PoliticalAid007

Well, I stand corrected, the M35 is quite a car. I test drove one again, and I was very impressed. The power is incredible. I was driving the base M35 with Tech and Journey Package. The car is so roomy, nice interior, and powerful. I thought there was some road noise, but nothing that bothered me. I was impressed with the handling. It drove well.

Now, in addition to the Acura TL, and the BMW 530, I am going to look seriously at the M35.

Well, I can pick up an M35 with Tech and Journey Package for about $47,000 Out the Door, which includes a California Sales Tax of 7.97%. I can pick up an Acura TL with Navigation for $35,500 Out The Door, including A California Sales Tax of 7.97%.

I can pick up an M35 Sport with Tech and Journey Package for about $49,000 Out The Door. And, I can pick up an M35X with AWD, Tech and Journey Packages for $49,500 Out the Door, including California Sales Tax of 7.97%.

I really do like the 5 Series BMW, but when you price it out against the competition, WOW, does it get EXPENSIVE. A comparable equipped 530 is about $18,000 more than an M35. I am coming to the conclusion that the 5 Series is just too over priced for what you get. Again, that is strictly my opinion. NO QUESTION, the 530 is a great car, but is $18,000 more great over an M35. I am not so sure....

I love the TL with Navigation, it looks sexy, is sporty, holds value well, is safe, has cool gadgets, and offers a great value. But I have really come to love the M35, it looks sexy, is sporty, Consumer Reports believes it will hold value well, has cool gadgets, and offers a great value for what you get.
Here are real life Prices:

2006 Acura TL with Navigation $35,500 OUT THE DOOR, which Includes California Tax of 7.97%
2006 M35 with Tech and Journey Package, $47,000 OUT THE DOOR, which includes California Tax of 7.97%
2006 M35 Sport with Tech and Journey Package, $49,000 OUT THE DOOR, which includes California Tax of 7.97%.
2006 M35X AWD, with Tech and Journey Package, $49,500 OUT THE DOOR, which includes California Tax of 7.97%

ipse dixit

I don't consider the TL comparable to the Infiniti M or the BMW 5er. The comparable Acura would be the RL, which (based on dealer inventory and from what I am told by my dealer friends) you can get at a substantial discount from the MSRP of approx. 50k. The RL can probably be had (out the door) cheaper than the M35 with sport/journey.

As to the M35, go with the sport/journey package. For a mere 2k difference in price you get better wheels/tires and the cool nav.

Unless you have to have AWD, I wouldn't bother with the M35x. I don't really like the Infiniti AWD system. To some extent, I think Acura has it better with SH-AWD (even though it is FWD based). A6 Quattro might also be a good alternative for this platform.

Good luck and happy shopping.

Simple1

I don't for one second doubt it's a great car, but I never say this about any car really but I find the interior absolutely horrific!! what is up with the 2 levels in the dash board, way too cluttered. sheeeesh I used to think MB dashboards were cluttered, not even a chance, Infiniti takes the cake as there is an infinitude of buttons on the dash and why just why is it spilt into 2 levels? some designer on this board has to answer that for me, because I just can't seem to find it purpose.

znod

Welcome. I like the M35 and would go with it before the other two cars.

swajames

Struggling to work out how you arive at an 18,000 difference based on the prices you quoted for the M35. How did you spec the 530, and what have you got so far as an out the door price on the E60?

PoliticalAid007

Struggling to work out how you arive at an 18,000 difference based on the prices you quoted for the M35. How did you spec the 530, and what have you got so far as an out the door price on the E60?
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Well, I stand corrected again. It is a $14,000 Difference and an $11,000 differences with ED.
I am comparing Apples to Apples. In the M35 Sport for $49,000 out The Door, which includes a California Tax of 7.97% you get the following BMW Equivalent options:

BMW 530 Invoice $42770
Destination 695
Automatic 1210
Sport 2095
Premium 1640
Cold Weather 685
Heated Rear Seats 320
Fold Down Rear Seat 430
Sirius Radio 540
Navigation 1640
Active Cruise Control 2000
Comfort Access 910
Rear Door Airbag 350
Premium Sound 1640
Purchase over Invoice 1000
Tax
Registration 490

Total $63,031.
M35 with same options $49000
Difference $14,031

I suppose if you did ED, you could not another $3,000 grand off the difference, assuming you flew over, stayed one night, then flew back. Taking those costs into consideration, I guess the 530i would cost you about $60,0000 OTD. So, with ED:

BMW 530i With All Same Options bought ED - costs of flying roundtrip and staying one night.
OTD Price $60,000

M35 Sport OTD $49,000

Difference $11,000

Well, $11,000 to to $14,000 is quite a difference. I guess the question should be: Is the BMW 530i worth that much more over the M35? After driving the M35, I am not quite sure the BMW is worth the price premium. I will definitely drive both cars again to make another comparison, because I am very intrigued by the M35. I think Nissan Inc. did a great job with this car. But, I have always loved BMW's, so I need to compare again.

bitboy

I am sure it is a great car with lots of performance and very reliable.....but I can't stand stand the smell of the interior! It smells like cheap plasic. There is nothing like the smell of the BMW leather!!!!!!

BMWDoug

I understand what you are saying. But, I too am impressed with the new M35/M45. I am going to check one out. The money savings cannot be denied. And, the performance of the M35/M45 cannot be denied. I also think they look classy. As classy as the 530i, well, I am not sure. But, looks are subjective.

Now, Infiniti does not have the Image of the BMW Badge, but hey I believe a car can speak for itself. BMW earned their reputation, maybe Infiniti is now earning their reputation. I am looking forward to checking out the M35/M45 and 530i back to back. It is nice to have both Dealerships right next to each other.

PoliticalAid007

I understand what you are saying. But, I too am impressed with the new M35/M45. I am going to check one out. The money savings cannot be denied. And, the performance of the M35/M45 cannot be denied. I also think they look classy. As classy as the 530i, well, I am not sure. But, looks are subjective.

Now, Infiniti does not have the Image of the BMW Badge, but hey I believe a car can speak for itself. BMW earned their reputation, maybe Infiniti is now earning their reputation. I am looking forward to checking out the M35/M45 and 530i back to back. It is nice to have both Dealerships right next to each other.
[/quote]

I am struggling with this decision. But, it is a good struggle. I love BMW's, always have loved them. And, I think the Acura TL offers a great value at that price point, Although, it really is not in the same league as an M35 or BMW 530. The M35 and 530i are true luxury/sport sedans.

The Luxury/Sport Sedan Market in this range now offers some GREAT CHOICES. It is not like years before, where there was really no choice or decision at all. Now, the consumer has plenty of choices, which is a good thing for us all. But, also can lead to fun but tough decision making.

In all honesty, I was very surprised when I gave the M35 a good look and a good test drive. I could not understand how Nissan could offer so much for so much less than an equivalent equipped 530i. Again, the difference is about $14,000. The M35 also comes with a 3.5L V6 280 Horsepower Engine.

Heck, a fully Loaded M45 Sport, can be purchased for about $,5000 grand less than an equivalent 530i. And, a M45 Non Sport fully loaded can be had for about $7,500 less than an equivalent 530i. And, the M45 comes with a 4.5L V8 335 Horsepower Engine. So, again, I was just amazed at the value, quality, and performance of the M35/45. I believe in the next redesign of the 5 Series, you will see BMW offering a lot more standard bells and whistles and a 3.5L Engine. BMW is being pushed. As a person who loves BMW's, the only thing I see missing from the M35/M45 is the BMW Badge.

So, I will have fun test driving the M35, M45 and BMW 530i again, hopefully tomorrow in between College Football Bowl Games! I love College Football, so I have to time my day out. But, I am looking forward to driving all cars again.

dgjk

The Infiniti is a nice car but since this is a BMW board I have to say this - it isn't a BMW.

In my opinion othing compares the the BMW in "feel" - but this is the subjective part
You have to get on the car fairly vigorously to truly notice what a great job the BMW engineers do in setting up the car

I agree - it is more expensive than the competition - but I think the price is worth it

This is one of the few good dilemma's to be in - have fun and enjoy

You really can not make a wrong decision (unless you do not get the e60 - just kidding)