12737 messages,
Last post on Feb 16, 2013 at 11:05 PM
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BMW 5-Series Forum.
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BMW 5 Series, Sedan
#10897 of 12737 Re: No Facelift Needed [freddybb]
by hpowders
Nov 07, 2005 (3:24 pm)
You've got that right freddybb.
"Feline" is an excellent word to describe the E60.
Some folks (nobody I know) may criticize the front or the rear design but I can't see anybody saying anything negative when you view the car from the side. Breathtaking! Like a sleek, aggressive cat about to pounce on its prey. IMHO.
What did it for me was driving and comparing both the 545 and the M45 about 6 months ago. The 545 handled a bit better.
The M is a fine vehicle but you are spoiled for life after getting your first Bimmer.
I've had 3 of them now since 1993(2 325i's and now the 545).
I started testing the Lexus GS300, 430 and LS430 in addition to both M's and narrowed it down to the M45 vs the 545. I am very satisfied in deciding on my third consecutive BMW.
Yeah. Feline!
Nov 07, 2005 (4:05 pm)
I am thinking about buying a 530. I talked to the dealer and he mentioned that manuals were not very common for this car. I was just wondering how many of you out there have a manual 530. Will this be a problem for resale down the road?
#10899 of 12737 Re: Auto v. Manual [flatout18]
by shipo
Nov 07, 2005 (5:22 pm)
"Will this be a problem for resale down the road?"
Not likely. When my dealer took my 530i 5-Speed, PP SP, Xenon, Premium Audio back at lease end this year, my dealer couldn't wait to put it on his lot. Why? Because of "How rare Sport Package equipped 530i 5-Speeds are."
Sure enough, he put my three year old car on the lot for only $5,000 less than I paid for it and sold it for a thousand less than that. Talk about a premium, it was the most expensive 2002 530i on his lot by about $3,000, including cars that had a higher MSRP!
The other way to look at this kind of a purchase is, "Just who are you buying this car for? You, or the guy or gal that comes after you?" Personally couldn't give one rip what folks down the road think about my choice of transmission, I'm ordering the car for ME and only ME.
Best Regards,
Shipo
#10900 of 12737 Re: No Facelift Needed [hpowders]
by turnbowm
Nov 07, 2005 (7:25 pm)
".... you are spoiled for life after getting your first Bimmer."
As a first time BMW owner (2005 530i), that pretty well sums up my feelings. The fresh, bold design (E60) caught my eye and, after one test drive, I was hooked big time! I can only hope that others get as much enjoyment driving their car as I get driving mine.
Martin
#10901 of 12737 Re: No Facelift Needed [turnbowm]
by hpowders
Nov 07, 2005 (8:32 pm)
Nothing in this price range drives like the E60.
Add the fresh, bold and aggressively feline design and you have an irresistible package.
Judging from the impressive E60 October sales figures, plenty of people agree.
#10902 of 12737 Re: No Facelift Needed [freddybb]
by warthog
Nov 07, 2005 (8:43 pm)
And how often do your friends tell you your new suit/wife/house is UGLY?
#10903 of 12737 Re: Auto v. Manual [flatout18]
by hull
Nov 07, 2005 (11:36 pm)
Manual is the main reason to buy a 5 series. The 5-series is the only mid-size 4-door luxury car to offer a manual transmission at this time (unless you count the Cadalac CTS). I wouldn't worry to much about re-sale. If you like manuals and want a car with room for 4 adults and a well balanced ride, this is the car to get.
#10904 of 12737 Re: No Facelift Needed [warthog]
by freddybb
Nov 08, 2005 (7:22 am)
Trust me, warthog, I have friends who are defined by the cliche "with friends like these, who needs enemies". I know when I gain weight because they tell me, I know when I look like a geek because they tell me, and if they did not like the way the 530xi looks, they sure as heck would tell me! I love them all!
#10905 of 12737 Re: Auto v. Manual [flatout18]
by freddybb
Nov 08, 2005 (7:26 am)
Three words for you, flatout18, GET THE MANUAL!
I have a 2006 530xi Manual Transmission (my first every BMW), and I am in heaven every time I get to drive the car. I got away from driving a manual for a few years, and I am delighted to be back. AWD and Manual Transmission in a car that looks and drive as well as the 530xi -- what more could I want?!
And, like Shipo said, I don't anticipate any resale problems down the road (although I don't care too much about that because I plan on keeping this baby for a while). By the way, Shipo was a great help while I was making my decision. I trust his judgement.
#10906 of 12737 Re: No Facelift Needed [hpowders]
by freddybb
Nov 08, 2005 (7:30 am)
You like "Feline", eh?! I always wanted to own a Jaguar as a kid because of the cat-like stance, and I am glad that BMW has come up with the current 5 design.
When I first bought the car I sent an email to my buddies with the Subject Message: "Warning: Black Panther sighted in MA". As you can imagine, the body of the message was a shot of my black 530xi! Three buddies came over the next weekend to check it out.
BTW, I have three young kids, and their favorite features are the sunshades in the rear windows (including the auto one in the back), and the auto up-and-down for all four windows. Go figure! Where does that innocence go?!