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High End Luxury Cars
24723 messages, Last post on Jan 28, 2013 at 6:55 PM
You are in the Sedans Forum.- Your Hosts are Kirstie@Edmunds & Karen@Edmunds
What is this discussion about? Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ-Series, Lexus LS 460, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Volkswagen Phaeton, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, Sedan
Let's try to define this forum as being limited to luxury performance vehicles where the mainstream version in a typical configuration has an MSRP of at least $60k.
A luxury vehicle with a base price of $59k qualifies because it would typically be bought with some additional equipment, bringing the MSRP over $60k.
Vehicles like the E, 5, A6, M, or GS, even if available in certain versions over $60k, don't qualify because they are cars from companies that have higher end cars in their lineups.
#2080 of 24723 BMW 745 by ghloeb
Nov 29, 2002 (7:33 am)
Well, I bought it -- and it's fabulous.After two months of wavering while my 1998 740i lease ticked to the end, I started the process of buying the 740 from BMW (the lease was up) because of my misgivings about the 745. This thread was a huge source of info on that.
Then I learned that BMW had sweet financing terms on the 2002s to move them out, and I figured I'd be spending nearly as much on the non-warrantied '98 740 as on the new 745. So I made the decision to get the 745 -- without ever having driven it. Can't really explain why.
My conclusions so far:
** The iDrive complexity issue is vastly overstated. It took very little time to get familiar with the base functions. The system's logic is fairly transparent, so I did not even consult the owner's manual on the iDrive until I wanted to do some more advanced tasks, like programming in voice commands for the built-in telephone. The "this car makes me feel like an idiot" folks should buy Cadillacs and shut up.
** The 745 is about 30% more fun to drive than the 740, which was already a near-perfect driving experience. The extra power in the engine is evident, making it just a tick smoother in highway driving. The sensation is slightly up-higher and more knife-like, more like the 5-series, instead of the lower sedan-like 740 feel.
** Once you drive it, the "looks" issue becomes less of a problem for those, like me, who consider the 740 a classic. The 740 is still the better looking car, but the feel of the 745 is in synch with the body changes, the rearward location of the cabin, the accent on the wheels, the more rounded corners. (It's cute that the video BMW gives you with the car includes a Chris Bangle segment explaining that the raised trunk design is tied to the roof aerodynamics -- they clearly are defensive on this point.)
** There are a couple of really silly quirks that are beyond explanation. Why would any engineer design a headrest to automatically rise when the seat is adjusted?
** Of course, if the car ends up spending 2 weeks in the shop because of software snafus, I'll have a completely different view. But I've heard the mantra "those problems have been fixed and all the campaigns have been performed on the late-build vehicles" enough to believe it, for now.
#2081 of 24723 745 vs ls 430 by pearl85
Nov 29, 2002 (12:32 pm)
I am trying to decide between the two. I currently have a bmw 540ia. I love it so I guess I am leaning toward the 745 but I need reliability also. I would appreciate any and all ideas.#2083 of 24723 745 vs. LS430 by trentpa
Dec 02, 2002 (5:21 am)
Apples and oranges. Both cars are terrific vehicles. For me, it would come down to what is more important to you: handling or comfort. The 745 is more of a driver's car: providing sharp turning and awesome power. The LS430 provides less excitement in driving, but awesome comfort and quiet. Drive them both and determine which one provides you with the best driving experience, given the type of driving that you do. A few other things to consider would be price (745 is generally $15-20,000 higher than the LS430) and reliability (Lexus seems to be more reliable, based on everything I've read). For me, it was a no-brainer: although my heart pumps harder when I drive a 745 (I test-drove one and my best friend has one), I opted for the comfort and incredibly smooth ride of the LS430 (this weekend, when I slowed from 105 mph to 90 mph on the interstate, my wife asked whether there was a reason I was driving so slowly - - she thought I had slowed from about 70 to 55).#2084 of 24723 idrive by nealm1
Dec 02, 2002 (6:19 am)
Interesting piece in the NYT yesterday about driver distraction and, esp., about idrive.#2085 of 24723 Question for ghloeb re 745 by pathdoc
Dec 02, 2002 (12:14 pm)
I test drove the 745 a few months ago and found the biggest negative for me was not the looks or iDrive but rather the lack of a console mounted shifter or if you use the wheel mounted switches the inabilty to shift up and down without having to hit the steering mounted lever. I am surprised that a company with an image of the "ultimate driving machine" would go so far from it's heritage. I guess if you just put it into drive and never shift it wouldn't be a problem. Any thoughts from enthusiastic drivers who have driven the 745 for prolonged periods and who use to enjoy manual shifting at times with an automatic?#2086 of 24723 by fjk57702
Dec 02, 2002 (1:28 pm)
I think that "enthusiast drivers" buy the 5-series.#2087 of 24723 BMW 760Li by jstyle
Dec 02, 2002 (2:36 pm)
Anyone know when this auto will be available and any news on what, besides the engine and perhaps all 745 options standard, will set this model apart and justify a close to $100K price?#2088 of 24723 by merc1
Dec 05, 2002 (4:15 am)
The 760Li is supposed to be available in Jan per the local BMW folk here. Price will be "about" 110K. Equipment info:
http://www.germancarfans.com/News.cfm?NewsID=2021127.003
M
#2089 of 24723 Column shifter on a Bimmer!?! by tasillo
Dec 06, 2002 (12:53 pm)
Can't agree more with PathDoc. The huge center console that houses i-drive and cupholders would be better served with a tiptronic style shifter for the 6-speed automatic with the redundant controls on the steering wheel. My current 2000 740iL has what I feel is the perfect cockpit. Spacious, yet intimate. Driver oriented, but luxurious. I would probably appreciate the i-drive as my car with the integrated phone, GPS system and upgraded sound with DSP processor is about impossible to figure out anyway!My only other suggestion to BMW would be to go out on a limb and provide warranty and maintenance protection beyond the 50k currently offered. You see more BMW's with lots of miles for a reason, they beg to be driven! How much additional cost would it add to the vehicle to make the statement, bumper to bumper warranty and maintenance for 7 years or 100k. That would really make a statement about BMW's confidence in their product.
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