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Luxury Performance Sedans

10338 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 3:12 PM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus GS 430, Acura RL, BMW 5 Series, Volvo S80, Audi A6, Infiniti M35, Infiniti M45, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS, Sedan

Messages Page 950 of 1035

#9485 of 10338 will larger alloys fit car? by pbooks1

Oct 12, 2007 (11:02 am)

Hi, please can anyone advise me if it would be OK to fit new alloy wheels size 8 1/4 Jx17 H2 ET 34(235/45 ZR17 tyres) on my E class Mercedes, 1997 (W210), which currently has 15 inch alloys (205/60 15 tyres).
  
  
The alloys I wish to fit to my car are 8 1/4 Jx17 H2 ET 34, are fitted with Dunlop 9000 tyres 235/45 ZR 17.
Please could you tell me if this is OK to put on my 1997 E230 Mercedes saloon(210).
The handbook says that suitable wheel & Tyres "light alloy wheel" is these cobinations 235/45 R17 93w tyre & the alloy 8 Jx 17 H2 ET37.
  
Compared to the alloys I wish to fit, would the above handbook stated ones be OK on my car?? If so what differences in cars drive should be expected?
  
Thank you very much

#9486 of 10338 Re: September Sales Figures [houdini1] by lexusguy

Oct 12, 2007 (2:52 pm)

Replying to: houdini1 (Oct 12, 2007 6:51 am)
The GS has the Lexus badge, and the Lexus dealer network, so the odds are already pretty well stacked in its favor. As for the car itself, the M has trounced the GS in every magazine test and in CR as well. If Infiniti had the same number of dealers as Lexus and the same badge prestige, I would bet that the GS would lose badly in sales as well. In any case, sales is of course no measure of quality.
 
Except for the GS460, everything else about the '08 GS is a carryover, so I don't see why people would be holding out for the new one, other than the few hundred that buy the V8. I guess we'll have to wait and see if the updated M is enough to push it over the top.

#9487 of 10338 Re: will larger alloys fit car? [pbooks1] by james27

Oct 12, 2007 (6:25 pm)

Replying to: pbooks1 (Oct 12, 2007 11:02 am)
Sounds like you're not in the USA, but that doesn't matter...what will fit is based on the car, not where you are. 17" wheels can fit, but not sure about those. In running the numbers, it looks like the 15" vs 17" in the size you indicate has the 17" version 13% smaller in rotating diameter, so that would make a huge difference in the gearing and speedometer/odometer...I don't think you'd be happy.
 
When you go to a bigger wheel/tire, the ride generally gets worse but the handling can improve.
 
A good place to investigate tire/wheel combinations, even if you can't buy them there, is www.tirerack.com. What you are interested in is +2 sizing, if you have 15" on there now.

#9488 of 10338 Re: September Sales Figures [lexusguy] by houdini1

Oct 13, 2007 (2:36 pm)

Replying to: lexusguy (Oct 12, 2007 2:52 pm)
If Infiniti had the same number of dealers as Lexus and the same badge prestige, I would bet that the GS would lose badly in sales as well. In any case, sales is of course no measure of quality.
 
Pure speculation and perhaps wishful thinking on your part. If someone wants to buy an M, I am sure they can find a dealer.
 
The M is edgier than the GS but IMO it is not as refined, its styling is dated, and it just doesn't look as good. I think that probably these are the real reasons it is being outsold by the GS.

#9489 of 10338 Re: September Sales Figures [houdini1] by lexusguy

Oct 14, 2007 (3:31 pm)

Replying to: houdini1 (Oct 13, 2007 2:36 pm)
Pure speculation and perhaps wishful thinking on your part. If someone wants to buy an M, I am sure they can find a dealer.
 
Perhaps there may be some truth to that. Infiniti has more than I thought, 165 compared to 202 for Lexus according to AutoDealerBase.
 
I like the M's aggressiveness. If I wanted a sedan with a quiet, cushy, and dull ride I'd buy an LS, not a GS. The two issues I had with the M's looks were the orange gauges and the too big taillights, both fixed for '08. I'm also happy to see Infiniti offering the sport package on the AWD cars. Not a fake one like BMW that's just seats and wheels - the same equipment that the RWD cars get. Now if only they'd bring over that Piano black trim from Japan...

#9490 of 10338 Best LPS to buy and hold on to? by og_oggilby

Oct 21, 2007 (9:37 am)

I am in my early 50's, live in the NE (south of Boston), and am looking to buy an LPS to keep as long as possible - once my wife's car is paid off in early 2008. I have owned quite a few cars and trucks over the years (Toyota Supra and 4runner, Porsche 914 2.0, BMW 320i, Lexus GS300 Sport Design, Nissan 300Z, and others) and am actually getting tired of the car buying routine, so I am hoping to buy and keep my next car for as many miles as I can - over 200k or more if possible. I am not a high mileage driver (12k a year at most). My wife is not into cars and is leaving the decision entirely up to me, though spending over 60K on a car might become an issue...
 
I would like something that is fun to drive, comfortable, has navigation and great audio, and is safe in the winter. I am leaning towards an all wheel drive. So far I have test driven a BMW 535xi (loved driving it but didn't have time to play with the idrive) and the Lexus GS350 awd (which have cool gadgets but seemed a bit cramped and didn't put a smile on my face while driving it like the BMW did). The M and G Infiniti's don't do much for me looks wise and the gas mileage is pretty bad for a car that I plan on keeping long term. I have never been big on Audi or MB because of reliability issues.
 
Anyway, it looks like I will probably be deciding between the BMW 535xi and the Lexus 350awd but am still open to suggestions. I do prefer the BMW, but it is quite a bit more money (the 535xi is really pushing my budget) and I am a bit worried about the cost of repairs after the warranty runs out. I have read all the bad reviews about BMW's idrive but I am good on the computer so I don't know if that would be an issue. I like the comfort, gadgets, and long term reliability (perceived?) of the Lexus. The Lexus dealer was much more aggressive and I have received 5 phone calls from them since my test drive, which is a bit much. I would think that I could get a better deal on the GS since they seem desperate to make sales.
 
Sorry about the long post. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

#9491 of 10338 Re: Best LPS to buy and hold on to? [og_oggilby] by tamparl

Oct 21, 2007 (9:56 am)

Replying to: og_oggilby (Oct 21, 2007 9:37 am)
We share similar desires in the car attributes and I had cross shopped the Lexus GS AWD, BMW 530xi and the Infinity M35 AWD. All are fine vehicles. The driving dynamics of the BMW are still tops, but I worry about long term maintenance costs, and I hated the I drive. The Infinity was roomy and the flavor was sporty, but the styling and rougher edges of sporty feel did not appeal to me. The Lexus certainly has the brand cache and commendable service centers, but I could not justify the cost when comparably equipped to my selection.
 
I selected the Acura RL. It is an amazing value and selling 8-9K below sticker. Many do not like the subtle style and many dismiss it for not having a V8 or 6 speed tranny option. It is not as large as the Infinity but wider and larger trunk (still smallish) than the Lexus. It seemed on par with the BMW dimensions, but again, the BMW driving dynamics are it's signature.
 
But the Acura NAVI was exceptional and the content a tremendous value. Content any of these models (AWD, V6 Auto) similarly and the Acura is thousands lower in sticker and certainly a bargain in negotiated price. It comes only in 3 trim levels, and the Tech Package is the most common.
 
Acura's brand may not have the luxury cache of the others, but the Honda reliability, value content, Japanese assembly, amazing SHAWD system, Ultra Low Emmisions and high safety ratings made it a very smart choice (if not the most passionate).
 
The RL is a sleeper, and sales are low, but I have no regrets on my choice and I see this as not only a long term ownership experience, but somewhat exclusive as so few are on the road. The RL typifies Honda's conservative, well engineered approach. It may not be the best of any one thing, but the total package is very well balanced and the harmony this car exudes may not grab attention, but it sure grows on you and is very easy to live with.
 
You may want to give the Acura RL consideration. A Tech Package RL 42K out the door may be worth your consideration in the AWD segment.

#9492 of 10338 Re: Best LPS to buy and hold on to? [og_oggilby] by anthonyp

Oct 21, 2007 (1:41 pm)

Replying to: og_oggilby (Oct 21, 2007 9:37 am)
Although the interior of the bmw lacks a certain refinement, over the years I think you would enjoy it and also the hordes of people who enjoy it`s drive are not just fooling themselves, it does drive nicely...I further think you could get the long term warranty, and then find a mechanic on your own...This way you will have something you are proud of til the day you move on...Tony

#9493 of 10338 Re: Best LPS to buy and hold on to? [tamparl] by carnaught

Oct 21, 2007 (3:15 pm)

Replying to: tamparl (Oct 21, 2007 9:56 am)
The RL is a sleeper, and sales are low....
 
...for a reason.

#9494 of 10338 Re: Best LPS to buy and hold on to? [carnaught] by vavavavolvo

Oct 21, 2007 (6:39 pm)

Replying to: carnaught (Oct 21, 2007 3:15 pm)
I agree that the RL is an underrated vehicle. The reliability is otherworldly. It is probably going to get a pretty major refresh for 09. Most predictions are for more room, particularly in the back seat, and a more powerful engine. The current model was also tops in side impact protection along with the S80, while the 535 --unfortunately--ranked dead last. It will be interesting to see what BMW does about that car's poor performance on the side impact test.
 
http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr081607.html

Messages Page 950 of 1035

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