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Sedans BMW 5-Series BMW 5-Series Sedans
12657 messages, Last post on Nov 05, 2009 at 6:14 PM
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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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| re the Edmunds Future Vehicles item on the 2009 "F10" BMW 5 series. Given that BMW has just done a "mid-cycle" refresh on the 5 series, and that assuming BMW is still using their seven year replacement cycle we shouldn't expect a new 5 until the 2011 model - can you please check with the Future Vehicles section editors to see if they are still standing by their 2009 prediction? It just seems strange that BMW would go to the expense of this refresh only to replace the car a year later - just not their normal M.O. - unless the "F10" change is really nothing more than the European "pedestrian bumper" mods that will soon be required there. Thanks. | |
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Replying to: richardga73 (Jun 27, 2007 6:31 pm) |
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Replying to: bruceomega (Jul 04, 2007 9:48 am)
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Replying to: richardga73 (Jul 21, 2007 1:24 pm) I may have mentioned that I traded in an '06 330Xi for the 535Xi. The catalyst for doing that was the occasional ride harshness in the 330Xi, with RFTs, over larger road irregularities. I like firm, but not harsh. That wasn't the only reason I traded, but it got me started on looking for another car. The 535Xi is much smoother riding and doesn't suffer the periodic "hard hits" of the 330Xi, so I am very happy about that. What I like about the 535Xi is: smoothness and quietness; handling; great combination of ride and handling; power; responsiveness of the engine and transmission (I don't feel the need to use SD like I did in the 330Xi); roomier all around; the multi-contour seats; a rear seat usable by adults even when the driver's seat is back far enough for my long legs; higher seating position; and easier ingress and egress. So far, I still like iDrive, especially for the audio system. I like the colors and every option I picked- space gray, gray leather interior, sport package, premium package, cold weather package, folding rear seats, heated rear seats, Logic7 premium audio, Sirius, and HD radio. The only option I wasn't sure of was the 18" wheels and tires. I like the looks of the wheels, but did not like the idea of what lower profile RFTs might do to the ride quality. I also did not want to drive in the winter with summer performance tires, so I felt I would have to either change the summer performance tires to all seasons, or buy a second set of wheels and tires for the winter. Given all this, I decided against the 18" wheel option. I'm still adapting to the car being larger than the 3 series in terms of around town maneuvering and parking. On the open road, the 535Xi is very stable and secure feeling. The steering is different, it has a heavier feel than the 330Xi I traded and a heavier feel than my wife's '06 X3. I'm starting to adjust to the steering, but was wondering at first if it was an issue. We took our first road trip this past weekend, about 250 miles each way. Just for grins, I ran a test to check highway gas mileage. After I got up to speed on Interstate I-81 in the Shenandoah Valley, I reset the avg mph and avg mpg on the car’s computer, and tried to drive at a constant 75 mph while not being heavy-footed with the gas. At the end of a 90 mile stretch on the first day, the display read an avg mph of 73.4, and an avg mpg of 27.6. On the second day, at the end of a 40 mile stretch, I averaged 73.8 mph and 30.1 mpg. I drove on some back roads this past weekend, including a short stint on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the car was responsive and stable. But I haven't pushed the handling, or adjusted the side bolsters in the seats enough to comment on the other things you asked. Thanks Bruce
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Replying to: bruceomega (Jul 23, 2007 6:16 am)
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Replying to: richardga73 (Jul 23, 2007 5:56 pm) What extra weight are you talking about? As near as I can tell, like for like, the E60 weighs about 66 pounds more than a comparably equipped E90. Best Regards, Shipo
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