i too was the same...really liked the overall new design of the E60, but the rear lights were initially a let down...in the skin they do look alot better and they are actually very similiar to the E39s rears, but they wrap around so the 3/4 is sometimes awkward looking
...im sure in another year they will update them with LEDs like they did with the E39 and that will finish the look at perfect...

the only other 4 door i'd 'take' if i ever could justify spending that much on a sedan is a quattroporte...

 

I'll admit that my reason for selecting the E60 is brand loyalty first and foremost, due to the great experiences of years of bmw's in the family. The second reason was the driving dynamics because for the money, I don't think it could be beat. I liked, but did not love the E60 design initially...it had to grow on me. My favorite view is the 3/4 rear view...that's what sealed the deal.

 

I didn't really like the exterior that much when I bought it. Although now I admire it every time I walk towards or away from it.

I bought it after the test drive. Why?

1. Active Steering
2. Powerful Thrust of the 545i
3. I drive

Hurts every time I calculate the total cost of owning the car.

4. Bluetooth.....Kinda made me really happy I got the car.

 

Stop Calculating!

 

Most bimmer-philes buy BMWs for their driving dynamics. For us, everything else is secondary. I bought my first 5er when I was in my 20s. Now in my mid-40s, I'm on my fourth.

I happen to like the exterior style and am under-whelmed by the interior, but I really don't care that much about either. There is simply no other car in its class that drives like a 5.

 

As a long term Merc fan I've never considered buying a BMW for myself. Yet after MB stopped doing customer service and since I was at the dealer for an X3 for my wife I saw my first E60. It was titanium silver, liked it on the spot and ordered one.
Cancelled my order for an E-class the same day.

 

my lease is what attracted me...

 

I must admit, I am very surprised at the response thus far. A lot of MB forums bash the way the E60 looks, but I didn't understand why...

I think it's awesome that some of you guys stay loyal although you weren't too crazy about the looks! It just goes to show you how good these cars drive. I was loyal to MB (SL500, E430, S430) until I experienced their horrible customer service. They don't give a rats ass about their customers and that was the last straw for me.

This is my first BMW (other than my parents when I was 16), and I know for sure it won't be my last! So far, my experience with their customer service is better than MB (I hope it stays that way or it's Lexus time LOL).

 

Honestly, before Chris Bangle and the gang took over BMW's design, I did't give them a second thought. Three series Bimmers are a dime a dozen in So. Cal. -- they breed like roaches in my parking structure. Plus, the older three, five and seven series all looked the same, but for size, and had basically the same look for the past 25 years.

However, when the new seven series came out I took notice of BMW's new direction, and when the e60 came out it was love at first sight. Then I test drove one, and the rest is history.

 

It ain't the looks. I'm jumping back into a 5er (had a 1995 540 sport and now have a 2001 740 sport) because of the driving dynamics. If it was just about the looks, I would keep my E38.

It's because of the way the E60 drives and because it is set-up for the driver.

I do like the look of the E60 more and more, though. It seems to make most every other car look old now.