anyway, enjoy the ride.

Yeah, I hear ya but I'm in the music biz and the only time I get to listen to music uninterrupted is in my car (I spent over $5k on a system for my Porsche) so it's kinda crucial for me (at least it's tax deductible). If you know of any blogs/sites/posts about what others have done, that would be helpful.

The iPhone works well via blue tooth---I'm just curious about whether there is any advantage to having the actual smartphone integration option (which is factory only, I'm told) or whether I can stop obsessing about not having it.

The other option I wished I had was the through loading option so I can bring my skis into the shop for tuning. Fortunately, the girlfriend's Audi A4 has them

Thanks for your help, McB!

 

[Mik]

How did you rate the ride and handling of the Zed over the Boxster. which engined Boxster did you drive ?

 

[JDB30]

How did you rate the ride and handling of the Zed over the Boxster. which engined Boxster did you drive ?

Hi,

Great question. I have a 2001 Boxster (986) 5-speed manual. Pretty basic--no stability control. Certainly, the Z4 is a much more sophisticated transmission and faster, though It'll take a minute to get used to it. I need to drive it a bit more to see if the handling is as good as the 986. Because the Boxster is mid-engine, the 50-50 weight distribution always made the handling its strong point. I haven't driven the Z4 in sport/sport+ enough to know how it stacks up. We have some nice canyons in So Cal so I may take it for a workout later. If I have any revelations on Z4 vs. Boxster, I'll report back.

In the meantime, if any if you have any tips for me (essential mods, etc.), I very much appreciate hearing about them.

Thanks!

 

[Mik]

JDB30 are you talking about tips and mods on your new Zed or a Boxster ??? I xan give you loads on a Boxster (I've got a 987 s ) but not much on the new zed But hey, thats for another forum i guess :wink:

 

[JDB30]

JDB30 are you talking about tips and mods on your new Zed or a Boxster ??? I xan give you loads on a Boxster (I've got a 987 s ) but not much on the new zed But hey, thats for another forum i guess :wink:

Hi,

Have done a ton of mods on my Boxster. Was referring to the Z4. Thanks.

 

[mcbeee]

Quote "The other option I wished I had was the through loading option so I can bring my skis into the shop for tuning

Do you have a storage compartment in the rear bulkhead ? If so it can be removed and replaced with a pass thru bag in about 15 seconds, if not, it might take a little longer. I'm pretty sure it can be cut in but it would be a pain....

 

[JDB30]

Quote "The other option I wished I had was the through loading option so I can bring my skis into the shop for tuning

Do you have a storage compartment in the rear bulkhead ? If so it can be removed and replaced with a pass thru bag in about 15 seconds, if not, it might take a little longer. I'm pretty sure it can be cut in but it would be a pain....

No storage compartment in the rear bulkhead.