Article Comments - 2008 BMW 535i Full Test

56 messages, Last post on Jul 25, 2008 at 11:32 AM

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Article comments for Full Test: 2008 BMW 535i - What does BMW's new twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine do for the 5 Series? This 2008 BMW 535i test car with an automatic transmission effectively equaled the acceleration of a 2006 BMW 550i equipped with a manual transmission. The 535i's 5.5-second acceleration to 60 mph proves a sedan doesn't need the 550i's V8 engine to be quick. (more)

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#24 of 56 Re: Article Comments - 2008 BMW 535i Full Test [hihomike] by 0audilicious0 Jun 11, 2007 (5:50 pm)
Replying to: hihomike (Jun 10, 2007 6:06 am) himhomike: I've owned an 05, 06 and an 07, and I find the 08 powerful and unrelenting as it's speed increases. Out of curiosity, what was your motivation to get a new car every year?
#25 of 56 528xi vs. 535xi by kcx Jun 15, 2007 (7:29 am)
I haven't been out to test drive the 2008 5-series yet due to terrible weather for the past 2 weeks here. Anyway, my question is, does the 535xi come with stiffer suspension then the 528xi? I found that to be true in the X5, where the 3.0si has a softer ride than the 4.8i I'd like to get into a BMW, but have been turned away in the past because I prefer the softer ride of the Mercedes and Lexus. I like the responsive engine spec of the 535xi, but if it has a stiffer ride I might have to go with the 528xi instead. Thanks. Replies to this message: carnaught (Jun 15, 2007 1:50 pm) achonko (Jun 15, 2007 3:36 pm) kcx (Jun 16, 2007 7:39 pm)
#26 of 56 Re: 528xi vs. 535xi [kcx] by carnaught Jun 15, 2007 (1:50 pm)
Replying to: kcx (Jun 15, 2007 7:29 am) I'd like to get into a BMW, but have been turned away in the past because I prefer the softer ride of the Mercedes and Lexus. You'll find a firm yet supple ride with the non-sport 5 Series. I think you'll like it.
#27 of 56 Re: 528xi vs. 535xi [kcx] by achonko Jun 15, 2007 (3:36 pm)
Replying to: kcx (Jun 15, 2007 7:29 am) I have to be honest with you, the 550i I test drove with sports suspension is amazing:not too soft, not too hard. I am sure the 535xi will have a softer suspension that the 550i that I test drove. Replies to this message: kcx (Jun 16, 2007 7:39 pm)
#28 of 56 Re: 528xi vs. 535xi [achonko] by kcx Jun 16, 2007 (7:39 pm)
Replying to: achonko (Jun 15, 2007 3:36 pm) carnaught and achonko, Thanks for your very reassuring comments. The weather was good today, so I visited my dealership. They didn’t have any xi’s because there is not much demand in this area it seems. But come winter, people will think about AWD even if bad driving days only last for 2 to 7 days about 4 times a year here. The dealership had plenty of near-base (few options) 528i and one 535i. I drove both of them, and was quite comfortable with both. The 535i was quicker (of course) when pushed, and I could hear the turbo whistle, but I could feel more vibration on the 528i steering than the 535i. OK, I have to admit I am very sensitive to noise and smell, etc. I have decided on the 528xi, based on my experience with the 528i just by the fact that it has adequate power for my driving style. Hopefully the added weight of the 528xi will not hamper its performance too much; probably a 0.5s difference in 0-60mph is not noticeable. Since I had some time after trying out the 5-series, I went a mile down the road to check out the Lexus GS350. Again, there was no AWD version to test drive. The salesman said during summer most people think RWD, but comes winter time, people will think AWD. The GS350 had 18” tires and sounded nosier than the 5-series. It drives smoother, which means detachment from the car and road condition. I currently drive an MB C320, and feel like it is between the GS350 and the 528i. The GS350 is a 2007, and they will start taking order for the 2008’s at the end of July. Other subjective things also make me pick the 528xi over the GS350. I prefer German logic over the Japanese in most controls, for instance cruise control – pushing out to cancel and pulling in to resume. In my 2004 RX300, I had to unlock the driver and passenger doors first before opening the trunk – power lift-gate. On my C320, I can open my trunk without unlocking. Also, the GS350 trunk does not open automatically with remote like the 5-series and my C320. I am picky about the little things. One thing that bothers me is BMW’s decision to use red for turn signal at the back. I feel that keeping turn signal and brake light different colors gives the car behind a better indication of one’s intention. By looking at the color, one can tell immediately that the person in front is signally to turn and not slowing down or stopping. It helps in spilt-second reaction and decision making.
#29 of 56 Where's the critique? by fishferbrains Jul 04, 2007 (7:27 pm)
Ok first, this is NOT a troll. I'm an executive seriously researching a luxury sport sedan and I may still select the 535. What troubles me in this review is that there's virtually nothing critical of the 535 - no note of "twitchy" tip-in that makes around-town driving tiring, the overly firm seats making 1000 mile drives (and I do them) somewhat uncomfortable and the steering that can wander a bit on uneven surfaces. I'm a fan of Edmunds and I like the 535; but reading competitive reviews at least brought to the forefront all those things that "aren't quite perfect" of the 535. Critique isn't bad - especially if we're talking a $60K auto where expectations are very very high. Replies to this message: abqhudson (Jul 04, 2007 8:02 pm) bruceomega (Jul 05, 2007 6:55 am) abqhudson (Jul 05, 2007 9:09 am)
#30 of 56 Nonsense! by abqhudson Jul 04, 2007 (8:02 pm)
Replying to: fishferbrains (Jul 04, 2007 7:27 pm) My wife and I just returned from a 17 day 6015 mile road trip in our BMW 530. I'm 69 years old. Twitchy tip-in ?? It's obvious to me that you haven't driven a 5 series BMW. Overly firm seats?? It's obvious to me that you haven't ridden in a recent 5 series either. I invite you to drive one and then comment. Jim
#31 of 56 Re: Where's the critique? [fishferbrains] by bruceomega Jul 05, 2007 (6:55 am)
Replying to: fishferbrains (Jul 04, 2007 7:27 pm) fishferbrains, We are the owners of a new 535Xi with the Multi-Contour seats. We took our first little excursion yesterday, driving about 30 miles round trip on a limited access toll road. The car is extremely rerassuring, stable, and quiet at speeds up to 75 mph, and those seats are very comfortable. Part of the return drive was in a very heavy thunderstorm with gusting winds, and I could not have asked for a more secure ride in those road conditions. Thanks Bruce
#32 of 56 Re: Where's the critique? [fishferbrains] by abqhudson Jul 05, 2007 (9:09 am)
Replying to: fishferbrains (Jul 04, 2007 7:27 pm) Ok, if you are not a troll, this is my advice: Go drive a 528i without the Active Steering option. Force your dealer to let you drive a car "with" and "without sport package" - see which seats and ride you like best. I am biased, but have owned about every brand of auto there is and for my 2 cents - for driving dynamics and safety - the 5 series is a GREAT car. If the 528 isn't fast enough for you - I think it is governed at 152 mph - drive a 535i. Jim 2005 325ci 2004 530i
#33 of 56 Thanks for the suggestions... by fishferbrains Jul 05, 2007 (9:45 am)
Seriously - thank you. I think comparing the sports vs non-sports version of the car will be next. My reading of tip-in was attributed to both a RT article and http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=3866. This might be specific to the twin turbos on the 535 but i have a high wife acceptance factor to overcome given she'll probably be driving it around town a fair amount as well. Owning an S80 (ok stop laughing) the only redeeming quality might be the seats (the turbo lag is enormous). My seating experiences are limited to recent model 540s and I haven't been that comfortable in them but I read the 08s have done a few things here. Again trying it out myself is next. Bruce - What's your opinion on the "Xi" option. Is it a nice to have or a necessity? Replies to this message: lovemyclk (Jul 05, 2007 3:36 pm) bruceomega (Jul 05, 2007 5:19 pm) kcx (Jul 07, 2007 1:05 pm) shipo (Jul 07, 2007 2:34 pm) and 12 more... gohorns1 (Jul 07, 2007 6:33 pm)