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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16087 messages,  Last post on May 09, 2013 at 9:32 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1542 of 1609

#15410 of 16087 Re: Dealers Services [dino001] by flightnurse

Dec 19, 2012 (12:25 pm)

Replying to: dino001 (Dec 18, 2012 8:47 pm)
It certainly doesn't look that way in my experiences. Instant gratification seems to be most powerful motivator. It is strenghtened by dealer's incentives based on deliveries in next month. If you make an order to be filled two or three months from now
 
This is the biggest issue when buying a car, most people wait until they need a car now, instead of planning for it. my neighbor bought a new 2013 335i. He traded in his 2007, when I asked if he thought about the ED program he said, Yes, but he couldn't wait the 6 months time to get his car here stateside. I do know BMW will work with you if your car is leased through BMWFS in allowing you to keep your current car until the new one arrives.

#15411 of 16087 Re: Dealers Services [habitat1] by flightnurse

Dec 19, 2012 (12:32 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Dec 19, 2012 6:47 am)
That is correct, ED prices are negotiable....except, I do not believe there is any ED discount on "M" models,
 
If the car is built in Germany and imported to the US then the car is part of the ED program, according to BMW website, a M3 is discounted $4100 through the ED program. Which means you can get a better price than that. Take a quick long weekend trip, do the ED program, and then pick up the car in Spartanburg .

#15412 of 16087 Re: 1st service loaner [flightnurse] by habitat1

Dec 19, 2012 (3:04 pm)

Replying to: flightnurse (Dec 19, 2012 12:20 pm)
So basically price won out?
 
No, if price was all that mattered, I could have saved $13k+ on an MDX. The X5d just seemed like the right combination of attributes, appeal and best relative value. Without the full $4,500 eco credit, it probably would have still won out, just not been the no-brainer it was at the lower price. Why someone would pay MORE for a comparably equipped X5 3.5i is still beyond me.

#15413 of 16087 Re: Dealers Services [flightnurse] by habitat1

Dec 19, 2012 (3:09 pm)

Replying to: flightnurse (Dec 19, 2012 12:32 pm)
Didn't realize that they now include the M cars with ED discounts. So maybe I need to save a few more nickels and get one of these delivered to Spartanburg:
 
Hot Lap

#15414 of 16087 Re: 1st service loaner [habitat1] by flightnurse

Dec 19, 2012 (5:49 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Dec 19, 2012 3:04 pm)
Why someone would pay MORE for a comparably equipped X5 3.5i is still beyond me.
 
This is simple, there are people who do not associate BMW and diesel as going together, and to be bothered by wearing gloves when refueling.... As stated before, this will all change in 2013 when BMW, Audi and MB all bring over deisel power entry level cars and SUVs.

#15415 of 16087 Re: Dealers Services [habitat1] by flightnurse

Dec 19, 2012 (5:53 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Dec 19, 2012 3:09 pm)
Didn't realize that they now include the M cars with ED discounts. So maybe I need to save a few more nickels and get one of these delivered to Spartanburg:
 
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Explore/Experience/EuropeanDelivery/Order- YourBMW.aspx
 
I should have given the link when I first wrote about it.

#15416 of 16087 Re: Dealers Services [habitat1] by sweendogy

Dec 19, 2012 (5:58 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Dec 19, 2012 3:09 pm)
Nah bro you have the reserved spot for the 2nd cayman S, and the next hot 100k hybrid waiting for you- why do a BMW when you can spend thousands more and get similar performance.
 
Btw I'm actually enjoying the talk about the "Ed" cars. It's really interesting, going 139mph and not getting a ticket- the whole process seem pretty cool, ex the wait. Tuned out a bit on the Volvo section but all in all good show.
 
Would also like to add the diesal chat very interesting as well. Less gas more torque sporty sedan always interesting. Does anyone think we will be using gas or diesal in the next 10 years, or is this new fusion technology Going to take over?

#15417 of 16087 Got my car back by nyccarguy

Dec 19, 2012 (9:56 pm)

Ok, so all is well after my 2011 328xi's 1st service. ECU was re-flashed which got rid of the cold start revving, a loose wire was found to be the trouble of the tail light on the left rear trunk causing the light to flicker, the hinges on the hood were adjusted so it is now aligned properly, & a faulty trunk latch will be replaced in about 3 weeks when the part arrives. The car was washed & vacuumed (believe me, it needed it).
 
So I've got a few parting comments about the 335d they gave me as a loaner car.
 
Between Monday night and tonight, I put 231 miles on the diesel loaner. The needle was at the 1/2 mark when I filled up and it said I still had over 300 miles until empty. I did a little more highway driving than normal because I had to drive my Grandma home after dinner (about 25 miles) and then return the loaner (another 28 miles).
 
I filled up with Diesel that was $4.33 per gallon. Super at the same station was $4.19 per gallon. I did see another station that was selling diesel for $4.59 and Super for $4.29.
 
In 231 miles, I averaged 42.3 mph & 32.2 mpg. I was driving normally and not trying to get good gas mileage, it just happened.
 
I hopped into my 328xi and headed back home. I backed into the driveway and checked my trip computer. 38.8 mph average speed. 21.5 mpg.
 
Both cars have their positives and negatives.
 
The 335d obviously has a HUGE advantage when it comes to power (425 lb ft of torque - ARGH, ARGH, ARGH) and fuel economy (pretty much 10 mpg better real world). The passing power this car has is just unreal. Push down on the throttle and it just goes. Pulls like a freight train.
 
My 328xi's steering is actually heavier than the RWD 335d. Handling was hard to judge because I was driving a car with tires that NEEDED to be replaced and it is someone else's $50K + BMW that I didn't want to wrap around a tree or telephone pole.
 
The 425 lb ft of torque, RWD, & balding tires made the car's wet weather traction squirmy. I even saw the DTC light flicker a few times on dry pavement.
 
My 328xi was noticeably quieter and smoother than the 335d. The around town diesel clatter didn't bother me, but the car's N52 Inline 6 just sings and loves to rev.
 
The verdict. The diesel motor is just incredible. The fuel economy it gives is just an added bonus. For me to put one in my driveway would most certainly cost me more than the buyout on my 328xi, plus I'd have to invest in a set of dedicated winter wheels & tires, and possibly get a used winter beater (Jeep or Subaru).
 
The other diesel cars on the market either won't match up to the way my 328xi drives (VW Passat, Jetta, Golf TDI are all FWD) or they are A LOT more money (X5s aren't cheap, even used). It has peaked my interest to give a 4 cyl BMW diesel a chance (X1, X3, 3 series) assuming they are out when my lease is up in September 2014.

#15418 of 16087 Re: 1st service loaner [flightnurse] by habitat1

Dec 19, 2012 (10:21 pm)

Replying to: flightnurse (Dec 19, 2012 5:49 pm)
and to be bothered by wearing gloves when refueling.
 
I must have missed those instructions. And, so far, no runs, drips or errors. If only I could say the same for my performance at third base wearing a glove...

#15419 of 16087 Re: Dealers Services [sweendogy] by habitat1

Dec 19, 2012 (10:52 pm)

Replying to: sweendogy (Dec 19, 2012 5:58 pm)
reserved spot for the 2nd cayman S
 
Hey, hey, you trying to cut in line?? I have the first spot (other than the dealer "launch" cars).
 
The one downside of ED is being tempted to throw break in instructions in the trash when you get on the Autobahn. I've never done it, but friend who did it several years ago with a 545i had to suffer the indignation of having old ladies pass him while he kept his speed under 150 km/hr.
 
I don't think we'll be driving nuclear powered cars in my lifetime, but I also won't ever have a gas SUV in the garage again. Diesel rules in that application. Sport sedan?? Tougher call today with the 335d gone. But hopefully soon to return.

Messages Page 1542 of 1609

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