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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 Audi A6 Forum.

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

Messages Page 7 of 8

#59 of 73 Re: A6 lease is up..what did i do? [jeqq] by kgary

Feb 22, 2008 (3:37 am)

Replying to: jeqq (Feb 21, 2008 9:42 pm)
I am also driving the 4.2 and agree that it is the best of both worlds.

#60 of 73 BMW again? by asteinberg

Mar 29, 2008 (7:05 pm)

I had Audis and liked them.
My last car was leased BMW 530i.
I'm actually considering 535i, because it resolved some key 530i problems (somewhat better NAV w/integrated live traffic; memory buttons for radio and AM-FM-satellite band-switching; voice recognition that actually works). Mileage worse than Lexus GS350 with more value, but lease terms not so great, and BMW has free maintenance (w/brakes!). Still prefer NAV and other user friendly items on Lexus, Infiniti and other alternatives I'm exploring.
As long as I can avoid my local dealer here in Calabasas (So Calif), I may give BMW another chance!
Questions--
(1) Given the slowness of the auto market, how close to invoice does 530i go?
(2) Does BMW offer financing deals, or just leasing deals?
(3) Other than premium, sports, comfort access, navigation, sirius satellite radio, does anyone reading this recommend any options ...especially if they are perosonally familiar with them? If I go beyond the above, I must special order:
(4) Are head-up display and night vision use mere toys or useful? (Seems odd that night vision visible only in NAV system.)
(5) Is rear door side impact airbag safe, or a threat to kids?
(6) power rear &manual side sunshades worth the money to keep the kids happy?
(7) any other options truly worthwhile and worth the money?
(8) Last time, I did 24 mo, cheaper per mo than 36. Now, 36 slightly higher. I still think 24 mo, to save buying 4 costly fun-flat tires.
(8a) FINALLY -- does anyone know what the Money Factor will be for 535i for APRIL for 12000, 24mo, 36 mo, and, possibly for 15000. If I go BMW, I could buy/lease Mon/3-31 or wait until Tues/4-1, if MF different.
(8b) IF I special order, due to other items, I'd use March MF or June MF, whichever is lower. My guess is June MF would be lower. Thoughts?

#61 of 73 Re: BMW again? [asteinberg] by pat

Mar 29, 2008 (7:43 pm)

Replying to: asteinberg (Mar 29, 2008 7:05 pm)
Actually, there really is no need to post this in so many places. People tend to read all discussions about vehicles which interest them, so you don't have to worry about it being seen.
 
Since this is a specific vehicle comparo, let's ask anyone who can respond to so at this link asteinberg, "BMW 5-Series Sedans" #12442, 29 Mar 2008 6:47 pm instead of in this discussion.
 
Thanks!

#62 of 73 Re: BMW again? [pat] by asteinberg

Mar 29, 2008 (10:25 pm)

Replying to: pat (Mar 29, 2008 7:43 pm)
Thank you, Pat.
I find these discussions very helpful, and I've recommended them to many friends.
Leasing a car means I'll likely be with it for 2 or 3 years; buying it for more.
I think it's worth the time to get the one right for me.

#63 of 73 Re: BMW again? [asteinberg] by usp357

Oct 07, 2008 (8:20 am)

Replying to: asteinberg (Mar 29, 2008 10:25 pm)
I thought I would add my 2 cents to this forum as I recently went through the same mental anguish of what to do when my '06 530ix lease was expiring this month. I looked at replacing with the 528ix, the A6, or the GS350 AWD. The A6 was out because I just couldn't get past how dated the car looked from both the inside and outside. I know they freshened up the A4 but I didn't want to get stuck with a A6 if a new design was going to be coming up in the first year of my lease. It then came down to the BMW or the Lexus.
 
The fact is that for the same price, the GS comes with a lot more toys than the BMW. You would think for the money, the BMW would come with xenon lights, keyless access, ventilated seats, and a few more things but only if you start checking off boxes at the dealer (not even sure BMW has ventilated seats). Also, the paint on the Lexus is far, far better than on the BMW. The reliability of the BMW came into question because my 530 did die on me once when heavy rains caused a short circuit that fried the electronics. Good thing for the warranty because I saw that the dealer charged BMW about $7,000 for the repairs. Would be horrified if I bought the car outright after the lease expired. My friend's 7 month old 528i also died on him as he was driving. Fortunately, he was able to pull over on the shoulder before his transmission failed. A new car at this price point should never, ever leave you stranded.
 
In the end for me it came down to ride and the fact that I have young kids. Everytime I pushed my 530ix, my wife for raise eyebrows. That being the case, what's the point of having a superior handling car if I can't flog it? That then led me to the GS which for someone who wants a lot of luxury and quiet, it's hard to beat. True the BMW handles infinitely better but the GS is much smoother and quieter. Also, for flat out straight line acceleration, the GS easily trounces the 528. So in the end, not a bad deal.

#64 of 73 by addams

Feb 11, 2009 (7:29 am)

Same mental anguish . My list is 08 535i, 08 GS350 or a used next year 09 G37 sedan. I'm giving my wife my 02 Altima 3.5SE. Need something for some traveling we want to do when i retire in a few years. I've got $40,000 to spend from a small windfall.

#65 of 73 Re: A6 lease is up..what did i do? [kgary] by roverlooker1

Feb 11, 2009 (10:22 pm)

Replying to: kgary (Feb 22, 2008 3:37 am)
I just closed on another 3 yr lease on my second A6 4.2. Before re-upping,I drove a few in the class and a few out of class-Range Rover Sport Suprer-charged, Infiniti FX 50S. They are fun vehicles as was the 48 X5 and the 5-Series. It's boring to go back to the same instrumentation, etc. The upside of the A6 is what a fun car it is to drive, particularly under the most extreme (and fun) conditions, and I've never felt safer in a car. I'm no youngster, but in the 4.2 no one knows. Only wish one didn't have to trade the shifting paddles on the steering wheel for the cold package...we can use that package here in Chicago. BTW, my thanks to Car_man for all his help in allowing me to research a lease. His help was invaluable.

#66 of 73 Came down to cupholders and timing by jdritz

Feb 16, 2009 (5:11 pm)

Bimmer was just out of range by the time it came comparably equipped to the GS350 AWD. And those damned cupholders. I drive 35 miles one way to work and drink coffee in the car EVERY day. It' s not like I need those things sometimes or once in a while. I needed a car and the new supercharged A6's weren't out yet. So between the deal I got (17K less than the 535xi comparably eqiupped) and the cupholder nonsense, the Lexus won out.
 
6500 miles. No real complaints. Very good in the snow. Fast...a little too fancy schmancy with the wood and whatnot. The nav system is less than perfect. But all in all, I'm satisfied. Oh...and rain sensing wipers are about the least useful thing I've ever experienced.

#67 of 73 Re: Came down to cupholders and timing [jdritz] by addams

Feb 22, 2009 (8:03 am)

Replying to: jdritz (Feb 16, 2009 5:11 pm)
How's the dash sounds so far in the GS?

#68 of 73 Re: Came down to cupholders and timing [addams] by jdritz

Feb 22, 2009 (11:28 am)

Replying to: addams (Feb 22, 2009 8:03 am)
Started out good. Then got cold out. Lots of creaking and sounded like the glass would flex and the dash wouldn't (or vice versa). There is a TSB to apply a "noise kit" and that has solved that problem.

Messages Page 7 of 8

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