bmw535us

Hey guys, just needed some input from you guys. I currently own a 2012 BMW 535i with M sport package and I absolutely love the car but its been in the shop to much and I need a more reliable car. I was looking at the A6 3.0 and I think i will end up in the same boat. So it comes down to a GS350 F sport.

Has anyone switched over from a 535 and regretted it? I want something I can drive for quite some time without having to worry about warranty and whatnot.

Maintenance is another issue with the BMW. I just put on 4 sets of tires and ended up costing over $1300. Hows overall maintenance cost wise?

I want something I can enjoy driving with some power. Would I be happy with this car? Any insight and help would be appreciated.

rijc99

I had an E60 535i (2009). Lots of problems also. Fuel pumps, injectors, coils, intake carbon fouling, squeaking door seals... you name it I probably had it. The problems were the reason I got rid of it right before the warranty ran out.

By all review, the E60 is stiffer sprung and has better steering feedback than the current 5 series. The F10 5 series has electric power steering so the feel is kinda numb compared to E60. The GS F Sport in sport mode is pretty close to the E60. So if you are happy with your current 535i I'd imagine you'll be happy with the driving dynamics of the GS F Sport.

0-60 they're comparable. The BMW may feel faster as the acceleration is not as linear due to the turbos but they are pretty much the same.

I've only had my GS for a few months but have owned many Lexus products prior to this and I have no doubt they are more reliable. Get the GS F Sport, it'll save you a lot of grief.

fuddyduddy

I switched from a 1999 E39 540i Sport. That car was a better driving car than the GS, however the GS is much more reliable and has many more modern features. The S+ mode on my GS comes closer to the handling of the 540i, however not quite there. In the end, this was a reliability decision for me.

krava

I have an o6 3gs I spent $700 total from 09- now on fixing the car.. that was for a rear differential leak. I had to replace breaks one time, and buy 3 sets of tires so far but I put 150K miles on it myself so that is why I am probably staying with the brand. I just ruled out the RLX the ride was as bad as a LS460 and too big.

coach1

I ruled out the later versions of BMW, Mercedes & Audi a while ago. Very expensive lessons. Beautiful cars when they were not in a repair shop. It is a shame. The last good German cars were built in the 70's and early 80's.

newe70

A 535i is an awesome car to drive no doubts. But when your car is regularly visitting the dealer shop is something that you would reconsider keeping ur car after the factory warranty is expired. The BMW stealer charge an arm and leg for any major service or repair.

bmw535us

Thanks for the replies. Yeah I love the F10 but I dont even want to think of the repair charges once out of warranty. Im getting close to 40k in miles on the BMW so I will most likely get it traded it or sell it privately.

One question though, is it rare to see a Gs350 with Head Up Display? I dont see hardly any GS Fsports with HUD.

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

If you switch to Lexus, you'd have to say good bye to your mechanic. You could still send him Christmas cards though.

Yes, the HUD is optional. Dealers usually don't order cars with that option.

Don't limit yourself to dealers in your area, see if you can locate the car out of state and try to work out a deal with your local dealer. They should be able to bring the car over to you. If not, you can always make a trip

Nobeanspls

The one thing you will need to know is that the GS has a lot less lower end torque compared to the 535i. Therefore it really needs a bit of revs to feel like its got decent power. You may feel that the GS is slower unless you are willing to put your foot down harder from a stop.

krava

Here is a Fsport with HUD and all kinds of things:

http://www.ecarone.com/web/used/Lexu...exas/21117247/

Afrosheen

Yep, HUD and Mark Levinson are hard to find together. Lucky for me mine came loaded. The new color HUD is probably nicer to look at than the monochrome on my 2013 but I really like having it regardless.

I think you'll be pleased with the car. The only thing I've been mad at (lately) is the unicorn tire sizes on the F Sport. I had to order a full set at Discount Tire (RWD model, offset fitment) and they literally had to get a pair of rears from one state and the front pair from another. Still waiting for the tires to arrive..and Discount Tire shows exactly one match for this car (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup) for a complete set.

Tires aside, I have no gripes. The car will limit itself in first gear off the line but if you completely disable traction control it will launch harder, at the expense of wheel spin. Traction control in daily driving makes the car feel a little slower than it is, but at highway speeds it cruises smoothly and will jump ahead if you ask it nicely with your right foot. Getting 30mpg highway doesn't hurt either.

Hope you get one you like!

krava

So the HUD in a 2014 or which one is in color?

JTK

Maybe you should buy the Audi A6 first, then after 1 year buy the GS. It may be a complete shock to your system going from one extreme to another (I.e. BMW to Lexus). With the Audi in between, at least you adjust to spending half the time in the workshop - then with the Lexus, almost minimal....

(Note: Sarcasm)