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BMW 535i vs Lexus GS 350 vs Audi A6

73 messages,  Last post on Feb 08, 2013 at 9:08 AM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS 350, Audi A6, Car Comparisons, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 6 of 8

#48 of 73 comparison by cablue

Jan 27, 2008 (6:55 pm)

I was trying to decide btwn the bmw and audi, also. I now have the 550i. I last had a 2001 530sp. I like the new body much better as far as size. Much more comfortable for me with passengers. The idrive is a pain! It's easy but inconvenient. You have to go thru multiple steps to just change stations. The newest bmws have improved a little in that regard. They now have some preset buttons. With the runflat tires, I get this forceful message when you just get a little low on air. It says, "Stop immediately!!!" The first time it happened it freaked me out. It's happened twice now and I tend to ignore it a little. I check the tire pressure and fill it up. No flats yet! As far as cupholders, the newer cupholders are tons better than in my 2001! I didn't think they'd be that good, but they're perfectly fine to me. I had so many spills in my old car. I agree with the fact that the Lexus is not for me. It's too small inside with very little headroom. Not sporty enough for me, either. I do like the Audi. It does get better side crash ratings. I also wish bmw had xm radio instead of Sirius. Minor issue. It's tough to move away from bmw once you've had one. Reliability on both have been excellent!

#49 of 73 Re: Make the logical choice (for you) [Bushwack] by anon3

Feb 02, 2008 (8:24 pm)

Replying to: Bushwack (Dec 25, 2007 8:30 pm)
I drove a GS and an ES just to see what I was missing by driving BMWs. It turned out that I wasn't missing anything. The numb Lexus driving experience and the steering column made of rubber bands were immediate deal breakers. I also fundamentally object to paying $50K for a vehicle that's mass produced (to a significant extent) from parts that are designed to be cost effective in a $25K vehicle.
 
The Mark Levinson stereo almost could make it worth it, though.

#50 of 73 Re: comparison [cablue] by anon3

Feb 02, 2008 (8:26 pm)

Replying to: cablue (Jan 27, 2008 6:55 pm)
A BMW dealer can install XM satellite radio of you don't like Sirius.

#51 of 73 Re: comparison [anon3] by cablue

Feb 04, 2008 (3:54 pm)

Replying to: anon3 (Feb 02, 2008 8:26 pm)
Thanks. I didn't know that. I do prefer XM.

#52 of 73 in response to bmw vs audi vs lexus by juanbron

Feb 05, 2008 (10:33 pm)

they are all great cars. currently, i am finishing up my lease on a 2005 A8. A car i absolutely love, but that has been in the shop so many times you can't imagine. All little stuff, all covered by warranty, but nonetheless, I must have had that car in the shop every 6-8 weeks over the course of the 3 years.
I have been looking at Bmw 5 series, the a6, and the gs. If the 5 series didn't do god awful in the side impact test, i would get that car in a second. But i have a baby so thats out of the question.
I have discounted the a6 completely because of all the trouble i had with the a8. But safety is very important to me and the a6 kicks butt in the safety department, and even though I live in california, the confidence in inclement weather that quattro provides is incredible. and i checked consumer reports and they feel that the 2007 a6 for some reason is incredibly reliable. According to them, the a6 is just about as reliable as the lexus. i find it very hard to believe.
by the way, i have mmi in my car and its absolutely incredible.
so the a6 is back on my list vs. the gs.
the 5 series which i initially wanted is out because of the bad side impact results.

#53 of 73 Re: BMW Reliability [papsephus] by blckislandguy

Feb 08, 2008 (7:38 pm)

Replying to: papsephus (Jan 19, 2008 4:15 pm)
Papesphus, let me understand this, you bought a 7 Series and you are happy when they give you a 3 Series loaner????

#54 of 73 Re: in response to bmw vs audi vs lexus [juanbron] by anon3

Feb 11, 2008 (6:56 pm)

Replying to: juanbron (Feb 05, 2008 10:33 pm)
Is an X5 an option? The interior is identical to the 5, just a little bigger, and I believe it received 5 star side impact ratings for front and rear passengers. It's an SUV (sort of), but might be a reasonable compromise. Personally, I prefer it to the 5 series for many reasons.

#55 of 73 Re: BMW Reliability [blckislandguy] by anon3

Feb 11, 2008 (6:57 pm)

Replying to: blckislandguy (Feb 08, 2008 7:38 pm)
Probably because the 3 series is a blast to drive and it's nice to swap sometimes, especially after spending time in a large sedan.

#56 of 73 Re: BMW 535i vs Lexus GS350 vs Audi A6 [og_oggilby] by srikanthjanga

Feb 21, 2008 (1:21 pm)

Replying to: og_oggilby (Nov 30, 2007 9:04 am)
If you are looking at the AWD versions, i am afraid you are missing out a lot by not driving the audi quattro versions. they rank alongside the subaru for being the best AWD implementations on the market.

#57 of 73 A6 lease is up..what did i do? by abockstein

Feb 21, 2008 (7:38 pm)

after 3 fantastic years with my 05 A6Q 3.2 my lease is up, so i wanted to see my options and to possible save some money. I wanted my lease payment not to be too high...I also do not believe that you should ever put money down on a lease(other than inceptions, first month and fees..)(reminder GAP insurance does not give you back your inceptions and fees)..anyway I had the best 3 years with my A6, no real problems at all, a few rattles, trunk latch issues but no real problems... it was a pleasure to drive and exclusive, everyone that sat IN the car loved it, but never got a "great car" comment unless they sat inside..So i decided to look at the GS350, good looking car, nice interior, but such cheap plastic, mushy seats and a lifeless soft ride, braking and steering that were emotionless...and zero down 36/15K lease for 785/month--two dealers also! way to high for a really nice toyota. I looked at another A6, but no real changes and $800/month also(and no more free maintainence), so i had to drive the 535I because every single revie says it is one of (if not the best) engines around..after two minutes in the car i was sold, nothing is faster, smoother and handled better...yes, the interior and cupholders are way inferior to AUDI, it is still world class...bmw has set the standard so high with the mix of performance and handling, audi sets the standard for safety and quattro and interior and fit and fininsh...but i needed a change and when the payments on the new 535 were $75/month less and free maintanence, i decided a change would be in order..i will miss my a6 terribly, but i will love speeding onto I95 with my twin turbos......

Messages Page 6 of 8

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