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BMW 5-Series Sedans
12737 messages, Last post on Feb 16, 2013 at 11:05 PM
You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan
#7534 of 12737 bmwseller re: your propaganda on the new 5. by bmwmrc
Oct 13, 2003 (12:01 pm)
Your salesman response to others here is quite predictable. Since all of our opinions are irrelevant in the bigger picture, unless of course they translate into a shrinking market share by BMW (time will tell), I will refute your silly statement, "BMW client's profile...drop the antique style of shiny wood and cluttered masses of buttons and switches." You can't be serious!? If that's the case, how do you defend the INORDINATE amount of buttons, switches and gimmicks on the "new 7 series?" Talk about cluttered! Talk about overkill? No wonder the car came in last in a head-to-head comparison against, Lexus, MB, Audi and Jaguar in both Automobile magazine and Consumer Reports!And if one spends upwards of $45,000 to $60,000 one wants LUXURY!!!! PERIOD!!!! It's not all about silly gimmickry that adds nothing to the overall drive. Yes, many of us bought a BMW because of the wonderful engineering of the engine and handling aspects of the car. But it's NOT just about engineering. It's also about luxury! If not, I would have bought a Porsche! And if something like I-Drive truly enhances the ergonomics and the new adaptive steering makes driveability of the car even better, then I'm all for it. But if it's just another "new" gimmick to get loyal BMW owners like myself to buy the car in a few years, at more than a 10% increase in the price, while taking away the luxury aspects of the vehicle with a cheap and austere look (IMO) then that in itself is pure horse dung!
For many of us here who have owned more than one BMW or for new owners to purchase the E39 over the E60 speaks volumes. When the E39 replaced YOUR 1995 that you currently own, I didn't hear one negative comment about the new design, because the design was a pleasant evolution of YOUR car. The E60's design is NOT!!!! And don't insult my intelligence or others here, by stating that the car's "new controversial style, blah, blah blah" is something we have to get used to seeing. The style IMO is NOT new. It's not even forward thinking. The style is an amalgamation of copying many Japanese models that you disparage so much.
Finally, it's one thing to be so positive and optimistic about the new 5 because you're a BMW car salesman. I can respect that. It's another to attempt to come on this forum and belittle many of us, who don't share your views. Remember, we are the ones that bought the car that you used to tout. We are also the one's that can afford a new one if we so choose. At this juncture however, many of us here have elected not to. You don't have to agree or like it, but DON'T, DON'T insult us with your condescension. It's NOT appreciated!
#7535 of 12737 Tirerack vs. Costco by bmwlover3
Oct 13, 2003 (12:38 pm)
Costco has a special relationship with Michelin. They are able to order just about any tire they manufacture and a considerable discount. Those of you that are in the Market for tires may want to consider a price comparison. Their price includes things like road hazard, lifetime balance, and rotation. They also have $60.00 coupon about twice a year. I bought tires for my Toyota T100 about a year ago from them and have had a good service experience.#7536 of 12737 michael.......... by bmwseller
Oct 13, 2003 (1:32 pm)
If all the functions that are controlled and simplified with the I-drive were presented in a traditional style there would be so many switches, gauges and buttons on the dash you'd have to put them all over the headliner and floorboards. It greatly enhances the ergonomics and safety of the car as it allows the driver to keep there eyes on the road more easily.Wood trim seems to be a little less desireable to some more sporty clients and you will see more interior options like the cubed or brushed aluminum. Many clients have told me that they don't like the wood. I know that a lot of people like the wood, but it seems that Lexus and MB have more of an appeal to the luxury directed buyers to me. The new 5 has a more modern look that some do not like.
The price increase came after a long period where there was no marked price change. In fact my old 5 had a base price very close to a 2003 model.
I'm taking a lot of heat here on this issue but don't confuse my point. I think the E39 is incredible and commend anyone for selecting the car regardless of whether I'm selling the car or not. I appreciate the improvements in the new car, also. If you so passionately dislike it, than I appreciate this also. If you feel belittled or insulted by any remarks that I made than I certainly and sincerely apologize.
Having said that keep in mind that this is a forum about the 5 series and maybe you could eliminate all the personal comments about me.
#7537 of 12737 2004 5 by houstonmerc
Oct 13, 2003 (2:24 pm)
I went to the BMW lot yesterday to look at the new 5; there were 2 530s. I'm not nearly as strong in my opinions as some of the posts but thought I'd share my thoughts. I liked the looks of the car more in pictures than I did in person, but I'm half hoping in "grows" on me a little. The rear in particular was a little disappointing in person. Despite all the criticism I like the new 7 (wish I could afford one). I've never driven a BMW but will drive a 545 when I can. I've never considered BMW because of how small previous 5s were, but with the extra size I'll definitely consider it once my "boss" decides I can get a new car. Guys will know what I'm talking about.#7538 of 12737 bmwseller... by bmwmrc
Oct 13, 2003 (2:43 pm)
Apology accepted.It was difficult to eliminate some of the comments directed toward you, because your recent posts have come off as condescending and patronizing as if individuals like me, who decided to buy a 2003 5 and who don't care for the new 5 iteration (and I was very open minded about the '04 car)are "very misinformed or foolish." The preceding comments are FURTHEST from the truth. In fact, I bet if you ask others on this forum about keeping an open mind regarding the newest 5, I'm sure all of them would tell you, "they did."
It's not as if all of us want the latest version to be IMO "disappointing." And I certainly didn't want it to be a carbon copy of my car. I did however, want to see a better evolutionary change than the one I saw and test drove last week. I don't need to have a car "grow on me." It's like asking me to have a girl's looks grow on me. Either I'm instantly attracted to the girl or I'm not. I don't need to get to know her better to find out that she's suddenly attractive, because she has this amazing intangible called "inner beauty."
I think you need to watch the patronizing attitude. If you want me or others to respect your opinion than don't belittle us if we happen to disagree with you.
#7539 of 12737 I agree with bmwmrc (aka michael) and others by hoopsref
Oct 13, 2003 (3:16 pm)
Michael, keep them on their toes. You are right on the mark. We will have to speak with with our wallets, as some have already done.bmwseller's (aka woody) prior comments regarding the new new 5 series have also offended me at times. I know you are probably sincere and passionate about the new 5er Woody, but to some of us, it really feels like the kids story, "The Empereor has new Clothes". You know the one were the tailor gives the emperor invisible clothes and all the people are told he has clothes on, until one little boy has the nerve to say " where is his clothes?". We are not just hearing this from you, but from BMW directly. They seem to be TELLING us what WE SHOULD like. It comes off as, "don't you little people really know what is good for you and what TRUE styling is all about?" Give me a break. I think enough people with experience on this forum know when they see a stinker, and Chris Bangle may bend this company into a spin they will not recover from. Their true German stubbornness is really showing through on this. And for crying out loud, can they get the cup holder thing worked out? Even "chinsy" cars can do this little thing. Oh, that's right, we can buy after market cup holders, because after all we should not be drinking whilst we drive! But it is ok for the Europeans to smoke their asses off whilst they drive, right? They seem to have enough freakin' ash trays.
#7540 of 12737 New E60 v E39 by billbrox1
Oct 13, 2003 (6:03 pm)
I'll not get into this debate as passionately as some of our trusted writers, but I will say, without a doubt, that I purchased my 530i back in March with a bit more urgency when I saw the new design for '04. There was something about "it" that chased me away from "it".I haven't seen the '04, but after reading all of the latest exerpts, I can drive my '03 with a bigger smile on my face.
#7542 of 12737 Sports Package by mtjohn
Oct 13, 2003 (11:29 pm)
brianatcal-Congratulations on your new 5!
Tons of info in this years-long discussion on the 5 Series sport package. I recommend doing a search at the top of the page. My opinion is that the 5 series is a fantastic car either way (spend some time reading the 1000's of great comments--this car is truly well-loved) but I bought a Bimmer because it leans toward "sport" vs. luxury. The sport package really finishes this concept for me. The tires and suspension transmit more road information (not harsh though) and I like that. It is amazing how hard you can push a heavy sedan like the 5 into tight corners and the car just sticks with very little roll. And you can't help but grin in the big sweepers at speed. I use my '01 530ia as a daily commuter and a lot of the time the sport pack is only marginally noticeable, but the 10% of the time when I can really push the car it becomes a major and exhilarating part of my driving experience. You pay more for tires and replace them more frequently but it's OK with me. I am sure that there are many aftermarket options to get you where you want to be.
Re: 2004 redesign
Really glad I have my E39. Checked out the new one this weekend. Just doesn't do it for me inside or out. Great analogy above to human physical attraction--chemistry is everything.
-John
#7543 of 12737 mtjohn by brianatcal
Oct 14, 2003 (1:13 am)
Thanks for your advice and thoughts on the Sports Package. I'm very happy with the standard suspension so far (I'm still in the break-in period so I haven't pushed the car hard yet... need another week or so).I got the 2003 because I do not like the '04 styling at all. I agree with many posts here.
-Brian
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