You must admit the new BMW 5 is mean looking
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Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Illinois
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: New York (NY)
I very much agree with you. A lot of aesthetical changes since the era of the E39. However, after owning one for so many years, I must admit that I really really really don't like Bimmers. I dunno, maybe I am biased. 
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: CA
I like the new look of the 5 series. Remember it's all about the sports package option which gives the BMW those nice 18" rims on big thick tires.
People may complain about the exterior & interior looks, which is subjective, however all that have driven the new 5 series agree that it's an incredible car to drive (Active Steering, handling, etc...). A true sports sedan.
People will also say the reliability isn't there (but it's not worse then average), but once you drive German, it's tough to go back to anything else. You'll understand, especially if you get to drive a new 545i (which I have not yet).
People may complain about the exterior & interior looks, which is subjective, however all that have driven the new 5 series agree that it's an incredible car to drive (Active Steering, handling, etc...). A true sports sedan.
People will also say the reliability isn't there (but it's not worse then average), but once you drive German, it's tough to go back to anything else. You'll understand, especially if you get to drive a new 545i (which I have not yet).
I must admit the new "any bmw" is fun.
My 318i and my 325i are some of the funnest cars to drive aside of my old 944t.
My lexus simply doesnt equal the fun factor overall in comparison. I will say that i'd rather drive the lexus all day though. bimmers are great and all, but there are times when i dont want to be on the edge of my seat and just want to enjoy the ride. That's where my SC comes in. Plenty more get up and go than my bimmers, yet still smooth and comfortable. just doesn't give me that feeling that i am about to have some major fun in the mountains like my bimmer does.
My 318i and my 325i are some of the funnest cars to drive aside of my old 944t.
My lexus simply doesnt equal the fun factor overall in comparison. I will say that i'd rather drive the lexus all day though. bimmers are great and all, but there are times when i dont want to be on the edge of my seat and just want to enjoy the ride. That's where my SC comes in. Plenty more get up and go than my bimmers, yet still smooth and comfortable. just doesn't give me that feeling that i am about to have some major fun in the mountains like my bimmer does.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: New York (NY)
What I noticed is that I think German cars are built to survive long, high-speed trips on empty stretches of highways and the autobahn or spirited, curvey mountain roads. However, it's very very horrible in the city. What's nimble like a cat on the highway or the hilly roads, become big cumbersome giants in city driving. I always felt that my bimmer's steering is a tad too "spot on" for city driving, it becomes mercilessly accurate to the point that it's exhausting me as a driver. I loved loved loved my VW back in the US, but hated the "better" BMW when I returned to Jakarta where traffic is rated to be the 4th most congested in the world. I was actually looking forward to the soapy slippery steering feel of the Aristo because it just makes it so much easier for me as a driver.
But yeah, so much for that Bimmer....I am in love with the Aristo and I am not looking back.
But yeah, so much for that Bimmer....I am in love with the Aristo and I am not looking back.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: California
Originally posted by jtanoyo1
What's nimble like a cat on the highway or the hilly roads, become big cumbersome giants in city driving. I always felt that my bimmer's steering is a tad too "spot on" for city driving, it becomes mercilessly accurate to the point that it's exhausting me as a driver.
What's nimble like a cat on the highway or the hilly roads, become big cumbersome giants in city driving. I always felt that my bimmer's steering is a tad too "spot on" for city driving, it becomes mercilessly accurate to the point that it's exhausting me as a driver.
Originally posted by jtanoyo1
I was actually looking forward to the soapy slippery steering feel of the Aristo because it just makes it so much easier for me as a driver.
I was actually looking forward to the soapy slippery steering feel of the Aristo because it just makes it so much easier for me as a driver.
Not exactly the most ringing endorsement to why one would go for an Aristo but at least you are proving the truth about the distinctions between a BMW and a Lexus with regards to handling performance...
Sorry Jon, just thought it was a funny thread that you posted (at least it was funny to me). No harm intended.
The new 5 series is another disaster waiting to manifest itself like the 7 series. The 3 series is next and from some of the advance photos, the same results will occur...BMW style has truly been disappointing...JMHO
Brent
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
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From: CA
I love the Tight steering of my BMW. It makes the entire car feel more precise, secure and solid while driving.
My previous Lexus GS430 had loose and light steering which annoyed me greatly, since it was such a great vehicle, yet didn't have that solid feel to it via the steering. I could also feel the vibrations in the steering wheel, because it was so loose (even with the L-Tuned Steering ECU upgrade).
Believe it or not, my RX330 has slightly tighter steering than my previous GS430, but still no wheres near the BMW.
My previous Lexus GS430 had loose and light steering which annoyed me greatly, since it was such a great vehicle, yet didn't have that solid feel to it via the steering. I could also feel the vibrations in the steering wheel, because it was so loose (even with the L-Tuned Steering ECU upgrade).
Believe it or not, my RX330 has slightly tighter steering than my previous GS430, but still no wheres near the BMW.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Canada
I'm not a big fan of the new 5-series styling, but it may be an acquired taste.
As for the next M5, it will be out next year and in November's C&D they echo the 5.5L V10 rumours. It should be faster than the current M5 so V10 sounds somewhat legitimate.
As for the next M5, it will be out next year and in November's C&D they echo the 5.5L V10 rumours. It should be faster than the current M5 so V10 sounds somewhat legitimate.