5-series is a great car. Though the new looks is quite controversial, I still remain skeptical until I see it in person. If you can afford a SC430 why not get the 545i instead of the 530i? My guess is that there will be an engine upgrade for the 6cyl in the following year for when the new 3 series comes out since they will definitely have a better engine then. At least the V8 will be around longer than the 3.0I6. Just a recommendation. Great car though. I'm hoping the 545i will be my next car after I get out of my 330ci
B-Bob and I think alike. My personal opinion is that BMW's are not good investments. Warranties or no, you still end up having to (a) pay a lot out of pocket for crap that breaks and (b) deal with bad service and lost time due to that service (opportunity cost). But if we're going to talk about them, I'm not too impressed with the styling of the new 5-series. I do like the look of the new 6-series. That looks sweet.
I agree as do many other BMW fans. I think the exterior design has taken a step back. From the moment the spy photos of the new 5 were released months ago, people have been on a tirade over the design of the 3's and 5's. It's still a nice machine, like you say, but the look for me just isn't as beautiful as the previous model.
I highly recommend you get the extended warranty. But if you live in Houston probably Momentum has the worse service. They do provide you with a bmw loaner which is great and most of the things I've experienced myself have been small issues. Annoying as it is, it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of driving one of these machines. I do agree maintenance is quite higher but all cars are not investments at all, unless it's one of those exotic classics which rarely become more valuable with time.
Damnit Khan..... How the hell am I supposed to spot your ride now that you are an inner loop clone with yet another beamer....... Seriously.... good purchase. Let me know when you want to roll Red Door on a Saturday.
I'm at the Red Door like every weekend, since I live right next to it. Fattyfatbastard and T_J were there last weekend. Lemme know when yall decide to roll over there- teXXX
Damn! I remember you telling me not to be one of them, but here I am being pulled into it. Its just that I think I need a 4-door and I don't want to pay $1600 a year for run-flat tires that go out every 12,000 miles and for a car that I found out has been having lots of problems with its top and the electronics. BigTexxxy, I was there on Saturday night. That place has managed to stay bad ass while most turnover monthly. Red Star turned into a Ghettofied toilet REAL fast. I think the cycle is going to have to start over again and I end up at Uropa. Any time you guys wanna hang. Just start a thread or email.
I'm going through BMW of North Houston. They are giving me a good deal and as late as i'm ordering it, they're getting it to me by late October/Early November because somebody flaked out and I got to take his spot. Momentum of Houston told me end of November/ Early December!! And for those who say i've never sat in one before, its a 100% refundable deposit. If i don't want it I just walk away. What color combination did you get?? And I wish they would've let us get the navigation system with the heads up (windshield) display, but that won't be out till spring.
I thought about it, but reconsidered it. I'm building some townhouses downtown and am getting reemed on the costs now. But later on I want to go in on an exotic with my brother. If I can save 20k or so from the 530 vs. the 545, thats more towards that car. We both want to have our everyday cars, and then have something badass to mess around in on the weekends like a 911 Twin Turbo or a Modena. Of course business had better pick up a bit!
B M trouble-you My buddy claims he's going to be getting a new M5 within about 6 months. Is that possible?
Pole, The new body style M5 will be a 2005 model and will probably come out October or November of 2004. So, I don't think you're buddy will be getting one any time soon. Maybe a 2003 or 2002 model, which is the old style. Its still a beautiful car though. But he should look at an '01 M5 then, its the same car and you'll pay 20 or 30 grand less. The prices on those are falling with the new body style coming out anyway.
He has more money than he knows what to do with (regional sales manager for Cisco), so knowing him, he's gonna want the latest and greatest. Perhaps he's just being overly optimistic. I'll be honest, I was always like "Ho-hum" when it came to beamers, but I took my wife out and test drove some of them a few months back. We were just driving the Z4 and the 3 series rag tops, and I have to admit.....I was pretty impressed. They really are a driving machine.....especially that little Z4. I best stick with my truck though.....the temptation to push it to the limit would be too great for me.
Well they finally got a 2004 5-series in. Its quite a bit bigger than the previous model and just slightly smaller than a 7-series. I took it out for a drive and though it was large, it handled amazingly. The active steering feature that changes your steering sensitivity based on speed was evident and the manuverability was everything one would expect from BMW. The interior is classic simplicity. There are no gauges for the sound system, everything is controlled by a simplified (simpler than the controversial 7-series) I-drive. I couldn't get the navigation b/c it won't be available till next year, but the screen has an ability to play DVD's as well. Its about 4" or 5", so its a good size screen. The back seats are roomy and the interior is classic bmw. Mine of course will be a 6-speed which should make it even funner. Overall experience 8 out of 10 !! Of course I still have a month to wait for mine, I can follow its production on their web site.
