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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 926 of 1274

#9251 of 12737 "Prestige" Buyer (#9242) by riez

Aug 07, 2004 (8:34 am)

div2... Amen. I remember the mid-80s where having a BMW was the be-all-and-end-all. Even mediocre cars like 318ia. Then Japan Inc. (Acura, Lexus, and Infiniti) launched its assault and by about 1992 BMW, Porsche, Audi, Jaguar, and MB had suffered crushing sales declines from their mid-80s peaks.
 
Too bad cars like 740i suffer from all the BMW techno-overkill that removes driving utility and actually interfers with the driver-machine interface. Just look at how the column shifter works in the 745i or the seat controls. And of course there is always the iDrive debacle.
 
When I see someone driving a new 745i, the last thing on my mind is "prestige". I usually think something like "There goes someone who would rather be seen than enjoy the driving."
 
Take the September 2004 Motor Trend comparison test. The $79,954 745i Sport comes in LAST PLACE (tied with Jaguar Vanden Plas). The A8L Quattro AT6 comes in first with the Lexus LS430 second.
 
While they praise its performance, Motor Trend ripped into the 745i:
 
"the big 7 overwhelms with its forbidding, techno-complex character."
 
MT slammed the iDrive, the "'advanced' turn signals", and the "stalk-mounted transmission selector".
 
Compare that to the LS430:
 
"'Come on in', it seems to say. 'We've taken care of everything. Just fire me up and enjoy a remarkable ride.'"

#9252 of 12737 Um.. by kyfdx HOST

Aug 07, 2004 (11:15 am)

The BMW is my wife's car, and I don't wear a watch. What does that say about me?
 
(Rhetorical question...does not require a response..LOL)

#9253 of 12737 Kyfdx by designman

Aug 07, 2004 (4:07 pm)

It says you're in the exact same boat as me... a Stepford Husband.
 

#9254 of 12737 by kdshapiro

Aug 07, 2004 (5:54 pm)

I don't need a magazine article to tell the the 745 is a better drivers car than the LS430, we all know it is. The LS is a torted up Avalon. A very unremarkable ride. Some people like that, that's why the ES330 as well is a best seller.
 
The 7 series is better looking, better driving and nicer interior. (IMO). I bought my first BMW because of what I knew about the cars, not what journalists told me. Likewise for the 7 series.
 
To me the LS targets 60+ years, who don't want to feel a thing on their behinds and they (Lexus) were successful at that. Me I want to know the car is underneath me.
 
All in all the LS does not far and away outsell the 7. It certainly has not been the failure that has been portended in these forums. In spite of the fact that Motortrend liked the LS better.
 
The 740i was dubbed the best luxury sedan in it's class ever and it is now dated. The 745 takes up where it left off.

#9255 of 12737 riez by div2

Aug 07, 2004 (9:38 pm)

I entered the BMW Scene(in a Bavaria 3.0) about the time the status seekers "Discovered" BMWs-1983. Back then Bimmer owners still flashed each other with their high beams. I lusted after a 533i but it was much too pricey. Since then I've bought new and used Bimmers and I usually coveted the "latest and greatest" offerings from Munich. Not any more; the only new BMW that lights my fire is the 330i Performance Package. I also like the 4.8is-a guilty pleasure as it is so fast and outrageous for an SUV. In the newer cars the superior driving experience is being diluted by techno-electronic gadgetry and bizarre styling. I DO like the 120i, and I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, BMW NA doesn't think that there is a market for the five door 1er in the US. Which is why I'm currently looking for a Beemer. Unless I find a nice Speed Triple or Daytona in the meantime...

#9256 of 12737 Past, Present and Future by riez

Aug 08, 2004 (7:06 am)

div2... I concur, though my BMW-lust arose in late 1970s when I was in high school.
 
Is a shame that BMW won't bring the 120i over, though I wonder if a 120ia will be too underpowered, like the 318i Compact was in the mid-1990s. (Remember test driving one with wife, who can only drive automatics. No power at all.)
 
The gadgetry (and resulting issues with reliability and longevity) really are off putting. Not to mention the use of such to replace truly useful driver aids like LSD. [Always burned me that my former $60,000 540i6 didn't even have LSD.]

#9257 of 12737 riez by div2

Aug 08, 2004 (10:18 am)

1983 was when I bought my first Bimmer. My interest in BMWs began in 1971 when I noticed the first Bavaria ads-which described a 130 mph car that cruised at 120. Then I ran across a copy of DED Jr.'s "Turn Your Hymnals to 2002". I was hooked. As a matter of fact, one of my prized possesions is a copy of the C&D magazine containing that article. Mr. Davis was kind enough to autograph it for me at O'fest 1992.
As for the four cylinders, yes you really need a manual to extract the best performance from them. It's sad that driving a stick is becoming a lost art. I'd also like to try some of the diesel BMWs that AG is selling across the pond. I hope we're not going back to the situaution of two decades ago-when Munich decided to keep their best BMWs at home...

#9258 of 12737 HUD by cassidym

Aug 08, 2004 (5:03 pm)

Anybody got the Heads Up Device? I've ordered a 2005 545I but am still wondering about the HUD. Only things you can project onto the windscreen are your speed (in digital format) and the right hand side of the NAV screen. Also the Adaptive Cruise Control data if you have that option.
 
I'm getting NAV and wonder if this gadget is worth it.

#9259 of 12737 Extended Maintenance Program by glaker

Aug 08, 2004 (5:30 pm)

I’ve read some postings asking questions about extended warranties (beyond the original new car warranty). I was at my dealership on Friday and found some details concerning the supposedly new extended/upgraded maintenance program. To go from the standard BMW 4/50 maintenance program to the extended 6/100 program costs $985 for the 3 series (except the M), the Z3 and Z4, while it costs $1195 for all other models and the M3. According to the pamphlet it covers “all factory-recommended maintenance as listed in the BMW Service and Warranty Information booklet. It also includes the replacement of items that are not covered by the BMW Limited Warranty – such as brake pads, brake rotors, wiper blade inserts- when wear and tear exceeds BMW specifications”.
On the other hand, exclusions include “components or parts on any vehicle that are subject to gradual deterioration or normal wear and tear as the result of driving habits, conditions or use of the vehicle.” The fine print then specifically lists such excluded items as piston rings, valves and valve guides, suspension bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and drive shaft flex discs. Finally, they exclude items such as engine, transmission and body adjustments, batteries, hoses, exhaust systems, headlamps and a bunch of other things including upholstery carpeting, etc.
Having only had my 530 for one year, I haven’t yet experienced the value of the maintenance/repair warranty, but I guess I’ll have to do some ‘thinkin’ and ‘cypherin’ before I decide on whether it’s a good deal.
 
Div2 - I took delivery of a 330 with performance package on Thursday and it is absolutely awesome!

#9260 of 12737 glaker by div2

Aug 08, 2004 (7:37 pm)

Congratulations! The PHP makes a great car into a legendary car-its the only new 3er I'd have.

Messages Page 926 of 1274

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