OT: Cars, cars and cars
04-05-2005, 03:14 PM
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Hello All
Ok, well it?s been exactly 1 year since I picked up my 545i. And aside from some minor issues, which have been discussed on this board, it?s been a great first year. I can honestly say that the car gets better with age.
But, I wanted to take this time to share a brief story. About 4 weeks ago my wife and I fell into our first mid-life (we?re in our early 30?s) crisis and on a whim we sold her car (Acura MDX) and purchased a new Lexus GX-470. Overall the truck is a great SUV and has some features, like an advanced Navigation, that I wish the E60 had. The two vehicles complemented each other and we were both happy for about 2 weeks when we had our second mid-life crisis. This time it took a little more for us to recover, it actually took a 2005 Mercedes SL55 AMG! Now I?ve read a great deal of Mercedes bashing on this and other BMW forums but I must say that until you drive/own the car you shouldn?t speak too loudly. Now granted the SL55 is double the cost of the E60 but after having thoroughly driven both cars I would say that they are both a true ?bargains? in their respective class. The BMW has incredible brakes, comfort seats, heated seats, iDrive (Yes I said iDrive) and superb handling. The Mercedes has unforgettable power, fit-and-finish, classy lines, a single slot CD/DVD that supports MP3?s and a driving experience that makes your heart skip a few beats. Overall I couldn?t see myself happy without any of the three cars, and maybe when my 545i lease is up I may look into an M5 but for now I have new found respect for all 3 manufactures.
There is no perfect vehicle but there is potentially a way of making a near perfect garage!
Thanks to everyone on this forum who makes BMW ownership that much more rewarding.
Al
Ok, well it?s been exactly 1 year since I picked up my 545i. And aside from some minor issues, which have been discussed on this board, it?s been a great first year. I can honestly say that the car gets better with age.
But, I wanted to take this time to share a brief story. About 4 weeks ago my wife and I fell into our first mid-life (we?re in our early 30?s) crisis and on a whim we sold her car (Acura MDX) and purchased a new Lexus GX-470. Overall the truck is a great SUV and has some features, like an advanced Navigation, that I wish the E60 had. The two vehicles complemented each other and we were both happy for about 2 weeks when we had our second mid-life crisis. This time it took a little more for us to recover, it actually took a 2005 Mercedes SL55 AMG! Now I?ve read a great deal of Mercedes bashing on this and other BMW forums but I must say that until you drive/own the car you shouldn?t speak too loudly. Now granted the SL55 is double the cost of the E60 but after having thoroughly driven both cars I would say that they are both a true ?bargains? in their respective class. The BMW has incredible brakes, comfort seats, heated seats, iDrive (Yes I said iDrive) and superb handling. The Mercedes has unforgettable power, fit-and-finish, classy lines, a single slot CD/DVD that supports MP3?s and a driving experience that makes your heart skip a few beats. Overall I couldn?t see myself happy without any of the three cars, and maybe when my 545i lease is up I may look into an M5 but for now I have new found respect for all 3 manufactures.
There is no perfect vehicle but there is potentially a way of making a near perfect garage!
Thanks to everyone on this forum who makes BMW ownership that much more rewarding.
Al
04-05-2005, 03:22 PM
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My Ride: #1: 2004 545i; 6-speed manual; Sport Package; Mystic Blue with a gray leather interior and Anthracite wood; CWP; Logic 7.
#2: 2010 535xi Touring; Automatic.
Yowza, that's a nice stable you've got there! May your mid-life crises continue!
04-05-2005, 05:58 PM
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My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Nice cars! I don't think you'll find too much AMG bashing here. Most every post I can remember shows an abundance of respect for the power the AMG cars have.
I had the opportunity last year to participate in a two-day, "AMG Challenge" and got to drive each and every AMG car on a racetrack. I really had a blast but I will say that handling-wise, I still think my E60 could run circles around any of those cars...
Enjoy all your cars BMWFan -- they're all great but for different reasons!
I had the opportunity last year to participate in a two-day, "AMG Challenge" and got to drive each and every AMG car on a racetrack. I really had a blast but I will say that handling-wise, I still think my E60 could run circles around any of those cars...
Enjoy all your cars BMWFan -- they're all great but for different reasons!
04-05-2005, 06:05 PM
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My Ride: 2005 545i (SMG)
Titanium Gray
Black Interior, Anthracite Trim
M-tech kit
Sport Package
Premium Sound
Satellite Radio
Active Cruise
Comfort Seats
Navigation
Folding rear seats
The SL is sweet.
It's the only convertible I think looks good with the top up or down.
To this day, I don't understand why BMW made the 645 a soft-top. For $80K+ it NEEDS to be a hardtop. Get with the freaking times.
It's the only convertible I think looks good with the top up or down.
To this day, I don't understand why BMW made the 645 a soft-top. For $80K+ it NEEDS to be a hardtop. Get with the freaking times.
04-05-2005, 06:09 PM
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Man I want to be in a mid life crisis like you too! 545 and SL55!!! oh ya the Lexus GX470... not entirly cheap either... 
Can you post some more pics of the SL?
Can you post some more pics of the SL?
.