Re: F10 523 Highline or not?
Hi, based on the launch specs, the Highline version had the following additional options over the base version:
1. Navigation Business, which was subsequently upgraded FOC (I think) to Navigation Professional (with the wider screen) - for some reason Navi Business would not work in SG
2. Park Assist
3. 18" rims
4. Folding + anti-dazzle side mirrors
5. Hi Fi loudspeaker system
6. Wood trim
If you add up the cost of the individual items, there are savings of approximately $4+k to be had with the Highline version, as compared to adding on these items to the base version. However, if you do not require Navigation or Park Assist (total cost of $9110), you are still paying $4-5k more than if you were to order the Base model and added the above options. Plus, current 523 base models now include the folding + anti-dazzle side mirrors so there is now less savings to be had. If you do not need Navigation, then the wider screen is not needed for use of the other iDrive functions although I do sometimes wish for the wider screen when accessing songs on the iPod - long titles get cut off.
Ultimately, only you can decide whether you need the extra options on the Highline version and the potential savings to be had when ordering them as a package. For me, I did not need items 1, 2 or 6, paid for item 4 , upgraded item 5 to Hi Fi Professional and traded the 17" rims for the 18" OEMs at a decent price.
For additional options, like Kiasu King, I would highly recommend the sports automatic transmission + sports steering wheel (with paddles). Only $1,100 but you get a better, smaller, steering with with thumb rests and paddles and much better leather cover - Nappa leather?. The Sports/Sport+ mode on the sports automatic transmission transforms the car and makes it feel more like a sporting saloon - and, yes, it does feel very different from merely flicking the gearshift selector to the right. The M-Sport suspension is also good to have. Not too firm (still comfortable for daily driving) but has better body control and reduces roll during cornering.