so are you saying that a 525 is like a 3 series where as a 530 is a "real" 5 series, even though there is only about a $4000 difference, and those people can't afford that difference?
Actually the 525i and the 530i have the same 3.0L engine. Just a difference of an intake and some computer software
Well, no, I'm not saying much of anything like that. lol. I'd take a 330 before I buy a 525 if I'm looking for handling and performance, so no, comparing a 525 to a 330 is moot - 2 different cars entirely. If I'm looking at a GS300, I'd rather be looking at the 2007 BMW 335i or the 328i. Both will be wicked machines. The 335 is expected to do 0-60 in the low 5's and the 328 in the low 6's.
right, which is why i didnt see the difference to be worth $4,000 more for the 530i. i spent the extras on navigation, sport and premium packages IMO, after driving the '06 330i and my '06 525i there is a huge difference in driving and handling. The 330 drives like a civic (an exageration but had to compare to show point) compared to the 525.
Woah...They're upping the new 3-series for 07? Argh. Just when I had made up my mind to buy a Lexus for my next car.
civic?? do you mean it feel like a civic compared to an accord? Where the civic is more nimble and the accord is more plush?
If you want more than three years out of your car, go for the Lexus. Reliability aside, they're comparable cars. GS is quicker, 5-series drives better, etc... There's also no comparison of the interiors...Lexus destroys BMW in that department. Factor in reliability, and you have to go with Lexus. My dad has the GS430, and I really wish we had opted for the GS300. Still plenty fast, cheaper, and more fuel-efficient. However, I agree with whoever said the MB E-class was the best looking car in the mid-size luxury department.
The E350 absolutely comes with a factory 6 disc in dash CD. Older Benzes used to have the dealer installed CD changers in the glove compartment, not anymore. You can get the Airmatic adjustable suspension where you can go from a softer luxury ride, to the stiffer sportier ride. To me you get pretty much everything for 50,000. There isn't much else to add for that price, and they sell for invoice depending on your trade in. I just think both the Lexus and BMW and Infiniti are absolutely butt ugly compared to the smooth classic looks of the E class. As far as repairs costing a lot, the car is under warranty for 4 yrs, you can extend the warranty for another year or two depending on how long you finance it. The maintenances are about 300 or so, the BMWs have the free scheduled maintenance, but it is built into the price, Mercedes is charging for sched. maint. but they are cutting to the invoice.
Just drove the 525i again today. the engine is good, not great. yesterday, I made the mistake of driving it like my audi a4, meaning I was expecting max torque to hit at 1800 rpm. in short, i inadvertently drove the 525i like a girl. today, i properly used the power band and while engine didn't roar like a airplane, it growled nicely and the output is more than enough. the handling is second to none (for cars of its size). i also drove the GS 300. I found the interior to be literally perfect. There's nothing I would change in it. The layout is intuitive. the finish and materials are immaculate. the freaking vented/cooled leather seating works incredibly well. The salesman did the car a real disservice by basically emphasizing safety, reliability, etc. He was very jumpy whenever I drove a little aggressively, as a result, I didn't push the car to see how it really handles. The engine is smooth, almost too smooth. It has plenty of power, but is tuned to be so quiet, you don't get that audiable response like in the bimmer. So far, it's clear to me that the Lexus scores a perfect 10 on interior/luxury. The Bimmer trails it by a full 2 points, maybe more if Idrive is a nightmare to operate. Which I need specific feedback on. It is fairly clear to me that the bimmer is a 9 on performance. I ding it a point because it could have a little more power. the jury is out on the GS300's performance. I need to drive it again.
I need some input regarding the Bimmer's Idrive system. From what the saleman showed me, I think it may suck. It seems like they overthought the whole thing and complicated something that should be intuitive. Someone with Idrive, please let me know your honest opinion. I don't want to have to go through a lot of trouble just to operate the stereo. ======== On the other hand, the GS 300 doesn't have a built in jack for MP3 players. How hard is that to get installed aftermarket? i'd really like to have that. I run my ipod on a radio frequency, and the quality of sound really suffers.
I test drove the GS and I think the 07 ES is better. It picks up better. I was shocked when I found out th GS hass less horses than the ES. ES-272 HP GS-245 HP Thought the ES is not as stylish.
I drive an A4. it's fun as hell, but I need more room (I'm six three) and luxury in my old age. I can't spend 40K plus on a car (M45) that I htink is ugly. I just cant.
My neighbor just bought a 750i, and the iDrive was a nightmare, it took him 2 frustrating weeks to figure it out. If your'e gonna rule out a Mercedes, I would definetely go Lexus over BMW. They are very nice cars, to me a bit ugly, and I couldn't spend that much on a fancied up Toyota, but still very reliable, packed with features and the service was very good at Sterling McCall, however that was like 10 yrs ago. Westside destroyed the interior of an ES300 and ended up buying the car back, I think they may have had an accident and lied about it.
For anyone getting work done at Momentum, request that "THOMAS" work on your car, and you won't have to worry about some tech ripping you off on bogus repairs, and the job will be done quickly and correctly. If you aren't working with any particular advisor, ask for "Calvin". Good day.
I'll research the MB e class tonight. i have a negative impression of MB's generally b/c build quality I hear has diminished and i hear it drives like a boat. i'll need more info.
Put it this way. If you yourself will be driving the car most of the time, get a beemer. If you're a passenger, get a Lexus. If you test drive the two and you don't feel any difference in their handling, get the Lexus, for you don't have the gift to appreciate it. good luck.
I don't know of another person who has felt that way. But to each their own... The 330 has more hp, more torque, and better slalom numbers than a 525. Maybe you had a dud 330 when you drove it - lol. Just don't race Honda Accords or Nissan Altimas in a straight line...
I don't have a BMW, but I try to follow the car industry and I can assure you that the iDrive was one of the most hated gadgetry in the industry. Just about every magazine I read hated 2 things about the BMW : 1) Chris Bangle styling and 2) the overly and unnecessarily complex iDrive
