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Sedans BMW 5-Series Acura RL vs. BMW 5-Series
33 messages, Last post on Mar 07, 2007 at 5:52 PM
You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
I wonder if someone can compare the RL to the 530xi. I am currently trying to decide between these two. I have test driven the RL and find it to be very well put together machine. It has a solid construction and, I beleive, the bugs have been removed also. I am made to believe through these forums that I should not expect the same reliability from BMW though it is more fun to drive....! Any opinions?
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Replying to: erfan (Aug 04, 2006 3:13 am) I have come to the conclusion that there are American, German and Japanese buyers. And I do understand that this is an over-generalization and as such it stands a pretty good chance of NOT applying to you. However, on the chance that it MIGHT be relevant to you, perhaps you could share your "auto history." Since your age and experience are tied to this history -- perhaps you could tell us about your last 5 or so cars. Perhaps you could tell us about your favorite car and your best car (which may not be the same car); and, your least favorite car and your worst car -- and your reasons for these opinions. While we are not exactly shrinks here on these forums, it is certainly possible to point out general patterns. Let me give you an example. The Acura is a front wheel drive car -- SH-AWD is real and its features and benefits are not advertising copy alone. But the Acura will feel different than the BMW for many reasons -- amongst them the BMW uses Rear Biased ALL WHEEL DRIVE and the BMW is better balanced in terms of weight distribution. Both cars will be more capable than 2WD cars in low coefficient of friction situations. Of the LPS cars, these are both the "runts" of the litter, by a little bit. This only means they are not as big inside as some of the cars they compete with. Some people like the feel, the interior room of the Cadillac STS or even the C6 Audi platform -- just because they are a bit larger than the Acura. The Acura has more power (horsepower), but BMW makes superb engines; and there just aren't enough "o's" in smoooth to describe them. Honda (Acura's parent), too is a well respected engine company. The Acura may seem less connected to the highway; the BMW too connected to the highway. The Acura may seem supremely quiet, the BMW too willing to tell you about that pebble you just ran over. The 530xi can be had with a stick shift. For me, that is game, set and match. You may actually consider the BMW with an automatic. While I can think of virtually no explanations why one would buy the 5 series "shiftless" -- well that is just me (literally just me, I fear.) Do you really want to interact with the car "a lot"? Or just a little? If you will take the time to put your thoughts down, we may be able to offer you more relevant thoughts. Here's one: given some pricing parity, you will buy the one that you "like the looks of" over the other one that you like less in the styling department. The Acura will likely be a hell of a deal -- and perhaps that, too, will come into play. If the pros are right, you may want to consider the A6 q in the mix. Keep us informed. 
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Replying to: markcincinnati (Aug 04, 2006 4:08 am) I am 41 and live in Cleveland, Ohio. I have a 2003 Accord V6 and I think I can tell what I want in a car. For example, I would love to drive a car which has good acceleration, has good road grip and drives well in snowy weather. Accord feels too light when it snows here and also hesitates climbing my driveway which may have a 15 degree incline. I am happy with the amount of space in the Accord and was okay with the space in RL; I only occasionally have someone sit in my car. I would like to drive something smooth and quiet. I do not appreciate the road noise in the Accord nor the vibration I feel when I hit the brakes (its been there since I bought it new and I have had my rotors turned twice and changed once). I appreciate the minimum body lean of the Accord when driving on a curve at high speed but not the feel of every pebble on the road, though I can live with the latter. I would like to drive something stylish but not at the cost of reliability; I was really fond of the VW Touareg but had to give up the idea because of just that. I am impressed with the looks of RL, 530xi and even the Dodge Charger. Lexus GS is also not too far behind. Unfortunately, I am not too impressed with M35 or A6 looks and like the A4 better, but it may be too tight inside. I would like to avoid an 8 cylinder motor, if I can, and especially a gas guzzler like the 550i, more for environmental reasons than anything else. Money does matter, so nothing above the $60k mark. By the way, this will be my first car in the luxury segment, if I buy/lease one. Thanks. |
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Replying to: erfan (Aug 04, 2006 10:50 am) I took a nice long test drive, alone, in the RL and came away very impressed. I thought it accelerated well, and handled adequately for its size. I thought it was pretty quiet on the highway, though I thought there was a little excessive wind noise from the sunroof - when I got back to the dealer and out of the car, I noticed the sunroof was tilted open (the shade was closed so I didn't notice from the inside)  . If you read the threads from RL owners, a consistent complaint is the noise level - perhaps it gets worse with age, or perhaps I'm just used to my TSX, but I thought it was pretty darn quiet, and on par with the rest of the class. For one reason or another, the RL has not sold well, and thus, it seems they can be had for low $40's. Which, in my mind, makes a great buy, as long as your comfortable with the reasons it's not selling well. It seems to me that a lot of it comes down to ho-hum styling, inside and out, and a lack of significant distinction from the TL and, some say, the Accord. Since these reasons are pretty subjective in nature, I'd say if you like the RL, it's a great way to go. At it's MSRP of $50k, the competition is too stiff, as evidenced by the incentives offered on the RL. But it's a tremendous package for $42-$43k, new. And I agree, it seems as though the bugs from the first model year were worked out for 2006. 2007 will offer more flexibility in model selection (i.e., nav is optional), if that means anything to you. For me, the better balance and rear-biased AWD of the 530xi that Mark referred to make the BMW more appealing to me. And, on more simple terms, I really like the styling of the 5-series. It's the only one out of all the competitors that I've actually made purchase offers on, whereas when I'm done with the test drives of the other cars, I always feel like "thinking about it." So, sort of a gut feel. My only concerns with the BMW is the cost and potential reliability issues. I've owned several Hondas/Acuras, with a Toyota and Infiniti thrown in there, so I'm very comfortable with those brands, but have no personal experience with BMW. So, I'm looking at slightly used ones to make it more cost-effective, and preferably CPO ones to provide the extra warranty. It's worth it to me to go this route, to get the car I really want. Anyway, just my thoughts. Thought I'd share. Good luck in your decision. |
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Replying to: erfan (Aug 04, 2006 10:50 am) Yet, a long identical (yes over the same route) test drive of each might leave you wishing for the BMW if you go with the Acura. You will NOT need to spend $60K on either of these. The Acura on paper will be a better value -- more content for the money. The BMW full maint program and the ability to CPO it yourself before 50K miles ought to allay your reliability concerns. The Acura MAY be quieter over most road surfaces, but the BMW will not let much road noise in while the tires are in their tread depth sweet spot. You didn't mention your preference for transmissions. The BMW offers ONLY 6 speeds, both auto and manual. The Acura has a 5 speed auto. The BMW is said to be more stark in its interior appointments than the Acura. Both cars have had several glowing reviews written about them. Acura is for whatever reason struggling to "give the RL's away" -- and their sales have dropped sometimes below 1000 units a month. This probably translates to a good deal. The Acura can be tarted up a bit with a sport package that does include some ground effects too (A Spec.) The BMW cannot be had with a sport suspension but there is a factory 18" wheel and tire option. The sound system in the Acura is, to my taste, superior, but the BMW is very good, just not AS good as the Acura's. The BMW remains for many the "IT" car -- for me that works against it, but I am clearly in the minority in this respect since most people avert their eyes and bow their heads when a BMW is nearby. The Acura has been called a high zoot Accord by a few wise guys -- for some that is praising with faint damnation; for others it is vice versa. The test drive, the long identical test drives with YOUR CD's in the changer; with similarly equipped versions (it would be nice if both had the nav system, that is.) If you can, if they offer one, if there is ONE on the lot, do test drive the BMW 530xi with a 6 speed manual. These cars, IMHO, have many more similar traits than dissimilar -- despite my comments. I would not be upset in being given either one as a company car; and, I probably would not pay $200 per month more for the BMW over the Acura on a lease. I might pay $50 more for the BMW, maybe even $100 -- but I would take the manual transmission equipped version for my $100 up charge. I would get the A6 with SLine, premium and technology packages over either of these cars if I HAD to have an automatic transmission. The Audi, if you care, can be had for a price similar to the BMW, but the Audi will have a 4.2FSI 350HP V8, whilst the BMW will come (at that price point) equipped with a 255HP i6. Given the questions you have and your history, you may find the BMW is not quite the "start it, drive it and forget about it" car the Acura probably would be. There are some impressive lease deals on the Acura for the reasons cited above. Both cars will be wonderful in winter (love that alliteration.) The BMW will take corners with aplomb. The Acura is no slouch in that dept, but, but, but -- it still has a FWD biased implementation of its SH-AWD. Most of the time, however, you would never notice. The BMW might look newer, more fresh, than the Acura 4 years from now -- but, heck, a lot of that is in the eye of the beholder. The Acura is, to my eye, attractive but it does NOT hide its relationship with the Accord very well. That may or may not mean a hill of beans to you, and it is, after all, YOUR money. Acura = probably the best deal BMW = might be the best car (behind the wheel), however. If you are looking for a big change from your Accord -- the BMW will be that. If you are looking for a "more better" version of your current car, the Acura will offer that easily. If you are able and so inclined to drive at high speeds, I know of no country that builds cars better equipped to do this than Germany (even though it is said Infinity at least now knows the target it is shooting for.) So, drive: the Acura RL and A-spec; the Audi A6 S-Line;the BMW 530xi in both auto and manual configurations; and, while your at it, take an M35X with Journey and Technology packages out for a drive. Drive 'em all. Drive 'em again. See what kind of deals you can get. Drive 'em again -- and take notes (hence the reason to drive the same test loop). Tally your scores. Drive into the sunset knowing that you have picked YOUR best, YOUR favorite. Don't start out making excuses though as to why you went with "A" rather than "B" or "C" which you really wanted more in the first place. This means you do need to make a price dependent and independent choice. I mean, for pity's sake, would you NOT take your "second choice" price independent if it were to be offered to you for $100 per month? Let the fun begin. 
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Replying to: markcincinnati (Aug 05, 2006 6:37 am) Please help me understand a couple of things you have written. One was "..you may find the BMW is not quite the "start it, drive it and forget about it car the Acura probably would be". Does this mean it requires more maintenance? No. 2, "The BMW will take corners with aplomb. The Acura is no slouch in that dept, but, but, but -- it still has a FWD biased implementation of its SH-AWD". Does it make a difference when taking corners? I thought that the difference would be in acceleration. To tell you the truth, I was originally inclined to get the RL and went out and test drove it. Though I find it to be really beautiful and plush from inside, I did not enjoy driving it. The 530 looked hideous to me when I first saw it, unlike the older 5 which had stunning good looks. But it seems to be growing on me and the more I see it the more I like it. I would hopefully test drive it soon and take another look at the RL. One of my problems is that I do not have too much time to spend on this activity; I tested the RL when I went for Accord's scheduled service. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.
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Replying to: erfan (Aug 05, 2006 3:00 pm) #2. The BMW has Rear biased All Wheel Drive and has better f/r balance. The Acura tends to understeer more than the BMW, too. The Acura tends to pull more than push is what I wanted to point out. Much of the time, perhaps, it won't make you "no never mind." There will be times however that the Front biased AWD of the Acura will make it somewhat less satisfying than the BMW (at least if you know how the BMW feels.) |
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| One thing to point out, though, is a lot of folks that buy these cars are not professional drivers. A lot of these buyers are just ordinary drivers that are able to afford a "status" car. It is easier to regain control of a FWD with understeer that it is to regain control of a RWD car with oversteer. | |
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Replying to: erfan (Aug 04, 2006 10:50 am) 1. Engine. Although it claims almost 300hp, you drive torque, not horsepower. And RL torque is not that high and peaks at 5000rpm. This means car does not feel quick unless you really step on it. 2. 5 speed transmission. Everyone in the 50K+ segment offers 6sp or more. 3. Only 8 way driver seat. Even *basic* BMW seat adjusts 10 ways and contour seats do it 20 ways. 4. Only 4-way adjustment for passenger seat. Is this a joke? 5. Acura says, everything is included. What is actually means "we included everything that we managed to salvage from TL and Accord". RL simply does not have options every luxury car has, included or optional. Where are rain sensing wipers? Heated rear seats? Parking sensors or rear camera? Night vision? High-grade leather? iPod integration? Heated steering wheel? Headlight washers? Multi stage front heated seats? Ventilated seats? It feels like Acura decided to cut costs all over the place. |
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