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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.

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.

Messages Page 2299 of 2473

#22977 of 24723 Re: hpowders [tagman] by hpowders

Jan 16, 2007 (8:10 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Jan 16, 2007 7:47 pm)
There is nothing about maximum time allowed between service intervals. Of course, the computer takes into account mileage as the main factor. I have driven the 545 13,600 miles. Apparently 14k is the mileage number for the first oil change.
 
Opening the iDrive, I see all future possible maintenance work listed (rear brake pads, front brake pads, brake fluid, spark plugs, micro filter, vehicle check, etc;) and their current "status." Everything is fine except that my engine oil and filter are listed as needing changing within 400 miles. I am actually bringing it in early!
 
The good thing about iDrive is that one can actually check on these things. No guess work. The spark plugs need replacing after 90,000 miles. Not the spark plugs I grew up with!
 
My next service will be at 22,000 miles to replace the micro filter and then at 24,000 miles for the vehicle check.
 
I have the urge to buy the vehicle at lease termination if I can get BMW to knock off a few thou from the $34320 purchase option price. It will be a low mileage vehicle and the demand out there for a used 2005 545i shouldn't be too great. When I get the notice from BMW to make up my mind what I want to do, I will attempt to finesse an offer and see what happens. They will probably reject it and I will move on.

#22978 of 24723 Re: hpowders [hpowders] by tagman

Jan 16, 2007 (9:23 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Jan 16, 2007 8:10 pm)
There is nothing about maximum time allowed between service intervals.
 
In either the service manual or within the "conditions" of the written warranty?
 
I have the urge to buy the vehicle at lease termination...
 
Hey, wait a minute here... what about driving the latest and greatest every two years? Or would this be in addition to that?
 
TagMan

#22979 of 24723 Re: hpowders [tagman] by hpowders

Jan 16, 2007 (9:39 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Jan 16, 2007 9:23 pm)
I'm thinking about making a real low ball offer that would have perhaps a 20% possibility of being accepted. So Plan A most likely will still be in effect.
 
It's either pick up the 545 for about $4-5k less than the purchase price at lease end or moving on.
Knowing BMW, it will be rejected. But it's nice to be able to deal with these guys from strength.

#22980 of 24723 S65 AMG by merc1

Jan 16, 2007 (11:14 pm)

Awesome video on this beast:
 
S65 AMG
 
M

#22981 of 24723 Re: hpowders [hpowders] by brightness04

Jan 17, 2007 (8:13 am)

Replying to: hpowders (Jan 16, 2007 9:39 pm)
Definitely a good idea. Let them give you offers. Refuse the first couple offers, and they will call back with steadily lower numbers. Then, only then, let them know what you are willing to pay It's a game of chicken. Best of luck!

#22982 of 24723 Re: hpowders [houdini1] by houdini1

Jan 17, 2007 (8:26 am)

Replying to: houdini1 (Jan 16, 2007 3:44 pm)
Apparently HP is correct. A google search on BMW maintenance intervals only lists 15,000 mile intervals for newer BMWs. So it is strictly a mileage thing. I am surprised but I like it.

#22983 of 24723 Re: hpowders [houdini1] by tagman

Jan 17, 2007 (10:23 am)

Replying to: houdini1 (Jan 17, 2007 8:26 am)
A google search on BMW maintenance intervals only lists 15,000 mile intervals for newer BMWs. So it is strictly a mileage thing. I am surprised but I like it.
 
Well, as you can tell from the posts, I am also surprised. I would have expected at least some, even if long term, time-based interval.
 
Maybe BMW figures that most of their owners can't resist driving their cars and thus putting on enough miles!
 
TagMan

#22984 of 24723 Re: 2007 Detroit Autoshow Report! [merc1] by dewey

Jan 17, 2007 (12:29 pm)

Replying to: merc1 (Jan 15, 2007 2:01 pm)
Merc1,
 
I greatly appreciate your very informative write up about your Detroit visit.
Now where are those photo shots you took there?
 
What amazes me most Merc is not what you wrote but what you did not write. Have you not forgotten the “L” brand that was once the biggest luxury auto brand in USA? The Lincoln MKR IMO is one of the most exciting cars in this year’s auto show. With a mustang RWD chassis this “suicide door” sedan will be one exciting car indeed.
 
Unlike Detroit shows of the past the true knock-out cars this year were non-HELCs. The Chevy Volt and Toyota FT-HS gets my vote. I cant think of any HELC that intrigued me in this year’s show . HELCs are leading indicators of what future mainstream cars will look like and that makes the future quite bleak. A future of radar based cruise control, self-parking, active steering , lane departure warning system…Yawn!!! If that is the future then I will definitley give up driving and ride my bicycle, take a subway or buy a motorcycle.
 
The Jaguar CX-F is as interesting as the MB CLS. When Audi and a few other luxury marques introduce new sedan-coupes this Jag will no longer look as distinct as it does today.
 
Your high opinion about the new X5 is shared here by many forum members. I really don’t understand why? Active steering, idrive and a ridiculous toggle gear switch ? I’ve used such a toggle swith and it made me yearn for the days when the X5 was offered with a manual tranny?(and I never was a fan of a manual X5 to begin with)

#22985 of 24723 Re: hpowders [tagman] by dewey

Jan 17, 2007 (12:48 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Jan 17, 2007 10:23 am)
I dont care what my BMW computer says I would never ever change my oil every 15k miles. I religiously change mine ever 5 K miles despite what my computer says.
 
TLC is the secret of my long-term success of owning German cars beyond warranty periods.
 
I hope to keep my current BMW for many years. Personally I prefer long-term relationships with cars and spouses. There is a British ivory tower type who agrees with me:
 
John Chapman a senior lecturer at Britain's University of Brighton is one of a new breed of sustainable designers who are concerned about the waste associated with our consumer culture. "I like the term adulerous consumption" he adds. "Relating to our material possessions is parallel to the idea of adultery, of making a commitment to one thing and then quickly becoming distracted by a younger model. It's so rare now that there's anything in life we are tied to forever. Everything is temporary if we want it to be".
 
SOURCE: GLOBE AND MAIL

#22986 of 24723 Re: hpowders [dewey] by tagman

Jan 17, 2007 (12:58 pm)

Replying to: dewey (Jan 17, 2007 12:48 pm)
I dont care what my BMW computer says I would never ever change my oil every 15k miles. I religiously change mine ever 5 K miles despite what my computer says.
  
TLC is the secret of my long-term success of owning German cars beyond warranty periods.
 
Yes, I agree.
 
When the maintenance costs are included with the deal, it's no surprise that the manufacturer would have low maintenance requirements. They save money that way.
 
But, I was so surprised to see that there was no time limitations to go without service. It's not just miles that takes it's toll. Time does also.
 
Anyway, keep up the good TLC on your vehicles... it makes good sense.
 
TagMan

Messages Page 2299 of 2473

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