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BMW 5-Series Wagon 2004 Redesign - READ ONLY

540 messages,  Last post on Mar 04, 2004 at 11:43 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 12 of 55

#105 of 540 Change... by shipo

Apr 07, 2003 (6:18 am)

The following is a re-post of a message that I wrote on the 5-Series board last week:
 
In the past I have been critisized about my stance regarding my reactions to the look of the E60. Someone even went so far as to say, "Shipo, just face it, you don't like change." Grrrrr, given that as a systems designer I have been creating new things and implimenting "Change" for over 25 years, "Change" is not the issue. In addition, back when I was doing a project at MB-USA in the winter of 1995/1996, the folks down the street at BMW-USA brought over one of the early production E39s (a 528i) which we sat side-by-side with one of our early prototype W210 E-Classes. I have to say, I loved both cars, but the E39 simply took my breath away, I had to have one.
 
My point is that I LOVE change, that is what I live for, that is what I do. That said, change for the better is what I stive for in all that I create, and while the new E60 is certainly better in many technical ways, it falls so far short of that mark visually that I am wondering just how long I will be keeping my E39.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#106 of 540 by ateixeira

Apr 07, 2003 (9:07 am)

That was my own judgement, albeit with a humorous bent. I didn't read the text or any press bashing on the new 5. I formed my own opinion.
 
The 7 looked bad in photos and worse in person, to my eyes. And BMW seems to agree because they've ordered an emergency face-lift. Kind of recalls the Aztec fiasco at Pontiac.
 
Sales for the 7 are good despite the styling, not because of it. Imagine an Alfa Romeo exterior? They could not produce enough of them.
 
"Change" is a pretty vague concept. The new E-class looks better. The new Jag is sharp. Alfas and Audis are gorgeous. Audis in particular changed substantially yet they look gorgeous. Remember the old Audi 100? No? Me neither. I loved the change.
 
-juice

#107 of 540 7 Series by riez

Apr 07, 2003 (11:53 am)

About all we know for certain is this: sales are very good. Beyond that, all is sheer conjecture. We don't know why sales are so good. We don't know if sales would be better if anything changed (other than by lowering the price, which they don't need to since sales have been good).
 
Given its price and the deterioration of the worldwide economic scene, including USA, over the past two years, sales have been quite impressive.
 
The new 7 is an impressive car. Some people have complained about styling and idrive.
 
styling: Who knows what potential buyers think? Many have complained. Many like it. A lot have bought it. Who knows if the restyle will be well received? Will same people complaining today be complaining about it? Will sales increase or decrease?
 
idrive: Who knows how many buyers in this price range even care about idrive. Maybe they paid someone to explain it to them? Isn't dealer supposed to go over it in great detail at time of sale?

#108 of 540 Series 5 2004 -- BEAUTIFUL - The Best EVER by svranca

Apr 07, 2003 (5:33 pm)

Hey guys,
are you all crazy. The new 5 is UNBELIEVABLE. I believe it is the best design BMW ever. I did not like the 7 when it first came out but I grew to like it. The new five takes the 7 design to another level. It is a gorgeous machine. I am glad BMW is moving toward the future all the past models are looking their age...OLD. I owned several 3, 5, and 7's...I am happy with the change. Future on our hands...the ultimate DRIVING MACHINE.

#109 of 540 5 Series by 1violinist

Apr 07, 2003 (11:03 pm)

The question is: where are the cupholders?

#110 of 540 The question is: where are the cupholders? - New Contest by cbgb1975

Apr 08, 2003 (4:37 pm)

1violinist has surfaced my curiosity and maybe some others on the board...I'm thinking the cupholders are beneath the panel next to cell phone holder, on the driver's right elbow,not on the dash. Who else has a guess? Winner gets bragging rights and the right to design.

#111 of 540 Cup Holders by wolverine11

Apr 08, 2003 (6:59 pm)

You people are assuming that there are cup holders in this vehicle. After 7 years of complaints about E39 cupholders, Bangle probably just kept them out of the E60.

#112 of 540 wolverine11 by 1violinist

Apr 08, 2003 (9:31 pm)

On the contrary, after 7 years of complaints about E39 cupholders, Bangle probably would personally ride in the passenger seat of the E60 and hold the cup for you! LOL

#113 of 540 best car design i've ever seen by sundevildrew

Apr 08, 2003 (9:33 pm)

If you have really looked at the new fotos, autospies.com has some great ones, nothing can come close except the 740, As a cuurent lexus gs300 owner i can't wait to order mine, dealer today said i can easily get delivery by november in so florida, it blows away the 2003 in every way, and for about the same price, resale does matter, who wants to buy a car last designed in 97 and own it till '06? not me. after 3 years in a nice, but very mushy and over rated suped up toyota, im getting a 530I as soon as i can!

#114 of 540 Re: best car design i've ever seen by 1violinist

Apr 08, 2003 (9:39 pm)

sundevildrew: Congratulations!
 
Did the dealer give you any price quotes?
What about colors or option packages?
 
Good luck!
Tony

Messages Page 12 of 55

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