Jaguar XF SC vs. BMW 535i - Undecided
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Pacific Northwest
My Ride: 2008 528i: Silver/Black/Light Wood, ZPP, ZCW, STEP, Comfort Seat, Heated Rear Seat, PDC, Xenon, Nav, iPod. 35% ceramic tint, VentureShield clear bra.
I think if one wants to lease, it's perfectly fine to get this new design factor. But I wouldn't want to buy first year cars, and I wouldn't buy a car solely based on design alone. The interior isn't that special to me, and that's what the driver will see most of the time. the LCI of the E60 interior looks fabulous to me. (except maybe the STEP shifter.)
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: New York
My Ride: 2008 535xiT (E61)
Black Sapphire / Black Leather / bamboo.
Steptronic, Full Aero Kit, 35% Tints. 18" Run Flats.
All the goodies short of Active Cruise, Comfort Access and the safty options.
2002 BMW R1150R. Red, Corbin, PIAAs, Fiamm,
Originally Posted by Lancaster' post='553672' date='Mar 31 2008, 02:27 PM
You yanks never really got used to our Harrier Jump Jets either...
http://www.youtube.com/comment_servlet?all...v%3Dj35aWGlPcx0
Or were those pilots old too?
http://www.youtube.com/comment_servlet?all...v%3Dj35aWGlPcx0
Or were those pilots old too?

Are you sure its not just that those silly hover plane things never worked right?.....Like the Jag per haps.......hmmmmmmmmmm.
Originally Posted by gene1' post='553877' date='Apr 1 2008, 12:51 AM
Are you sure its not just that those silly hover plane things never worked right?.....Like the Jag per haps.......hmmmmmmmmmm. 

Contributors
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,303
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From: Long Island, NY
My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
Originally Posted by Lancaster' post='554051' date='Apr 1 2008, 05:15 AM
Work on the new hover Jag has been held up as we find a way to integrate five cup holders for the colonial market! 

E60 5-series is one of my top five best looking sedans in the market, along with Lexus IS, BMW M3 sedan, Mercedes-Benz S-class, and Infiniti G35 sedan. I will definitely buy 535i over the new XF, although I admit the new XF is very good looking as well.
Contributors
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
Originally Posted by snkpkp' post='555306' date='Apr 3 2008, 03:55 AM
http://youtube.com/watch?v=66GzlnVW5Iw
love how he says "BMW 530d will kick its Aston Martinish Butt All over the town" hahahahahaaa
love how he says "BMW 530d will kick its Aston Martinish Butt All over the town" hahahahahaaa
The US will get both the 4.2 300 HP V8 (6 sec 0-60) and the 4.2 420 HP Supercharged (5.1 secs 0-60).
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: BANGLADESH
My Ride: 2005 530i Individual, DVD Package, HUD, Bluetooth, Comfort Seats, SR, etc
Originally Posted by pennetta' post='555340' date='Apr 3 2008, 06:35 PM
If you listen to the euro model they were testing it was a 208 hp v6 (8.5 secs 0-60). I wouldn't engrave your trophy just yet.
The US will get both the 4.2 300 HP V8 (6 sec 0-60) and the 4.2 420 HP Supercharged (5.1 secs 0-60).
The US will get both the 4.2 300 HP V8 (6 sec 0-60) and the 4.2 420 HP Supercharged (5.1 secs 0-60).
well i did hear it said 55 thousand pounds for the 420 bhp supercharged model.....and an M5 is 60 thousand pounds...Geeees I am confused which one should I get lol ...
also I think its a great car.....very much a Jag which is not bad..... but the more I hear the reviews more I think its that Lexus GS buyer segment car....nothing to do with the E60....
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Charlotte, NC, USA
My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i Sport
Carbon Black Metallic/Cream Beige
Manny tranny and other stuff
Recently gone, but never forgotten:
2005 Ford Mustang GT (hence the name)
Torch Red/Crimson
Manny tranny and every option available for that year
2002 Chrysler 300M Special
Brilliant Black/Light Taupe/Dark Slate
Autostick and goo-gobs of neat features that I will sorely miss
I do hope you at least go drive it.
I have driven both cars, and actually recently placed my order for a 535i. Obviously this is a BMW forum, but I will try to be as objective as possible...
Styling / Appearance:
I liked the exterior styling of the Jag a lot. I think it looks great... In particular I love the rear end. The interior styling is good too, although I wasn't a big fan of some of the wood options available. The only decent one was the dark wood trim (which is only available on the SC). The Jag is more classic looking, the BMW is more sporty. Overall, I'd say they are different, but equally good.
Winner: Draw
Quality:
The quality of the Jag is certainly much better than previous models, but still not up to par with BMW. The interior fit and finish is one of the best they have produced in years, but for some reason it just seems a bit cheap/cheesy in places. The silver switchgear looks like it was lifted from a Lincoln (maybe it was - they are owned by Ford). Some of the trim felt a little too plastic. The quality of the seats was decent, but again, not like the Dakota Leather used in the 535i. On the exterior, it's a shame they used that cheap, nasty, plastic grille. Even a Chrysler 300 has a metal mesh grille these days. Overall the Jag is fine, but it's a comfortable win for BMW here.
Winner: BMW
Driving Enjoyment:
The Jag was a nice car to drive. Good steering, responsive, comfortable, quiet. However, like one of the previous posters said, it really should be compared the Mercedes E350 or AMG version, rather than the BMW. There is no comparison in handling, steering feel, ride, etc. The BMW is a tamed beast, which will break out if pushed. The Jag is a pussy cat with a nice coat and a loud meow
The exhaust tone was excellent. However, I think the BMW engine is more efficient, getting 300HP from a V6, rather than a V8. Fuel economy will also be better in the BMW as a result. Overall, if you want a Mercedes-like or Caddy-like ride, the Jag is great. For me, the BMW blows it away, as I love that sporty, aggressive, feel.
Winner: BMW
Other factors:
If leasing, the BMW will be MUCH cheaper due to the excellent residuals and low money factors available right now. If buying it is a moot point, but I would still consider how well both cars are likely to hold their value over the longer term. BMW has won awards for the 5-series having "Best Resale Value" in it's class. Consider other things like insurance - is either car noticeably more expensive to insure? What about maintenance costs? With BMW it's all included for 4 years / 50,000 miles.
Overall, it comes down to personal taste. I went for the BMW and don't regret it for a second. Ultimately, I rationalized it this way - I buy a car to drive it, not look at it, and I just loved the way the BMW drives.
Good luck with your choice. I'm sure either car will make you happy. Let us know what you decide.
Styling / Appearance:
I liked the exterior styling of the Jag a lot. I think it looks great... In particular I love the rear end. The interior styling is good too, although I wasn't a big fan of some of the wood options available. The only decent one was the dark wood trim (which is only available on the SC). The Jag is more classic looking, the BMW is more sporty. Overall, I'd say they are different, but equally good.
Winner: Draw
Quality:
The quality of the Jag is certainly much better than previous models, but still not up to par with BMW. The interior fit and finish is one of the best they have produced in years, but for some reason it just seems a bit cheap/cheesy in places. The silver switchgear looks like it was lifted from a Lincoln (maybe it was - they are owned by Ford). Some of the trim felt a little too plastic. The quality of the seats was decent, but again, not like the Dakota Leather used in the 535i. On the exterior, it's a shame they used that cheap, nasty, plastic grille. Even a Chrysler 300 has a metal mesh grille these days. Overall the Jag is fine, but it's a comfortable win for BMW here.
Winner: BMW
Driving Enjoyment:
The Jag was a nice car to drive. Good steering, responsive, comfortable, quiet. However, like one of the previous posters said, it really should be compared the Mercedes E350 or AMG version, rather than the BMW. There is no comparison in handling, steering feel, ride, etc. The BMW is a tamed beast, which will break out if pushed. The Jag is a pussy cat with a nice coat and a loud meow
The exhaust tone was excellent. However, I think the BMW engine is more efficient, getting 300HP from a V6, rather than a V8. Fuel economy will also be better in the BMW as a result. Overall, if you want a Mercedes-like or Caddy-like ride, the Jag is great. For me, the BMW blows it away, as I love that sporty, aggressive, feel.Winner: BMW
Other factors:
If leasing, the BMW will be MUCH cheaper due to the excellent residuals and low money factors available right now. If buying it is a moot point, but I would still consider how well both cars are likely to hold their value over the longer term. BMW has won awards for the 5-series having "Best Resale Value" in it's class. Consider other things like insurance - is either car noticeably more expensive to insure? What about maintenance costs? With BMW it's all included for 4 years / 50,000 miles.
Overall, it comes down to personal taste. I went for the BMW and don't regret it for a second. Ultimately, I rationalized it this way - I buy a car to drive it, not look at it, and I just loved the way the BMW drives.
Good luck with your choice. I'm sure either car will make you happy. Let us know what you decide.


