OT: Cars, cars and cars
#1
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Location: Westchester, New York
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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
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Chicago
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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.
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Yowza, that's a nice stable you've got there! May your mid-life crises continue!
#5
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Pittsburgh, PA USA
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My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
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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!
#7
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Join Date: Dec 2004
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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
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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.
#9
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: So Cal, USA
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
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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...
![W00t](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/w00t.gif)
Can you post some more pics of the SL?
![W00t](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/w00t.gif)
![W00t](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/w00t.gif)
![W00t](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/w00t.gif)
Can you post some more pics of the SL?