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.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I always gave BMW credit for offering the wide range of transmission options... BUT you did leave out Audi... are they less sporty or less Lux than some of the other cars?

 

I always gave BMW credit for offering the wide range of transmission options... BUT you did leave out Audi... are they less sporty or less Lux than some of the other cars?
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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).

 

Really... oh wells... then BMW is whats left... but like you said if they dont use the new ZSG in the regular line up that would be sad...

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

 

Test drove the new A3 few weeks back. It was 2.0T with DSG. Felt pretty peppy and the tranny was pretty good. Just like Porsche/VW Tiptronic. Except upshift is towards front of car. A little too pricey for what you get. Not a bad tranny though. I can see why all the fuss over the DSG.

 

This also works within the same manufacturer...take me for example. When I was in the market to buy a new car last year, I had my eye on the 745i/Li. I would be sitting in one today had BMW offered a manual transmission in their 7-series. Alas, I got the 545i. The same engine but with a manual transmission.

You won't find me in an automatic for decades. Not yet.

 

Really... oh wells... then BMW is whats left... but like you said if they dont use the new ZSG in the regular line up that would be sad...

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
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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.