Which E60 would you pick?
#71
Originally Posted by bimmerguy288' post='404036' date='Mar 17 2007, 05:42 PM
Well, maybe we should alll drive a Honda Civic then.
However, US market is always about horsepower. It is not quite clear to me why, but I guess it is historical/cultural thing. Maybe since most cars are sold with automatic extra power is needed. Dunno. The way people drive 100hp is fine, step that Civic at the light and I am sure you'll be half a mile ahead of 90% of cars.
Besides, no one offers luxury cars with stick or reasonably sized engine except BMW with 525/528. I would seriously consider 6MT 630i , I bet it would cost $10K less than 650i, but it does not exist in US. There is no M25, G25 or GS250 either. In 525/528, however, if you add missing options you end up with the same price as 530 so why bother unless you are willing to buy barebone version. Car mags also call anything below 300hp "underpowered".
#73
Originally Posted by uglybear' post='404039' date='Mar 18 2007, 12:56 AM
However, US market is always about horsepower. It is not quite clear to me why, but I guess it is historical/cultural thing. Maybe since most cars are sold with automatic extra power is needed. Dunno. The way people drive 100hp is fine, step that Civic at the light and I am sure you'll be half a mile ahead of 90% of cars.
#74
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From: Oxfordshire, UK
My Ride: E61 535d Apr 05. UK spec + Media Pack, Luxury Pack & Visibility Pack
Originally Posted by uglybear' post='404033' date='Mar 18 2007, 12:33 AM
Tell me then, why TT is not offered in Europe and instead NA 272hp 530 is offered in MY 2008? I believe the answer is simple: in US BMW decided it must have 300hp to compete with Lexus GS350 and Infiniti M35. Not offering TT on E60 in Europe shows, IMO, that BMW does not think TT is a good thing really.
#75
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From: Sweden, EU
My Ride: 07' 530d - M-Sport - Titanium Silver / Black Dakota leather
08' 120i - M-Sport - Alpine White III / Black Sensatec
If I lived in the US I would go for the 550i as it costs less than a 530d here, but then there would the risk of being neighbor with such a ignorant and rude person like SergeyM... I think I'll stick with the 530d...
#76
Originally Posted by uglybear' post='404033' date='Mar 18 2007, 12:33 AM
Tell me then, why TT is not offered in Europe and instead NA 272hp 530 is offered in MY 2008? I believe the answer is simple:
BMW wanted to introduce the new technology engine in the 5-Series but cannot yet fiully meet the potential manufacturing schedule needed to service the forecast high demand for the 535i so they limited the initial launch to a single market - the US. EU launch in September will give a nice phasing by when production will have been ramped up.
If that shows little faith in Twin Turbo engines then we disagree.
ABC
#77
Originally Posted by SergeyM' post='404020' date='Mar 17 2007, 11:56 PM
Because it is faster than manual.
http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/5/550iSedan/techdata.htm
Maybe you can correct my misinterpretation but to me it looks like the Steptronic Automatic gives a slower 0-60 time than those who have gone "manual".
Since performance seems to be all-important to you my question was trying to understand your logic in your decision to drive with a Steptronic box.
ABC
#78
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From: San Jose, California, USA
My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
Originally Posted by aybeesea' post='404188' date='Mar 18 2007, 04:18 AM
BMW NA seems to disagree.
http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/5/550iSedan/techdata.htm
Maybe you can correct my misinterpretation but to me it looks like the Steptronic Automatic gives a slower 0-60 time than those who have gone "manual".
Since performance seems to be all-important to you my question was trying to understand your logic in your decision to drive with a Steptronic box.
ABC
http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/5/550iSedan/techdata.htm
Maybe you can correct my misinterpretation but to me it looks like the Steptronic Automatic gives a slower 0-60 time than those who have gone "manual".
Since performance seems to be all-important to you my question was trying to understand your logic in your decision to drive with a Steptronic box.
ABC
#79
Originally Posted by swajames' post='404225' date='Mar 18 2007, 03:12 PM
Better gearing on the step seems to be the primary reason for the acceleration differences.
Ah, well. Real world always rules.
Note to self: always try to prove the manufacturer wrong.
ABC
#80
Originally Posted by bimmerguy288' post='404043' date='Mar 17 2007, 06:06 PM
He was talking about what we need, not what we want. If that logic applies, why do you need 20-way seats?