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BMW 550i vs Lexus GS 430

14 messages,  Last post on May 19, 2006 at 5:19 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS 430, Sedan

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#7 of 14 Re: 550i vs GS430 [bogeyfree66] by bigmojo Apr 20, 2006 (4:32 pm)
Replying to: bogeyfree66 (Apr 20, 2006 10:53 am) Thanks everyone. I am leaning toward the 550 for sure. If I get the GS430 I will want the GS450h. In the spring of 07 the 430 will seem anemic and I will want the GS460.   If I get the 550, well...there is not much to go up to is there? Not within reason anyway.   I think your comment about the 02 Lex looking dated, and a 2002 BMW still looking good, new, and fresh is dead on.   Thanks again for all the input!
#8 of 14 Re: 550i vs GS430 [bigmojo] by chicagojoe May 09, 2006 (12:16 pm)
Replying to: bigmojo (Apr 17, 2006 5:17 pm) I am making a very similar decision. I am leaning towards the 550i for the following reasons.   First, Lexus is phasing out the GS430 in favor of the hybrid. The GS450 is stunning but I think the silent operation, numbing CVT and the puny trunk just doesn't work for me. I am pretty sure the trunk can only fit one golf bag at most (8 cu ft).    I like the styling of the Lexus and in fact prefer it to the BMW but if I am going to spend $60k for a car I want it to put a smile on my face. The 550i does exactly that.   As far as pricing I really don't think they are that far apart. The Lexus will come in at $60k and the 550i at $65. Big deal!   Best new feature of the BMW in my mind are the seats in the 2007 car. The upper part of the seat adjusts seperately from the rest. As a tall guy with longer torso I always have a problem with the position of the upper seat when I am reclined enough to drive. The BMW curls up to meet my back and neck. Hell! That is worth $5k to me alone!!   Can't go too wrong either way. I know others will through the M45 in there but in my opinion it is boring on the outside and way too trendy on the inside. I think that dash will look funny in a few years. BMW may not be the flashiest car but I think the exterior and interio fit nicely together.   BOTTOM LINE - Everyone in the class compares itself to the 5-series. Just get the real deal.
#9 of 14 What about the BMW DCI, or ICD controls ? by jjdow May 13, 2006 (6:28 pm)
I hear the controls on the BMW are complex?   I'm looking at a BMW for the first time. I'm getting ready to trade my 2000 CLK430... its been a very good car and I want to trade it while its still worth something.... and I'm ready for a little larger and more luxurious. I had a 2000 GS300 and it was very soft.   I'm alos going to see the 2006 E350 with the Sport package, and will look at the M. I guess we are lucky we get to pick from these cars? thanks Replies to this message: chicagojoe (May 14, 2006 8:00 am)
#10 of 14 Re: What about the BMW DCI, or ICD controls ? [jjdow] by chicagojoe May 14, 2006 (8:00 am)
Replying to: jjdow (May 13, 2006 6:28 pm) We are lucky indeed. I don't think the controls will be that bad although they will take some time to learn.   Drove the M45 yesterday. I can't see what all the hype is about. Yes I drove very well but I can't see someone who is looking at a BMW buying one. It tries way too hard with shiny chrome everywhere and a dash that jumps at you in every direction. Three years from now the dash will look very dated. Also, the yellow glow of the dash actually hurt my eyes. The knobs feel very cheap. Yes it has ever feature but I think they are all cheaply done.   The E350 is a nice car but I find the design a little too girlish.   But, you are right, I think you will get a nice car no matter what your decision.
#11 of 14 E500 by jjdow May 18, 2006 (5:46 pm)
Ok, after driving these and the E500, I leaning towards the E500. I like the thinner appearance to BMW... just my preference. I've been test driving it in "Sport II" setting and although the seats dont hold me as tight as the CLK, I think the E corners almost as well. It's certainly quieter... I think I'm ready for that after 6 yrs in the CLK. I think its a great combo of the Lexus for quiet luxury and the BMW handling in Sport II.   The torque in the E when you drive it in manual shift mode is way more than I can use around Houston. I hear the new E550 are going up to 379HP or so.... just cant see needing more than the 308 the 2006 has....   Finally, I've got a line on a 2006 demo with 5600 miles for $6K under invoice... nice car for $53,500. I'll make a final decision over the weekend and let you'll know. thanks Replies to this message: habitat1 (May 19, 2006 5:19 am)
#12 of 14 Re: E500 [jjdow] by habitat1 May 19, 2006 (5:19 am)
Replying to: jjdow (May 18, 2006 5:46 pm) I hear the new E550 are going up to 379HP or so.... just cant see needing more than the 308 the 2006 has.... .   I saw a recent review of the E550 and, in addition to 25% more horsepower than the outgoing E500, it received very high reviews for suspension improvemnts and design refinements.

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