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Sedans BMW 5-Series BMW 5-Series Sedans
12657 messages, Last post on Nov 05, 2009 at 6:14 PM
You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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Replying to: pat (Jul 03, 2007 9:07 am) Perhaps the press do not like i-Drive for two reasons. 1. It is true that a potential user has to put a little time into i-Drive to get used to its possibilities. May be journalists have not the right approach to 'wast' that time. 2. Then, and from the very first review, i-Drive and the press is just like a passing prejudice: a smart remark that has to be said. After all, some negative remarks have to be underlined for a review to be fair, haven't they? Regards, Jose
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Replying to: jlbl (Jul 03, 2007 9:42 am) 
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Replying to: jlbl (Jul 03, 2007 9:42 am)
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Replying to: roadburner (Jul 03, 2007 11:34 am) My take on iDrive is that it is "set and forget" along with having the 6 new programmable buttons for your primary functions. Sure seems like a good idea to me, given that "Job 1" behind the wheel is to pay attention when driving. I agree that this iteration of iDrive is far better executed than v1.0. |
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Replying to: pat (Jul 03, 2007 9:07 am) Otherwise some time has to be spent learning it, in the same way one has to learn a new vehicle. |
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Replying to: bruceomega (Jul 03, 2007 6:37 am) As for I- drive, maybe it's the fact that it's not something that one can quickly or easily (in the first minute)get a grip on. When I test drove a 7 series a few years ago, I remember that I wanted to turn on the radio and it took me five minutes to figure it out (never having seen I-Drive before). I will tell you that those 5 minutes were very frustrating and for no apparent purpose. I mean, was there anything wrong with the "old" way of turning on a radio? That said, I'm sure that once you put in some seat time, it becomes second nature. So the auto journalists who are reviewing are forced to re-learn things that the already knew and not to a clear advantage. I'm not sure that I-drive is really a step up (Lexus seems to do OK without it) but it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me as I seem to have the ability to learn new technology fairly quickly. It's just that sometimes the old "simple" way is really better.
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Replying to: bruceomega (Jul 03, 2007 6:37 am) Question re: the 535i vs. 535xi: Since i can't drive the cars where I live (in the UK - they don't offer the new 535i petrol models) can anyone comment about the ride characteristics, driving dynamics or any other differences between the two, I'm moving back to the States later this month and would like to order one before I get there, but am hesitant without test driving. I'll be living in the upper Midwest, so AWD would be great if it doesn't compromise the driving dynamics I admire so much in BMW's. Also, any comments about the speed shift sport option (with the paddle shifters) I'm not even sure if that's available in the States yet. Thanks! Randy |
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Replying to: topspin628 (Jul 04, 2007 5:15 am) Regarding "What else did you cross shop against and why did you choose the BMW?": The only other car I was actually considering was the M35x. I liked the interior room and styling from seeing them at auto shows, and the pricing. From what I read, I liked the reported good handling and performance, but was leery about reported high engine revs on the highway, ride not as supple as the 5 series, and road / cabin noise. My other concern was Infiniti might upgrade the engine to the one in the new G35, or even the 3.7 in the new G37 coupe, and I didn't want to pay that much for a car that could soon have last year's engine. And I felt the performance of BMW's twin turbo engine makes the 535 cars more of a competitor to the M-45 than M-35. When I placed my order in late May, there were unconfirmed rumors of an M-45x. Someone in the Infiniti threads said Infiniti has now announced the M-45x, but that was not a consideration when I made my decision. If the '08 CTS had been available for a comparison drive, I would have cross-shopped that. Notwithstanding that it is categorized as an ELLPS category here, size-wise (external dimensions and interior room) it seemed to be a clone of the 5 series, the 300hp V-6 with AWD and a 6 speed AT sounded attractive, and I liked the new CTS' styling. But I was anxious to buy sooner rather than later, and the new CTS was still untested, so I felt much more secure in going with the 535Xi. I would also comment that over time I grew to like the styling of the 5 series, and felt it conveys an impression of a sporty car versus a traditional sedan. I also think the visual impression of the 5 series is of a car smaller than it actually is, which contributes to the sporty impression. This is all very subjective. The cars that I initially considered, but ended up not cross-shopping were: GS-350 AWD- Liked the styling, which I felt was sporty, and engine power, but every time I sat in one it felt too small inside for an LPS, and it isn't supposed to be as fun to drive as the 5 series. E-class with 4-matic- Just from reading, MB did not sound like it was as fun to drive as the 5 series. I also thought the styling was elegant, but traditional rather than sporty. Audi A-6- I like what Audi pioneered with Quatro and that you can get Quatro with the V-8, but it reportedly does not drive as well as the 5 series. The styling is very sleek and elegant, but to me it gives a visual impression of a larger, more traditional, less sporty sedan. Acura RL- Ride is too soft, styling is okay although a bit bland, but it's not supposed to be in the same performance league as a 5 series. Again, just my opinion, YMMV. Thanks Bruce
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Hi, I posted this in the other discussionhttp://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.f11fd4d/8 but did not get any response. SO, I am posting it again here. Please let me know if this is no the right place. I am buying a new 2008 BMW 528i. I am planning to buy extended warranty to help after the standard 50,000 mile warranty BMW gives. Is it a good idea? How much it may cost and what are the best places to buy around Chicago area. I am also interested in understanding how it works and what it covers. I would appreciate any links. Thanks.
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Replying to: bmw_user (Jul 16, 2007 7:29 am) |
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