Hello!

My wife and I are looking to become the proud owners of a Maxima SE. We were reviewing the options available. We wanted the added safety of the Side Impact Air Bags but the only way to get them is with the Bose Upgrade as well. As many have noted, the Bose system is not that good and the money spent could be put to better use in an aftermarket system.

While getting a new sound system is no problem, Is it possible to have side air bags installed aftermarket if that option is not chosen? If so, any idea of the cost?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Anything can be installed for a price. But no, if you want them to work properly, just get the BOSE and rip it out, sell it on EBay. It's not THAT bad, just not what we all expected since the 4th gen BOSE is good.

 

I admit, when I first saw the title I was ready to flame you
I mean, aftermarket airbags???? Next you'll be asking if Greddy or HKS makes them.
BUT, reading your message it makes sense now.

 

I also think the Bose on the 4th gen Maxima sounded a bit better, but the 5th gen system isn't bad enough to avoid. I consider myself a bit of an audiophile and don't dislike it. I prefer to spend more money on my home theatre than the stereo in my car.

I would be more fearful of adding anything aftermarket that is designed to explode!! LOL I bet you can only get them by ordering the entire seat since they come out of the side panel of each seat. That would certainly cost a whole lot more than the radio option...

If you get an '03 titanium edition, the Bose is part of the whole package and the car will cost you a few hundred less than a loaded '02 anyway...

 

Thanks for the replies.

Definetly did not want to get flamed on my first post.

Doesn't seem that trying to avoid the BOSE is the way to go.

Do you think that the 2003 Titanium Edition can really be had now for less then the 2002 SE with comparable options and the $1000 incentive?

Fortunately we are in no hurry to buy so we are considering waiting for there to be an incentive on 2K3 TE. As noted the package is a better deal then the 2K2 with similar options but the current $1000 incentive makes the 2K2 price lower. I saw the Polished Titanium at the dealership and it look really nice. A good blend between Sterling Mist and Gray Luster, both of which are also nice.

Hopefully the release of the 2K3 Accords and Mazda 6 will cause Nissan to offer some incentives on the 2K3 around September.

BTW have you all seen the spy pictures of 2003 Accord from the Honda Press Conference. You can see them at www.vtec.net Not that impressive looking. We'll see if Honda really drops 240 HP in it.

Thanks again. If we do get a Maxima, maxima.org will have been very influential in the decision. Nice to know I have you all out there for support.

Take care

 

IMHO Side airbags aren't worth the extra $$$. They are looped into the Meridian package with the heated seats, steering wheel and mirrors. You are already in a saftey cage with steel beams in each door. It sounds like I am telling you safty is not worth the money, but I feel that any Maxmia is safe with its satandad features. Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, Dual airbags, ABS, Seatbelt pretensioners, Active Headrests, Crumple Zones. I don't know how old you are but you've lived your life so far without needing those side airbags..right??

 

I'm with you. Those door beams are pretty hardcore. Although I do have the side impact bags on mine.......