Car & Driver Comparision Test
02-23-2006, 05:43 PM
#11
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My Ride: '04 545iS 6 spd, bought new via eBay, 11/05; Blk/Gry, Cold, L7, PDC, BMW Rear seatcover for pets.
First "Bumwa" was a new 1971 2002. High performance 5s since 1987. Beamer motorcycles too, currently on an 07 BMW K1200 GT; also a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III.
I assume you wish to drop back down to the 3-litre class for 4 WD. But, I can't imagine why you wouldn't be disappointed. Don't know where you are, weatherwise, but if I were interested in ponies enough to pony-up for an E500, I'd seriously consider snowtires on a 550 sport. 
Cheers,
Ray Hull
Cheers,
Ray Hull
02-23-2006, 08:17 PM
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Originally Posted by PUZZ1' post='245010' date='Feb 23 2006, 03:04 PM
How do you respond to the C/D comparison test which rated the 530i 6th out of 8 entries in a recent comparison. I'm strongly considering a 530xi Touring vs. an Audi A6 avant as my replacement for an E500. This commentary doesn't get me there however.
Thoughts are appreciated. I wish I had a link to the article but I don't. They basically said that the 530 was slow compared to other Japanese competition such as the Infiniti M35 (which won), Acura RL, Audi A6 4.2, etc. And, they continue to hate, I mean HATE, the I-Drive system.
Thanks for your comments. I really want to go with a BMW for my future car.
Thoughts are appreciated. I wish I had a link to the article but I don't. They basically said that the 530 was slow compared to other Japanese competition such as the Infiniti M35 (which won), Acura RL, Audi A6 4.2, etc. And, they continue to hate, I mean HATE, the I-Drive system.
Thanks for your comments. I really want to go with a BMW for my future car.
1. C/D results took into account price. BMWs, in my opinion, are notoriously overpriced and represent a bad bargain vis-a-vis its closest competitors -- i.e., the Japanese automakers. In many ways, buying a BMW is buying a bit of snobbish appeal. It is what it is. The market apparently supports the price points that BMW sets.
2. C/D results are based on many subjective issues -- e.g. styling and i-drive. The i-drive does not make the 5er a better or worse car on the road; it is simply is an interface system - nothing more and nothing less. As to styling, if you like the Bangle-flame surface uber-in-your-face cat's eye headlight look, then that's all that matters.
3. The auto wars are like a game of hopscotch. The Infiniti M was built and designed and conceived to "one-up" the 5er. And, in that respect, it succeeded. Part of the reason why the Infiniti will rate better than the 5er is simply because it is newer. If you buy the 5er today, you will inevitably be buying older tech. Wait a few years when the next generation 5er (codenamed F10) comes out, buy that car, and read C/D comparo, then you will find that the car you bought is once again in the head of the class. Just really depends on when you buy the car and when the comparo is done. Such is life.
Enjoy whatever you buy and good luck.
02-23-2006, 08:25 PM
#13
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My Ride: 2014 X5 xDrive 5.0 M Package Carbon Black Metallic/2008 M Roadster Imola Red
Originally Posted by ipse dixit' post='245201' date='Feb 24 2006, 12:17 AM
Couple of thoughts on the C/D comparison and how to respond to its results.
02-23-2006, 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted by PUZZ1' post='245010' date='Feb 23 2006, 05:04 PM
How do you respond to the C/D comparison test which rated the 530i 6th out of 8 entries in a recent comparison. I'm strongly considering a 530xi Touring vs. an Audi A6 avant as my replacement for an E500. This commentary doesn't get me there however.
Thoughts are appreciated. I wish I had a link to the article but I don't. They basically said that the 530 was slow compared to other Japanese competition such as the Infiniti M35 (which won), Acura RL, Audi A6 4.2, etc. And, they continue to hate, I mean HATE, the I-Drive system.
Thanks for your comments. I really want to go with a BMW for my future car.
Thoughts are appreciated. I wish I had a link to the article but I don't. They basically said that the 530 was slow compared to other Japanese competition such as the Infiniti M35 (which won), Acura RL, Audi A6 4.2, etc. And, they continue to hate, I mean HATE, the I-Drive system.
Thanks for your comments. I really want to go with a BMW for my future car.
02-24-2006, 10:40 AM
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My Ride: 2006 550i, Black/Black, every option except HUD
Originally Posted by tcoz' post='245220' date='Feb 23 2006, 09:51 PM
I absoutely love my 530xi Touring. It's quick and handles almost as well as the sedan. I've always been puzzled by the people who dislike iDrive. In about 1 hour, I had it down pat although I don't have nav.
And I absolutely adore the silky smooth rocket 550i I have. iDrive is a cinch even with Nav.
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