E60 vs. M35/M45
#21
Senior Members
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: S. California
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 545i; Manual Shifter
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'll admit, I didn't like the styling of the e60 at first. Then a year later, I'm a proud owner of one. ![Big Grin](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/biggrin.gif)
The car's styling just shows 'aggression'. It's the sporty look that I love from the front headlights to even the flat trunk top and slanted taillights.
I think the reason why I didn't like it a first is because it was a drastic change from any BMW before it. But if you notice the e90 (new 3 series), you'll see similarities in the styling on the inside and outside.
I think BMW is headed in the right direction.
![Big Grin](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/biggrin.gif)
The car's styling just shows 'aggression'. It's the sporty look that I love from the front headlights to even the flat trunk top and slanted taillights.
I think the reason why I didn't like it a first is because it was a drastic change from any BMW before it. But if you notice the e90 (new 3 series), you'll see similarities in the styling on the inside and outside.
![Thumbsup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/thumbsup.gif)
I think BMW is headed in the right direction.
#22
Members
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2005 545i, Black on black. 6spd MT, Nav, sports package.
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yes.. same here.. It took me a while to start appreciating the beauty of the e60.
I too looked at the infiniti M recently and found the cars similar. I did not get a chance to test drive it, but i bet driving-wise it has nothing on the BMW.
Here's what i noticed:
M > 5:
- Cooler Navigation Display and menus.
- In-seat Bose speakers, under the headrest.
- Pop-down LCD display for back seat.
- DVD player
- MP3 player (that works)
- $10,000 cheaper
5 > M:
- Available with manual transmission
- IDrive
- Too much stuff to list.
I too looked at the infiniti M recently and found the cars similar. I did not get a chance to test drive it, but i bet driving-wise it has nothing on the BMW.
Here's what i noticed:
M > 5:
- Cooler Navigation Display and menus.
- In-seat Bose speakers, under the headrest.
- Pop-down LCD display for back seat.
- DVD player
- MP3 player (that works)
- $10,000 cheaper
5 > M:
- Available with manual transmission
- IDrive
- Too much stuff to list.
#23
Senior Members
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Dublin OH
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Arrived 3 June 2005: 2005 545i - Orient Blue, Black interior, Sport, Steptronic, Cold Weather, NAV, Sirius, Logic7, Comfort Seats, Sunshades. What a glorious ride!
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If you're into video games, the M45 is a better choice than the 545.
If you're into actually driving the car, the 545 is a far better choice.
QED.
If you're into actually driving the car, the 545 is a far better choice.
QED.
![Wink](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/wink.gif)
#24
Members
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Toronto CA
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 550745540
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
In this sport-lux category of automobile (E60, MB E-class, Infiniti M, Jag S-type, etc.) there is only 1 manufacturer that offers anything other than an automatic. For enthusiast drivers, there's very little choice in spite of all the cars in this category.
Having said that, there's near universal agreement that nothing beats the E60 in pure driving enjoyment.
Having said that, there's near universal agreement that nothing beats the E60 in pure driving enjoyment.
#25
Contributors
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: So Cal, USA
Posts: 14,776
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by joebel' date='Jul 10 2005, 09:57 AM
In this sport-lux category of automobile (E60, MB E-class, Infiniti M, Jag S-type, etc.) there is only 1 manufacturer that offers anything other than an automatic. For enthusiast drivers, there's very little choice in spite of all the cars in this category.
[snapback]147603[/snapback]
![Laughing](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/laughing.gif)
#26
Members
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Toronto CA
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 550745540
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by EBMCS03' date='Jul 10 2005, 03:59 PM
[quote name='joebel' date='Jul 10 2005, 09:57 AM']In this sport-lux category of automobile (E60, MB E-class, Infiniti M, Jag S-type, etc.) there is only 1 manufacturer that offers anything other than an automatic. For enthusiast drivers, there's very little choice in spite of all the cars in this category.
[snapback]147603[/snapback]
![Laughing](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/laughing.gif)
[snapback]147638[/snapback]
[/quote]In the A6, Audi doesn't offer anything other than auto box. The new A4 V6 also is auto box only. I don't see how that shows they're after the enthusiast market. It's all a numbers game and they can't justify having a manual option. I applaud BMW for having 3 options (well, now it's down to 2) in the 5 series. As far as lux is concerned, I would say Audi is every bit as good as anyone else. In fact, if that were my main criteria, I'd be seriously looking at an A6 (even with the new nose).
#27
Contributors
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: So Cal, USA
Posts: 14,776
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by joebel' date='Jul 10 2005, 01:26 PM
The new A4 V6 also is auto box only.
[snapback]147645[/snapback]
I'm waiting to see of Audi Will offer DSG in their A4 or A6 line up.. so far its only in the TT and A3
#28
Members
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Toronto CA
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 550745540
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by EBMCS03' date='Jul 10 2005, 05:33 PM
I'm waiting to see of Audi Will offer DSG in their A4 or A6 line up.. so far its only in the TT and A3
[snapback]147656[/snapback]
#29
Senior Members
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: S. California
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 545i; Manual Shifter
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by joebel' date='Jul 10 2005, 09:57 AM
In this sport-lux category of automobile (E60, MB E-class, Infiniti M, Jag S-type, etc.) there is only 1 manufacturer that offers anything other than an automatic. For enthusiast drivers, there's very little choice in spite of all the cars in this category.
Having said that, there's near universal agreement that nothing beats the E60 in pure driving enjoyment.
Having said that, there's near universal agreement that nothing beats the E60 in pure driving enjoyment.
[snapback]147603[/snapback]
You won't find me in an automatic for decades. Not yet.
#30
Senior Members
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: S. California
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 545i; Manual Shifter
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by EBMCS03' date='Jul 10 2005, 02:33 PM
[quote name='joebel' date='Jul 10 2005, 01:26 PM']The new A4 V6 also is auto box only.
[snapback]147645[/snapback]
I'm waiting to see of Audi Will offer DSG in their A4 or A6 line up.. so far its only in the TT and A3
[snapback]147656[/snapback]
[/quote]It's a shame really. One would think the DSG would be a perfect match to one of Audi's S or RS class cars.
Theoretically, the DSG transmission is suppose to be better than BMW's SMG offering although I don't actually have a link to support that. I vaguely remember reading it in a magazine.