Hello Guys,

I am new to this board but have done ED several times :

What to you think of my current plans to buy a

550i
6 Speed Manual (tired of the slushbox effect, SMG not much better)
Sport Package (need the stiffness, otherwise car is "floaty")
Premium Sound (need I say more, standard system is inaqequate)
Cold Weather Package (for those days in CA when its colder than 50 deg F)
Heated Rear Seats (to keep the kids/mother-in-law/boss warm on those days)
Navigation (so I never get lost, also to get the voice activation)
Comfort Seats (have Sport Seats now and in last E39 03 Sport, a little snug !)
Window Shades (Rear/Side..they are just so cool, also can keep you cool)
Fold Down Rear Seats with skibag (nice to have when you need it, wife has a Volvo V70 though so no sure how often I will be loading the kitchen sink in the E60)
Satelite Radio (again because its new)

Now do I need

Comfort Access (yes I think so, however one should be very careful when getting gas in CA as when the car is always "on" with you close by, anyone could jump in and drive away.. am I being paranoid : I do think its great to not have to fumble for a key at 11.30 pm PST when you have just flown in from Boston..just walk to your car and you are greeted !)

Active Crusie (no, with the "drivers" we have in CA, particularly the Bay Area if they see an inch in front of you on the 101 they jump in, car would be hitting the auto brakes all the time !)

HUD (no, in my humble opinion this is a safety HAZARD ! why (flamesuit on)..your mind is distracted looking at the little symbols in the window when the instructions are much more crisply available in the main screen where you should glance for a nano-second and/or listen to Sasha (she's my current Nav girl). When you think you are looking the road ahead and its many hazards, you are fumbling around for the info from the HUD : again just my opinion and I'm sticking to it : (former London Met police trained driver/Jaguar car test engineer)

Active Steering ( I cannot locate one of these babies to drive, dealership is clueless in explaining it, said it would help me parallel park...I chuckled, will it autopark for me !! , when you have parked on a San Francisco Street at 45 deg slope in the rain in a tight spot you can parallel park.. : is the removal of it from the previous sport package a strong enough clue that its overkill.........anyone who has this and loves it ?? I would really value your opinions)

Anthracite Headliner (what is this about ? does it go better with Black Leather ? )


Finally........ down to the color

I want to get something rare (550i where I live are more common than Camry's ! so individuality is key...can't wait for the Individual Program to come to the US next year)

Do anyone have Amethyst Gray and LOVE it (maybe topped off with Black Leather) or what about Silver Gray (considered Monaco Blue : very nice but almost Black !)

Opinions are greatly appreciated ~ Any and all opinions are most welcome ~

Have a great day and Danke >)

Noddy