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BMW 5-Series Sedans

12737 messages,  Last post on Feb 16, 2013 at 11:05 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 1192 of 1275

#11904 of 12737 Red Rear Turn Signal Light?? by kcx

Jun 21, 2007 (7:35 pm)

Presently, almost all countries outside North America require that all front, side and rear turn signals produce amber light. In North America the rear signals may be amber or red. International proponents of amber rear signals say they are more easily discernible as turn signals, and US studies in the early 1990s demonstrated improvements in the speed and accuracy of following drivers' reaction to brake lamps when the turn signals were amber rather than red. US regulators and other proponents of red rear turn signals claim there is no proven lifesaving benefit to amber signals.
http://www.answers.com/topic/turn-signal#wp-_note-26
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotive_lighting#Turn_signal_colour
 
OK, I personally prefer amber rear turn signal light because I agree, it is "easily discernible".
 
I never understood the reason for using red turn signal light. I was very disappointed when Honda started using red years ago, followed by Acura. To my surprise, BMW followed with red on their new 3 and 5-series in the USA, but apparently stayed with amber in Europe. Does anyone know why?
 
Apparently I am not alone in the disappointment http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2438

#11905 of 12737 Re: 535xi Outsold 528xi [kcx] by designman

Jun 22, 2007 (5:53 am)

Replying to: kcx (Jun 21, 2007 7:26 am)
So, can I assume the 535xi is also "less sporty" than the 535i although the 535xi is 0.1 second faster than the 535i from 0 to 60mph? (with automatic transmission)
 
The 535xi is also 243 pounds heavier than the 535i, and total final drive is slighty taller in the first two gears. I doubt whether it is really .1 second faster to 60 and would like to see this verified with tests.
 
If you don't crave the extra power in the 535 I wouldn't hesitate to get the 528. It's similar to the E39 530 and that was the cat's meow not long ago. I would also have concerns about the newness of the twin turbo 6 in addition to potential issues over the long haul. $5K extra is a lot to pay for something you don't want. Gotta want it and appreciate it, not just feel good about the acceleration numbers.

#11906 of 12737 535i by gohorns1

Jun 24, 2007 (8:31 pm)

My wife and I had a chance to test drive a 535 yesterday. It was every bit as good as I had read about (and a lot more fun to drive than to read). Before the '08's came out, I had been leaning toward the 550. But with the 535 available, I didn't even bother test driving the 550. The dealer did not have the 535 with a sport pkg so we test drove a 528 with sport. I found the 528 underpowered, as did my wife. She preferred the ride of the non-sport. I could go either way, but the multi-contour seats were amazing. I tend to be picky about the seats, but with the adjustments available, these were clearly the most comfortable I have tried. We are leaning toward the 535 with premium but not the sport pkg, but will add the seats. We are pretty set on the options we want. But does any one have a comment on the rear-side impact airbags? Edmunds stated in their review that do to safety concerns, you have to request to have them activated. Are these a true safety option or is it unnecessary, or even potentially a safety concern. Thanks for any comments.
     Lastly, I am in central Texas. Anyone have experience with pricing in Austin/Waco/Houston/San Antonio/DFW etc?

#11907 of 12737 Re: 535i [gohorns1] by cmr530i

Jun 25, 2007 (4:05 pm)

Replying to: gohorns1 (Jun 24, 2007 8:31 pm)
I opted not to get the rear side airbags with my 5er because at the time of purchase my younger son had to ride in the back seat. He would at times fall asleep against the side door which would have been a dangerous position if an airbag were to have deployed. If you know that only adults will ride in the rear seats of your car, then the side airbags are a great safety item.

#11908 of 12737 Re: 535i [cmr530i] by strataprop

Jun 25, 2007 (5:38 pm)

Replying to: cmr530i (Jun 25, 2007 4:05 pm)
I was planning to choose rear side airbags because I have two small children (ages 2 and 4) and wanted to protect them as much as possible. I understand that front airbags can be dangerous by trapping young children against the front seat, but I thought airbags coming from the side were safe for children and added to their overall safety. Any comments?

#11909 of 12737 Re: 535i [strataprop] by cablue

Jun 25, 2007 (11:06 pm)

Replying to: strataprop (Jun 25, 2007 5:38 pm)
When I got my 2001 530, I chose not to get rear airbags. It was believed to be a danger to children because, for one, they could fall asleep against the door which was just too close to the airbag. My children were then 8 and 6. Now that they are older and taller than me now, for our '08, we are ordering the rear airbags this time. You might want to check into the current airbags and the recommendations for '08.

#11910 of 12737 Re: 535i [gohorns1] by JingleJill

Jun 26, 2007 (6:36 am)

Replying to: gohorns1 (Jun 24, 2007 8:31 pm)
Your best bet would be Austin. I'm on my 5th BMW and 3rd one from Austin. They treat you right. Avoid San Antonio like the plague and I live in San Antonio. In fact, I make the drive to Austin when my car needs service. You could try Garlyn Shelton in Temple and/or College Station, but they are a smaller dealership and might not be able to deal.

#11911 of 12737 Re: 535i [strataprop] by cmr530i

Jun 26, 2007 (1:41 pm)

Replying to: strataprop (Jun 25, 2007 5:38 pm)
If you google "side airbags and children's safety", you will find various articles that discuss the dangers side airbags pose to children. Although airbags have gotten "smarter" they are still not child friendly or safe.

#11912 of 12737 Re: 535i [cmr530i] by gohorns1

Jun 26, 2007 (7:23 pm)

Replying to: cmr530i (Jun 26, 2007 1:41 pm)
I was able to get an answer regarding the rear side airbags from the BMW dealer. He stated BMW does not recommend the side airbags for children under 12.

#11913 of 12737 2008 Honda Accord or 2007 BMW 550i by kcx

Jun 26, 2007 (7:50 pm)

When I first glanced at the spy photo of the 2008 Honda Accord, I thought it was a BMW 5-series
 

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