Is it really true that the 'designer pack' in a BMW X1 can add £2000 to the value at resale?

I was told yesterday by a BMW dealer that if I want a leather interior and sports seats on the new X1 I want to buy, I should order the "designer pack". Ordered individually, the items are slightly more expensive but it would be possible to have a beige leather interior rather than an insipid olive one. However, the salesman said that the items individually do not add much value to the secondhand price of the car whereas the "designer pack" does. He said that I might get £500 more for a car with the individual items but up to £2000 more for one with a "designer pack"

Asked on 17 June 2010 by Confused and Grumpy

Answered by David Ross
Depreciation is a bit of a 'dark art' at times but this seems very strange. If you sell it privately, it's unlikely to make any difference what pack you have or don't have as buyers will just see leather sports seats. It can be different if you are trading in or selling to a dealer as used prices are affected by optional extras - so the designer pack may be seen as being more desirable (it also comes with anthracite headlining and a different wood trim) than simply listing it as having leather seats. We suggest you go with your instinct and get the seats you want - it's very unlikely to make £1500 difference if you sell.
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