Obsessing About a 5er

[dazzleman]

Not really, it's more of a gap in Audi's range here.

BMW offers 520i, 528i, 535i, ActiveHybrid, 550i and M5

Audi only sells 1.8T, 3.0 TDI, 3.0T, S6, RS6

Nothing from Audi matches the 528i. On levels where there is a match, like 3.0T vs 535i or S6 vs 550i, the BMW is always slightly more expensive.

You really can't go wrong with either car.  Are you going to get the BMW?

[CALL_911]

Oh what id do to take over your M3. Im very envious of your Bavarian track record

[MexicoCityM3]

You really can't go wrong with either car.  Are you going to get the BMW?

IDK yet. I'll take a look at it this week. Also, my M3 has been parked for a month (trip to Colombia + used the 1M this week). We'll see when I take it out if I think the same.

[MexicoCityM3]

Oh what id do to take over your M3. Im very envious of your Bavarian track record

Thanks man.

[MexicoCityM3]

I checked what I could get *keeping* my cars.

Found this '09 550i nearby. It looks good and has less than 30K miles.
http://auto.autoplaza.com.mx/MLM-447824893-bmw-serie-5-2009-4p-550ia-top-line-aut-_JM

[MrH]

$375,000?  Hmmm....seems a bit overpriced to me

[CALL_911]

See if you can find a 535i if you're down for an E60? It's just as quick as the 550i of that era, IIRC

[MexicoCityM3]

See if you can find a 535i if you're down for an E60? It's just as quick as the 550i of that era, IIRC

We didn't get the 535i here unfortunately. Only 525i, 530i and 550i. Also, the 550i came loaded with lots of creature comforts the others didn't get unless special ordered which almost nobody did.

Another option is my partner's 08 M5 with about 30K miles and recently repaired SMG and alternator. That would be a trade for the M3 with no money difference basically.

[MexicoCityM3]

Found a few additional interesting options:

An even newer (last year of production yey) 550i. It even has the new iDrive but is a bit expensive though.

http://auto.autoplaza.com.mx/MLM-447823393-bmw-serie-5-2010-4p-550ia-top-line-active-dynamic-aut-_JM


A few of historic "last of the N/A sixes"

A nice '11 528i.

http://auto.autoplaza.com.mx/MLM-449705141-bmw-serie-5-2011-4p-528ia-lujo-aut-_JM

Even a couple of 530i that we got in 2012:

http://auto.autoplaza.com.mx/MLM-449124792-bmw-serie-5-2012-4p-530i-top-l6-a-8v-_JM
http://auto.autoplaza.com.mx/MLM-447822156-bmw-serie-5-2012-4p-530i-top-l6-a-8v-_JM

That last white 530i I am liking very much. It still has a warranty until December. And there is something nice about getting a "proper" BMW 6 cylinder.

[MexicoCityM3]

Specs for that 530i:

http://www.autoevolution.com/engine/bmw-5-series-f10-2009-530i-8at-272-hp.html

[CALL_911]

You know, if you're looking for comfort, have you considered an E350?

[68_427]

Did you guys get a 550i with manual?

[MexicoCityM3]

Did you guys get a 550i with manual?

Nope. No manual 5 series at all. Last manuals were E39s and they are extremely rare.

[MexicoCityM3]

You know, if you're looking for comfort, have you considered an E350?

I'll look. A bit too much of an old man's car. Also I am a bit afraid of maintenance. With BMWs I already know the good shops, mechanics, and where to get parts affordably (because club).

[68_427]

Nope. No manual 5 series at all. Last manuals were E39s and they are extremely rare.

Why not?

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2015&zip=14623&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&showcaseListingId=0&mmt=[BMW[550I[]][]]&modelCode1=550I&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&showcaseOwnerId=0&makeCode1=BMW&startYear=1981&searchRadius=0&listingId=367530580&Log=0

[MexicoCityM3]

Why not?

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2015&zip=14623&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&showcaseListingId=0&mmt=[BMW[550I[]][]]&modelCode1=550I&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&showcaseOwnerId=0&makeCode1=BMW&startYear=1981&searchRadius=0&listingId=367530580&Log=0

Cannot import.

[68_427]

http://www.neoplexonline.com/flag-car-mexico/?gclid=CM3ntvCR2r4CFcyhOgodJjIA5w

[MexicoCityM3]

http://www.neoplexonline.com/flag-car-mexico/?gclid=CM3ntvCR2r4CFcyhOgodJjIA5w

[Raza]

Raza, to you an Abarth is the paragon of practicality and your Z4 is a very reasonable daily driver (an Elise too). I have the 1M for fun.

Not the paragon....

It's just shocking to me how large the 5 series is over the last model, visually at least.  Most people confuse it with a 7 when they first see it, unless they've actually seen a 7, which is a rarer sight to most people than Asians who are bad at math. 

[CALL_911]

No way. In some areas (like where my parents' house is), you can't turn your head without seeing a 750Li.

[Lebowski]

Yeah, there are 7s all over the place here.

[12,000 RPM]

Yea quite a few in NYC as well. Bank exec cabs

Though for a long time I had serious trouble discerning SWB 7s from new 5s. I prefer the 7

[Raza]

No way. In some areas (like where my parents' house is), you can't turn your head without seeing a 750Li.

Yeah, there are 7s all over the place here.

Yea quite a few in NYC as well. Bank exec cabs

Though for a long time I had serious trouble discerning SWB 7s from new 5s. I prefer the 7

Interesting.  Around here, it's all Panameras and Teslas.  A few S classes and A8s, but if I didn't work with a girl who had a 760, I'd go months without seeing one.  Can't even remember the last time I saw one other than hers. 

[Lebowski]

There's a lot of panamera around here too. Obominations!

Teslas are surprisingly common as well.

[mzziaz]

Guess I live in a pauper neighborhood, although teslas are pretty common.

[veeman]

If you do get the 5 series, is this the first time you would be getting a BMW that you wouldn't also be taking to the racetrack? 

I know you're a huge Bimmer fan but just a thought:  take it to the next level.  Save your money and in a year or two buy a gently used Porsche.  You are one of the few who actually regularly tracks their cars.  That's awesome.  I think you've said in the past that a Porsche is too expensive both initial cost-wise and insurance-wise. You're seriously thinking about simultaneously owning 3 BMWs however. 

I understand your desire for a more relaxed polished luxury everyday ride.  I'd consider skipping the 5 series, get something much cheaper like a V6 honda accord for everyday driving, sell my 3 series, and save up to take it to the next level on the track.

         

[MexicoCityM3]

If you do get the 5 series, is this the first time you would be getting a BMW that you wouldn't also be taking to the racetrack? 

I know you're a huge Bimmer fan but just a thought:  take it to the next level.  Save your money and in a year or two buy a gently used Porsche.  You are one of the few who actually regularly tracks their cars.  That's awesome.  I think you've said in the past that a Porsche is too expensive both initial cost-wise and insurance-wise. You're seriously thinking about simultaneously owning 3 BMWs however. 

I understand your desire for a more relaxed polished luxury everyday ride.  I'd consider skipping the 5 series, get something much cheaper like a V6 honda accord for everyday driving, sell my 3 series, and save up to take it to the next level on the track.

That's not bad advice.

I've been getting only M cars since '05 when I got the E46 (almost 10 years!). And yes they see the racetrack several times per year. I like the multiple personality / Q-car aspect of M cars but I understand that doesn't make the same sense when you have more than one car.

I very often browse the available used Porsches. There are quite a few available, and they are tempting. I could get a 997.1 S for about the same as the used value of the 1M. Or a 996 Turbo.

997.1S with 6K miles: http://auto.autoplaza.com.mx/MLM-449961817-porsche-911-2007-2p-carrera-2s-coupe-_JM
996 Turbo with 25K miles: http://auto.autoplaza.com.mx/MLM-447821241-porsche-911-2003-2p-turbo-4x4-coupe-_JM

I think the social aspect of being a bimmer fan now comes into play as well. I founded the BMW Club here about 8 years ago. I have lots of friends there, we do a lot of events, we know the best mechanics, so on and so forth. I know there is a similar Porsche club but it feels like a betrayal in a way.

Even though I like the track, increasingly I am wanting something great and comfortable for daily driving and my long highway trips to Leon (GF is from there) of about 250 miles each way. Thus the 5 series.

I don't know, last night I was thinking that I should wait until year end and if things go well in the business gift me something then for my 42nd birthday.

[Hachee]

I'm surprised you like the 528i, especially considering your other cars.  I've driven a few F10s with the turbo 4, plus a number of new 3 series with it, and every time I've found them to be really disappointing and unsatisfying.  They just feel very soft and bland to me, I don't like the stop/start nor the sound of the 4.  It's got plenty of power and it's smooth, so that's not it...I just can't get past the sound at low speeds (and I love my diesel X5, so I can't even explain it).  I also don't understand the love for the ZF 8 speed.  While shifts are smooth, I did notice them, and because there are so many gears, I noticed often. 

I'm not sure what I'd get it if I was in the market for that kind of car.

[MexicoCityM3]

I'm surprised you like the 528i, especially considering your other cars.  I've driven a few F10s with the turbo 4, plus a number of new 3 series with it, and every time I've found them to be really disappointing and unsatisfying.  They just feel very soft and bland to me, I don't like the stop/start nor the sound of the 4.  It's got plenty of power and it's smooth, so that's not it...I just can't get past the sound at low speeds (and I love my diesel X5, so I can't even explain it).  I also don't understand the love for the ZF 8 speed.  While shifts are smooth, I did notice them, and because there are so many gears, I noticed often. 

I'm not sure what I'd get it if I was in the market for that kind of car.

Maybe it was the particular one I drove recently. And it was at a track of all places. It was a 528i MSport with the passive sport suspension. Also, it was a '14 model. BMW supposedly revised the chassis and steering somewhat for the later (LCI) models.

My expectations were very low for it having read about the bad steering and several of the things you mention. Maybe it was because of that, but it definitely blew away my expectations.

The track was covered in gravel because it had recently been repaved, and I was actually drifting the big boat around. Easily. I liked the steering and saw no fault with it. The power was perfect (this track is near MC at 3,000 mts above sea level so turbo = win). What I loved the most was the interior, space and smoothness.

I think anyone can get bored with what they have. This may sound obnoxious but I am growing a bit tired of the very things that make the M cars great. Suspension discipline, *relatively* low weight, race car feeling, etc.

When I am pushing them, it's fantastic. But on a 250 mile highway trip I don't do that all the time (too dangerous and tiring). Frankly, I mostly cruise at around 180-200kph and would be more comfortable and as fast in a 5er.

[68_427]

Wait a bit and pick up a turbo Boxster/Cayman and a loaded mainstreamer.