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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 1239 of 1274

#12380 of 12737 Re: (new title) BMW technology over kill [roadburner] by anon3

Feb 12, 2008 (8:08 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Feb 10, 2008 7:07 pm)
I don't understand the statement that only the M cars maintain a focus on the enjoyment of driving rather than gee-whiz gadgets. That was probably true until the current E60 M5 and E63 M6, but no longer. My M6 is loaded with performance controlling/interfering gadgets. Just look at the programmable M-Drive button and the six different systems that it toggles. This is my third M vehicle (1997 M3, 2000 M5, 2006 M6) and it is by far the most complicated. But I've spent more time in it at the track than any other BMW and it's also the only BMW that I have kept for more than a year. That's because I prefer more granularity of control rather than less and I know that underneath it all, that technology is what makes it possible to achieve this kind of performance.
 
The point of my comments is exactly this: the trend for years in every vehicle (not just BMW) has been towards more and more technology and that's not going to change. So we might as well get used to it and learn to adapt. We should be glad that BMW doesn’t take the cynical view that its customers are barely intelligent enough to tie their shoes and couldn’t possibly learn to use a different gear shifter or turn signal (that's Lexus' target market). These new features entail trade-offs and have some disadvantages, but the net effect is a better vehicle. We're just complaining about inconveniences at the margins and ignoring the major improvements that this technology makes possible. And all this complaining about "learning new gadgets" reminds me of my grandparents' first attempt to figure out the remote control for their satellite TV receiver.

#12381 of 12737 Re: (new title) BMW technology over kill [anon3] by jamesg

Feb 12, 2008 (9:43 pm)

Replying to: anon3 (Feb 12, 2008 8:08 pm)
i agree that the I drive technology is empowering, but i can definitely understand that there is a segment, probably pretty large, of the population who will not be willing to put in the effort to learn the potential of the system. moving from my e39 to my new e60, i probably spent 10 hours with the manual to learn all of the detailed options. prior to that, i had been a bit frustrated with rentals not knowing how to tune the raido without a messing around. given the learning upfront investment, it is now simple (except my bluetooth phone which still has occasional issues). i wish i had the m controls to play with more performance related options. my wife on the other hand has never opened the manual of any of her cars and may be in for a challenge when she buys her x5.

#12382 of 12737 Re: 550i gas mileage [og_oggilby] by jamesg

Feb 12, 2008 (9:53 pm)

Replying to: og_oggilby (Feb 09, 2008 9:22 am)
point taken on the 535. i love the sport package on the 550 though, would not have moved to an e60 without it.
 
my mileage reference point is my old 540i though and i would have expected the new v8 to be no less efficient than the old one. perhaps the auto transmission is killing the mileage..time will tell.

#12383 of 12737 Re: 550i gas mileage [jamesg] by topspin628

Feb 13, 2008 (7:07 am)

Replying to: jamesg (Feb 12, 2008 9:53 pm)
I have 3500 miles on my 550 with sport package and in urban highway and city combined, I average a bit over 20mpg. I notice that there is a big difference between city driving and highway. I can get as much as 28 mpg cruising for a lengthy time at about 65. When I get in some stop and go, it goes down fast.
Overall for this size car with this much performance, I think anything in the 20s is pretty good. I too opted for the 550 sport over the 535 because it feels like a different car. I don't think it's the engine as much as the M suspension and perhaps the fact that it has non run flats. Driving the 2 back to back was a different experience. Both great cars and I don't know that the price difference is really worth it, except it is to me.

#12384 of 12737 Re: 550i gas mileage [topspin628] by rayainsw

Feb 13, 2008 (7:22 am)

Replying to: topspin628 (Feb 13, 2008 7:07 am)
"Both great cars and I don't know that the price difference is really worth it, except it is to me."
 
... to you.
 
True that.
 
Enjoy the 550!
- Ray
Thinking 28 MPG at 65 is pretty good - but would mean 25 or less at the highway speeds I typically hit...

#12385 of 12737 Anon3, I was only teasing you, I'm sorry you by jeqq

Feb 13, 2008 (8:46 am)

Replying to: anon3 (Feb 12, 2008 7:16 pm)
got so fired up. Yes, technological advancements are necessary but they also need to be ergonomically/user friendly. When I pick up something new and the technology makes it easier for me to use, I'm in love with the product.
 
How many times have you looked at a new product and said " Man what were they thinking, why didn't they do this instead of that?"

#12386 of 12737 Re: (new title) BMW technology over kill [anon3] by roadburner

Feb 13, 2008 (10:32 am)

Replying to: anon3 (Feb 12, 2008 8:08 pm)
And all this complaining about "learning new gadgets" reminds me of my grandparents' first attempt to figure out the remote control for their satellite TV receiver.
 
Just for the record, I have no hesitation in tearing into my PCs to swap memory sticks/video cards/power supplies/etc. I've also installed more than a few home theaters, including a 7.1 setup for myself as well as my BIL(and as for flawed interfaces, most any HTR menu system wins hands down). And back in the early 90's I was opening Motronic boxes to swap Dinam and Conforti EPROMS. I was also one of the first CCA members in my region to purchase a Peake Research code reader. So I don't think that I can be considered a technophobe.
You see, my issue isn't new technology- it's whether the new technology is an improvement. The initial implementation of iDrive is a good example- it was a very flawed interface that was neither simple nor intuitive to operate. On the other hand, Comfort Access is an excellent example of new technology which simplifies several mundane tasks. As for the lack of a dipstick, the issue for me is the fact that -aside from draining and measuring the oil- there is no way to verify the accuracy of the sensor outside of a dealer service bay. Contrast that situation with that of the TPMS. Even though I am obsessive about keeping track of tire pressure, I welcomed the advent of the TPMS since it provides a driver with real-time information any time the vehicle is in operation. however, as someone else observed, the TPMS accuracy can easily be verified with a tire gauge. All I want is a dipstick so that I can verify the sensor readout. I don't think that is too much to ask.

#12387 of 12737 Re: (new title) BMW technology over kill [roadburner] by bruceomega

Feb 13, 2008 (12:05 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Feb 13, 2008 10:32 am)
roadburner,
 
I've also installed more than a few home theaters, including a 7.1 setup for myself
 
Do you by any chance post on any of the home theater forums, such as AVS?
 
Bruce

#12388 of 12737 FOLLOW-UP by tx_buzzard

Feb 13, 2008 (12:56 pm)

Both great cars and I don't know that the price difference is really worth it, except it is to me.
 
I too choose the 550 sport and am getting the same MPG. The car is in a class all its own!
 
All I want is a dipstick so that I can verify the sensor readout. I don't think that is too much to ask.
 
Funny thing... I was really upset when the oil sensor on my 550 was showing the oil level was too high after changing the oil twice. No dipstick and the sensor doesn't work... I was MAD! I took it back to the dealership and they called out their chief mechanic to take a look. First thing he did was raise the hood, reach back close to the firewall and PULLED OUT THE DIPSTICK! The manual does not mention a dipstick, the sales people knew nothing of it, nor did my service advisor. Anyway, I was relieved... all I wish I had now was a water temp. gauge.

#12389 of 12737 Re: (new title) BMW technology over kill [bruceomega] by roadburner

Feb 13, 2008 (1:13 pm)

Replying to: bruceomega (Feb 13, 2008 12:05 pm)
Do you by any chance post on any of the home theater forums, such as AVS?
 
I've posted a couple of questions on the AVS Forum, but most of the time I'm in lurk mode; I've been able to find the answers for most of my questions by using the Search function.

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