Farewell BMW-- welcome Audi A8
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I have to say farewell to this very helpful forum. Definitely an asset to any e60 owner. I will let my 545i go back in a few weeks after lease is up. Replacement? Audi A8L. I know they are very different cars, but honestly for 99% of time, the Audi drives very, very well. Readily noticeable features:
- Much better navigation system and I-drive-like device (MMI)
- Stereo much better than Harmann
- Automatic transmission is a million times better
- Much easier to modulate brakes for smooth stop
- Better interior
Etc, etc.
I have been a BMW owner for the last 10 years, but they seem to have lost that "uniqueness" and special character as compared to previous models. Plus, their prices have gotten astronomical for the product they offer. I bought my A8 for almost the same price as a loaded 550i, and honestly after having driven both cars, at least for me, no comparison between the two. I hope that the next generation 5 series goes back to the capture the older e39 philosophy I so much loved about that car.
- Much better navigation system and I-drive-like device (MMI)
- Stereo much better than Harmann
- Automatic transmission is a million times better
- Much easier to modulate brakes for smooth stop
- Better interior
Etc, etc.
I have been a BMW owner for the last 10 years, but they seem to have lost that "uniqueness" and special character as compared to previous models. Plus, their prices have gotten astronomical for the product they offer. I bought my A8 for almost the same price as a loaded 550i, and honestly after having driven both cars, at least for me, no comparison between the two. I hope that the next generation 5 series goes back to the capture the older e39 philosophy I so much loved about that car.
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From: Salem, NH USA
Originally Posted by perubmw545i' post='502748' date='Dec 4 2007, 09:09 PM
Plus, their prices have gotten astronomical for the product they offer. I bought my A8 for almost the same price as a loaded 550i, and honestly after having driven both cars, at least for me, no comparison between the two. I hope that the next generation 5 series goes back to the capture the older e39 philosophy I so much loved about that car.
Good luck with yours - the A8 is a great car. My Dad's has been almost bulletproof (a few minor electrical glitches), and that was a first model year - I'm sure the 2008 model is even more solid. Plus it's a great looking car to boot.
Are you sure you want the L? All you get is something like 6 inches in the back seat, and it's around $4K more than the regular A8.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Livingston, NJ
Interesting as I went from an A8L to a The dash of the Audi was confusing with all of the buttons seemingly the same. The clean dash of the BMW is much better. The kicker is that the BMW represents a financial savings, too.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: New York und Wien
I spent over a week in an Audi A8l and while it was a nice car, it drove more like a Mercedes than a BMW.
The nav was nowhere near as good as the current BMW satnav and the button positioning was confusing, to say the least.
The nav was nowhere near as good as the current BMW satnav and the button positioning was confusing, to say the least.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,119
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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
Enjoy the new car - the A8 is a beauty
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From: Chicago
My Ride: 2006 BMW 550i "Ben Hogan's 5 Iron"
SilverGrey/Black Sport, L7, NAV, CW, AS, Split FR
2003 Audi A4 3.0 CVT "Part of the Moniker"
Silver/Ebony, Prem, CW, Star 17s
Originally Posted by perubmw545i' post='502748' date='Dec 4 2007, 10:09 PM
I have to say farewell to this very helpful forum. Definitely an asset to any e60 owner. I will let my 545i go back in a few weeks after lease is up. Replacement? Audi A8L. I know they are very different cars, but honestly for 99% of time, the Audi drives very, very well. Readily noticeable features:
- Much better navigation system and I-drive-like device (MMI)
- Stereo much better than Harmann
- Automatic transmission is a million times better
- Much easier to modulate brakes for smooth stop
- Better interior
Etc, etc.
I have been a BMW owner for the last 10 years, but they seem to have lost that "uniqueness" and special character as compared to previous models. Plus, their prices have gotten astronomical for the product they offer. I bought my A8 for almost the same price as a loaded 550i, and honestly after having driven both cars, at least for me, no comparison between the two. I hope that the next generation 5 series goes back to the capture the older e39 philosophy I so much loved about that car.
- Much better navigation system and I-drive-like device (MMI)
- Stereo much better than Harmann
- Automatic transmission is a million times better
- Much easier to modulate brakes for smooth stop
- Better interior
Etc, etc.
I have been a BMW owner for the last 10 years, but they seem to have lost that "uniqueness" and special character as compared to previous models. Plus, their prices have gotten astronomical for the product they offer. I bought my A8 for almost the same price as a loaded 550i, and honestly after having driven both cars, at least for me, no comparison between the two. I hope that the next generation 5 series goes back to the capture the older e39 philosophy I so much loved about that car.
Enjoy the Audi.
It has luxury interior and I agree that the brakes are much smoother to operate. But, its no where close if you push it in terms of sport and speed. IMHO, the tranny isn't better as long as the 5er is in DS. While the a8 is an impressive car, its certainly not unique in design and often can be mistaken for an A4 and A6. The steering is also IMHO very light and overall its luxury car and not a sports sedan. So the cars are not comparable.
In terms of the E39, its worth noting that the chassis setup in the E60 is relatively unchanged with the exception of active suspension and active steer. Despite the stark interior layout in the E60, its unqiue and, having sat in Audis and Lexuses, it is very acceptable and likable. The A8 interior is not Audi's latest design and really isn't a big step up from the A4.
Yes, I'd agree that the E60 is rather pricey but this is the premium we pay for the utlimate driving machine. A fullly loaded A6 4.2 Audi is roughly $5K cheaper but I think the E60 is worth it. The S6 is a car that really competes with the 550. Thats a differnt story. I rather drive a lightly used 7 than the A8. A better driver and something very unique and never to be confused with a 5 or 3 series. Then again, I'm a Bangle fan.
Given the design direction of the recent BMWs, future models are very well positioned to keep a unqiue BMW design approach and evolve further. The F10 should be a super car. Audi and others will have to stray into new designs because current models are decidely bland. I must say the newer Audi interiors, like the S5, are the best without a doubt. BMW will have to meet this. With the exception of the FSI 4.2, BMW motors are better from top to bottom.
Just my take.
CVT Benhogan
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From: Vancouver, BC , Canada
My Ride: 2011, X6 Hybrid . Alpine White , every option. 20" Conti' NON runflats,OEM trunk spoiler , LUX V3 AE's , HP Thunder Fogs , custom front bumper reflector delete........
Originally Posted by CVTBenhogan' post='502777' date='Dec 4 2007, 10:21 PM
Enjoy the Audi.
It has luxury interior and I agree that the brakes are much smoother to operate. But, its no where close if you push it in terms of sport and speed. IMHO, the tranny isn't better as long as the 5er is in DS. While the a8 is an impressive car, its certainly not unique in design and often can be mistaken for an A4 and A6. The steering is also IMHO very light and overall its luxury car and not a sports sedan. So the cars are not comparable.
In terms of the E39, its worth noting that the chassis setup in the E60 is relatively unchanged with the exception of active suspension and active steer. Despite the stark interior layout in the E60, its unqiue and, having sat in Audis and Lexuses, it is very acceptable and likable. The A8 interior is not Audi's latest design and really isn't a big step up from the A4.
Yes, I'd agree that the E60 is rather pricey but this is the premium we pay for the utlimate driving machine. A fullly loaded 4.2 Audi is roughly $5K cheaper but I think the E60 is worth it. The S6 is a car that really competes with the 550. I rather drive a lightly used 7 than the A8. A better driver and something very unique and never to be confused with a 5 or 3 series. Then again, I'm a Bangle fan.
Given the design direction of the recent BMWs, future models are very well positioned to keep the unqiue BMW design approach and evolve further. The F10 should be a super car. Audi and others will have to stray into new designs because current models are decidely bland. I must say the newer Audi interiors, like the S5, are the best without a doubt. BMW will have to meet this. With the exception of the FSI 4.2, BMW motors are better from top to bottom.
Just my take.
CVT Benhogan
It has luxury interior and I agree that the brakes are much smoother to operate. But, its no where close if you push it in terms of sport and speed. IMHO, the tranny isn't better as long as the 5er is in DS. While the a8 is an impressive car, its certainly not unique in design and often can be mistaken for an A4 and A6. The steering is also IMHO very light and overall its luxury car and not a sports sedan. So the cars are not comparable.
In terms of the E39, its worth noting that the chassis setup in the E60 is relatively unchanged with the exception of active suspension and active steer. Despite the stark interior layout in the E60, its unqiue and, having sat in Audis and Lexuses, it is very acceptable and likable. The A8 interior is not Audi's latest design and really isn't a big step up from the A4.
Yes, I'd agree that the E60 is rather pricey but this is the premium we pay for the utlimate driving machine. A fullly loaded 4.2 Audi is roughly $5K cheaper but I think the E60 is worth it. The S6 is a car that really competes with the 550. I rather drive a lightly used 7 than the A8. A better driver and something very unique and never to be confused with a 5 or 3 series. Then again, I'm a Bangle fan.
Given the design direction of the recent BMWs, future models are very well positioned to keep the unqiue BMW design approach and evolve further. The F10 should be a super car. Audi and others will have to stray into new designs because current models are decidely bland. I must say the newer Audi interiors, like the S5, are the best without a doubt. BMW will have to meet this. With the exception of the FSI 4.2, BMW motors are better from top to bottom.
Just my take.
CVT Benhogan
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From: Huntington Beach, CA & Scottsdale, AZ
Originally Posted by perubmw545i' post='502748' date='Dec 4 2007, 07:09 PM
I have to say farewell to this very helpful forum. Definitely an asset to any e60 owner. I will let my 545i go back in a few weeks after lease is up. Replacement? Audi A8L. I know they are very different cars, but honestly for 99% of time, the Audi drives very, very well. Readily noticeable features:
- Much better navigation system and I-drive-like device (MMI)
- Stereo much better than Harmann
- Automatic transmission is a million times better
- Much easier to modulate brakes for smooth stop
- Better interior
Etc, etc.
- Much better navigation system and I-drive-like device (MMI)
- Stereo much better than Harmann
- Automatic transmission is a million times better
- Much easier to modulate brakes for smooth stop
- Better interior
Etc, etc.
It seemed like there was 10 times the amount of people in the Audi booth than the BMW booth, at the auto show.
Congrats on the new car, I am considering a Audi for my next car, maybe the new S5 or A5.
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From: Chicago, USA
My Ride: 11 550i Sophisto Gray/Oyster Black/Anthracite, Sprt Trns, DHP, IAS, SP, PP1, PP2, CWP, HUD, DAP, AVSP, SF RS, CA, ACC - Euro Del
If you compare 550 Euro Delivery Pricing with BMW Lease Rates the 550 is a better value than the leased A8L. Plus it drives better. The 8L is a fine car however but differnt from the 550, especially the 550 Sport.