Infiniti M35/M45 vs BMW 5-Series

143 messages,  Last post on Nov 30, 2007 at 2:07 PM

You are in the Infiniti M35/M45 Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M35, Sedan

#1 of 143 Infinity M35 vs. BMW530 by jtimages

May 13, 2006 (5:28 am)

Having trouble deciding between Infinity M35 sport with tech and nav and 2007 BMW 530 with premium package.I`ve gone back and forth between the smooth ride but understated interior of the BMW vs. the technologically advanced M35.Anyone with similar dilemma please help

#2 of 143 Re: Infinity M35 vs. BMW530 [jtimages] by ghstudio

May 13, 2006 (6:27 am)

Replying to: jtimages (May 13, 2006 5:28 am)
We have a 530 coming off lease next month. We were going to get a new 530 but found that BMW has fixed seat belt mounts on the door pillar and it cuts across my wife's neck..she found the car undriveable. I found the navigation system somewhat of an antique..it's the same as the one we have in the current 530..totally knob/button driven..no voice controls. Looked at the M35 and found that for about $10K less, I got a much more technologically current car. My M35 is on order to replace the 530. To me, the M35 sport is only a personal taste "looks" option...I found it had a little harsher ride, but I did like the aluminum dash. Living in Sarasota, I don't think I'll ever need AWD or the steerable rear to go around those sharp country corners or up the hills in the snow One final note, I'm a realtor and the M35 has much more room and easier back seat access than the BMW 5's.

#3 of 143 Driving Experience? BMW. Toys? Infiniti by vsaxena

May 13, 2006 (7:52 am)

The Infiniti's drivetrain and suspension do not have the refinements of the inline BMW engines. However, the Japanese lux mobiles are typically better when it comes to electronics.
 
The price difference is not relevant if you are leasing. BMW cars have high residuals and invariably the lease payments for a $50K BMW and a $40K competition will come out in the same ball park. If you really want to save on a lease, do European Delivery! And BMW has free maintenance for the first four years.
 
Infiniti shares a lot of stuff with its corporate cousin, Nissan. It is not designed to be a performance car from the bottom-up like the BMW is.

#4 of 143 Re: Driving Experience? BMW. Toys? Infiniti [vsaxena] by jdmass

May 14, 2006 (9:46 am)

Replying to: vsaxena (May 13, 2006 7:52 am)
Agreed! The technie features of the Infiniti have an edge over the BMW -- better NAV, rear-view camera, and the Infiniti is probably a better ride overall for passengers. BMW, on the other hand, continues to be more of a true drivers car. They seem to me to be less willing to compromise on the driving experience sometimes at the expense of other comforts. They certainly don't do everything right (e.g. iDrive was a mistake, their cupholders STILL suck) and they are priced higher than Infiniti, but their engines are superior, they still offer a stick, and their handling is very well refined.
 
That said, the Infiniti is not far off and you won't go too far wrong with either -- it is just a matter of what appeals most to you.

#5 of 143 Re: Driving Experience? BMW. Toys? Infiniti [jdmass] by jtimages

May 14, 2006 (3:35 pm)

Replying to: jdmass (May 14, 2006 9:46 am)
Thanx for the message, it seems every day I`m changing my mind.I am very concerned about the low gas mileage everyone seems to report on the M. That may in itself be the deciding factor.

#6 of 143 Re: Infinity M35 vs. BMW530 [jtimages] by blov8r

May 14, 2006 (4:07 pm)

Replying to: jtimages (May 13, 2006 5:28 am)
JT: For me it was a no-brainer. IMO, the Infiniti's overall quality bumper-to-bumper is substantially superior to the Bimmer. Reliability is better, and that goes for MB as well. Furthermore, every article written since introduction a year ago comparing cars in this category found the M35 and M45 superior to all it's competitors ... and for less money. I know you're not looking at Lexus, but for the first time last month the M has passed the Lexus GS in sales ... and that says a mouthful. Bart

#7 of 143 Re: Driving Experience? BMW. Toys? Infiniti [jtimages] by blov8r

May 14, 2006 (4:10 pm)

Replying to: jtimages (May 14, 2006 3:35 pm)
JT: 1) How much difference is there REALLY between the mileage delivered in the M v. the 530? I don't know the answer, but I doubt it's material. 2) Looking at cars in this price range gas mileage shouldn't be a factor. Bart

#8 of 143 Review of M35 in USA Today by sfcharlie

May 15, 2006 (1:00 pm)

I've liked reviews by the guy who writes for USA Today. About the M35, he wrote: "In rare, wonderful moments, a car shows up that is exactly what it's supposed to be, does just what it's supposed to do and delights well beyond expectation ...The new M is the best thing Infiniti's done and comes close to making BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Cadillac irrelevant. It offers as much panache and performance as those do with fewer privations, at sometimes-lower prices."

#9 of 143 Vs....... by bargamon

May 16, 2006 (7:20 am)

For me, the electronics are not important to me. I won't get NAV, I don't care about that Rear View camera thing.
 
No $2500 cruise control (have it on another car and can live without it), and no night vision, heads up display, or other toys.
 
Its about the heart and soul of the car. First its the engine, then the transmisson, thent he suspension feel.
 
THe BMW trumps the poser infiniti. Where do you want the technology? In the radio or in the engine?
 
Looks are subjective. The BMW is daring, the Infiniti is very average. Looks like an Impala to me. THe G35, expecially the new version due this fall is a nicer looking design.
 
The debate ends at the transmission where I like to shift my own gears and the M does not offer this choice.
 
Is the M alot of car for the money? sure it is. It offers alot of "technology" for the money. Many folks like amenities which can add to the enjoyment of having a vehicle.
 
To me, the inline 6 of the BMW is superior as is the road feel.
 
The M's "jewel box" like interior is also not to my taste. I like a quality feel but low key appearence.
 
For the money, I would take the M over the E-class mercedes, put it just ahead of the GS Lexus in value and drive, but not looks or interior. I would rate the M just behind the Audi A6 and the BMW.
 
None of the above is a bad choice.

#10 of 143 Re: Infinity M35 vs. BMW530 [ghstudio] by lovemyclk

May 16, 2006 (10:23 pm)

Replying to: ghstudio (May 13, 2006 6:27 am)
"she found the car undriveable"... You may be the 1st human to utter those words!
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