MWM

Did any of you dudes get the sport shifter? These option prices make me feel like telling somebody to put down the crack pipe. Luckily I'm not fired up by ghey red leather or navigation or dash wart junk. But you kinda need aircon, xenons, sound pkg plus and PSE.

Maybe I should just snag this new 1M coupe. But the spyder is about the only sub-3000-lb new car available with decent power. Any of you guys using a spyder as an only and everyday car? I've done that with a 996 GT3 so I'm not put off by harshness.

pcw

I passed on the sports shifter, I figured I could add it later if I really wanted it, and so far haven't added it. I do not use the Spyder as a daily driver, I bought for a weekend car. There are some that drive their Spyder's daily, I could, but I didn't buy it to be a DD.

I feel you would be disappointed with the M1 or even the M3, I have driven both and neither offer the feel, feedback and most important the confidence the Spyder does. It is the most balanced car I have ever driver/owned, period.

pcw

MWM

Not necessarily disagreeing pcw, but we are maybe not talking about the same car -- you'd have to be pretty high up in the BMW food chain to have already driven a 1M. The Int'l press event won't happen until May. First US deliveries will be about then.

n4v4nod

I'll chime in here.

I ordereded:
-Carrera White
-Black Full Leather
-Xenons
-Sport Shifter
-Sport Buckets
-Crest in Headrest
-Alulminum Footrest
-Silver Spyder Wheels
-AC delete
-Radio delete

Mods I have done since (in order of completed):
-Venture Shield full front (all wrapped edges, entire hood, bumper, front fenders window frame lower rear bumper and rockers)
-Black Powdercoat Wheels then changed to:
-Black painted wheels with polished lips and titanium barrels
-PSE without the switch
-Escort Redline hardwired and mounted with a

My "Opinion" to date:
I have owned my Spyder now for almost a year. She is used as a daily driver, but garaged at home and at work. Carrara is the best and most popular color, though I wish Porsche would release Paint to Sample, as I would get a color like Phantom Grey? When I ordered I knew I wanted the full leather, as on my previous cayman the standard plastic interior really bugged me. I love the Sportbuckets, but realize they are not for everyone. I do have to note that the Alcantara seats and the Snug fit keep you warm in the winter and cooler in the summer compared to leather (which initially i was worried about not having heated seats, now i love the benefits of Alcantara). I'm currently in a 2011 Cayman for a loaner as my car is getting some work done. I'm really noticing a few differences that originally thought wasn't. First is the standard shifter and how much more travel it has. I love my Sport Shifter and yes at first it's notchy, but it gets breaks in and is perfect! Definitely get a clear bra installed, it gives you peace of mind, especially as a daily driver. Wheels are gems now as black with polished lips. I agree with others on the PSE. It's a must and it's the only option I regretted not ticking. You can add it later as I did leaving your black tip and on permanently as most leave it on permanently anyway.

Just remember it's all personal preference and go with your gut (and budget). Oh and remember to determine what you get option wise by what you can and can't add after purchase... (for instance full leather you can't, but the PSE you can)

Good luck on your decision making... The Spyder truly is amazing!

Oh and check out www.dspyda.com if you haven't already done so.

Cheers,
D... Aka navanod

MWM

I may have been wrong about the red leather. With the contrasting alcantara in the seats and the black steering wheel spokes it looks pretty damn good.

Riddle me this: from the pictures it looks like the $3600 full leather option is basically a requirement (looks much nicer than the plastic dash/center stack surround/door panels) but --

If a car is apt to get lots of sun exposure with no roof on, which will hold up better over the long haul, assuming the car is a keeper? The plastic dash/doors or the full leather (assume appropriate treatments regularly applied to either)?

pcw

Yes , you are correct, I misspoke. I drove the M3 and the 135i, sorry. Just on eye candy alone, neither hold a candle to the Spyder. Don't get me wrong BMW's are nice cars, but I expected more from the M3, it's a great GT, but not in the same league as as the Spyder.

Good Luck

pcw

Marine Blue

Leather will last for decades if it is properly maintained. If you intend to let the car sit out in the sun regularly you will need to add moisture more frequently. You mentioned you're from ME, do you intend to drive this during the winters? I assume now but just checking.

After seeing Boxsters and 911's with and without the full leather I knew I had to have it. It really does bring an upscale feel to the car having the leather on the console, doors and dash. I also wonder if it changes the type of leather used on the seats since the crest on the headrest is only available on the full leather.

Marine Blue

The sport shifter can always be added after the fact and I believe it's not too pricey. I would need to try one before I decide if I really want it on the car.

MWM

Is there any way to get factory PSE but keep the black tips of the standard exhaust? Similarly, can Porsche color the interior as though I've spec'ed a black car but have the exterior be white? E.g., the rear center console and dash bits?

n4v4nod

You can do a couple options to get the black tips.
1. Do what I did. Order the standard exhaust and add the PSE later as it's a Porsche Tequipment accessory available from your dealer.
2. Order the PSE and have your dealer order the standard Spyder Black tips and have them swap it out at delivery

As for the interior. Unfortunately you can not mix interior/exterior colors. Only way is with the Paint to Sample option... which has yet to be announced from Porsche for the Spyder model. Porsche AG denies this option will exist now and isn't planned though they have shown two show cars with it and listed it on the options sheet (Detroit and Geneva Auto Shows both showcased Meteor Grey). Some in the UK state that PTS will be available starting with July production forward. Until then we won't know. We do know new options are slowly appearing from the Detroit Show car, such as deviated colored carpet.

Detroit:




Geneva:

Alan Smithee

I must be the only one here that does not like the PSE. I do wish the car had a more soulful engine sound, but IMO the PSE is not the answer. It sounds to me like what it is; a louder exhaust.

MWM

Geez. An April build slot just landed in my lap.

Poop or get off the potty . . . yikes.

Marine Blue

I didn't realize you're in AL, I know of a slot in NJ if you're interested. I believe its an April or May build.