U.S. vs. German E46

[John Firestone <john.firestone@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I spotted my first U.S. market E46 at the dealer's today, a Chicago
via New York 328i that wouldn't start for the transfer from the train
to the RORO, here in Bremerhaven.  It was, no guesses, in Titan Silver
and apparently had the luxury package. The car's tracking label was
printed July 14th, a bit more than a month ago.

A few things stuck out about the car compared to the German model. Up
front, I counted three bright yellow and black airbag warning
stickers, and in back, some lengthy child seat instructions printed on
the seat belts.  It looks like a few lawyers had a field day.

The car had dual cup holders, which I believe you still can't order on
a German car but must later purchase from the dealer.  The car's
options printout included the no-cost, smoker package, option 441.
This must be explicitly ordered in Germany: if not, the car comes
equipped for non-smokers.  This suggests if somehow you can get BMW NA
to strike the option from their order, you might be able to get a U.S.
car with the non-smoker package.

I noticed the car had the same Bosch, plastic headlight covers being
used in Germany.  I am told the old glass covers were retired because
they pitted over too quickly.

- -John
'96 318is
john.firestone@domain.elided

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