BMW, eh?? What is the appeal of a BMW???

[redgtxdi]

Just thinkin' outloud. My sister & her hubby picked up a 2003 540i. Nice, low miles, etc. etc. I don't necessarily like the dash layout, but maybe the 2004-up (Bangle versions) would suit me better. Yet, I still felt it was a bit noisy in comparison to today's Japanese cars. (Especially Lexus).

But I went ahead & took it for a romp. Yes, it was fun. That V-8 takes that 5-series & kicks it in the arse, for sure! But, I still felt like I was in a 1980's German luxury car. Hard black leather throughout. Black dash. Red gauges, etc. It just felt like I was in something a generation behind. (Aside from the powerplant & trans. The trans shifted quickly & responsively like a 21st century auto....that part was good).

So what's the deal w/ BMW's?? (BTW, they also have a '98 528i which I didn't much like either, but apparently they liked it enough to buy another one).

And in case anyone's wondering what *I* would do w/ $30K, I just wonder why they wouldn't buy a V-6 Camry or Accord?!

 

[RichUK]

BMW's are the best cars ever. I doubt anyone will disagree.

 

[Cloud Strife]

Everyone has a Camry/Accord these days. Kinda boring.

BMW = luxury

 

[Blazin Trav]

$30K? There are tons of nice cars buyable at that price.

I defiantely could have found a better purchase than that.

 

[Inspector Jihad]

its for the awesome driving...if you dont like to drive, buy a corolla and be happy.


also roflmaox100 on the v6 accord or camry instead of a 4l v8

 

[imported_LoKe]

Originally posted by: Blazin Trav
$30K? There are tons of nice cars buyable at that price.

Doubt it. BMW's are amazing cars, and I'd sure as hell take one over a Camry or ACcord any day.

 

[SVT Cobra]

I hate Camry's, Accords, Toyota's, etc. That being said I don't like BMW's that much either (although some of their new interiors look amazing). But, if I were looking for that type of car I would go with a Mercedes hands down.

 

[Blazin Trav]

Originally posted by: LoKe

Originally posted by: Blazin Trav
$30K? There are tons of nice cars buyable at that price.

Doubt it. BMW's are amazing cars, and I'd sure as hell take one over a Camry or ACcord any day.

WRX STI starts at $30k, so does the Infiniti G35... etc etc

 

[SVT Cobra]

Originally posted by: LoKe

Originally posted by: Blazin Trav
$30K? There are tons of nice cars buyable at that price.

Doubt it. BMW's are amazing cars, and I'd sure as hell take one over a Camry or ACcord any day.

Go pick up an issue of any car magazine, because yes there are. It all comes down to brand prefrence these days because everything is so similar and the options are many (albeit for the rare one that comes along and blows the compeition away).

 

[torpid]

If black leather and red dashboard is last generation, I guess I don't really want to see the current generation. Sounds boring.

V-6 camry and accord are some of the least enjoyable cars to drive out there. I test drove a V-6 accord and even a hybrid accord as well as a V-6 camry before deciding to pay more for the lexus. The steering is incredibly loose on both vehicles. The interior feels cheap in numerous places. My GF has a newer accord and while it's nice for her, it does not even come close to a lexus, bmw, audi, acura, etc.

I'm not sure what you mean by noisy unless it's just engine noise. BMW engine noise is one of the most appealing aspects of it. I found the 3 series incredibly fun to drive, and love the engine noise. There was good sound isolation from other noises, and even if there isn't on the 5 series, that can be remedied for under $1000 with some sound insulation material such as dynamat. Or perhaps it just had sportier tires which can make the car seem noisier.

 

[torpid]

Incidentally, I'm assuming you meant new car at $30k in which case no BMW would qualify that I know of. Unless you got literally zero options, even then it might not make it.

Same for G35. $30k might get you an A4 V4 or Acura TL, depending on whether the prices have gone up in recent years.

 

[SLCentral]

Originally posted by: torpid
If black leather and red dashboard is last generation, I guess I don't really want to see the current generation. Sounds boring.

V-6 camry and accord are some of the least enjoyable cars to drive out there. I test drove a V-6 accord and even a hybrid accord as well as a V-6 camry before deciding to pay more for the lexus. The steering is incredibly loose on both vehicles. The interior feels cheap in numerous places. My GF has a newer accord and while it's nice for her, it does not even come close to a lexus, bmw, audi, acura, etc.

I'm not sure what you mean by noisy unless it's just engine noise. BMW engine noise is one of the most appealing aspects of it. I found the 3 series incredibly fun to drive, and love the engine noise. There was good sound isolation from other noises, and even if there isn't on the 5 series, that can be remedied for under $1000 with some sound insulation material such as dynamat. Or perhaps it just had sportier tires which can make the car seem noisier.

My dad owned a 1999 540i, and now owns a 2004 545i. The 545i is quieter, and is pretty much near-silent, but the 540i was also quite quiet. I don't really agree with the interior cabin noise problem the OP states.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: RichUK
BMW's are the best cars ever. I doubt anyone will disagree.

I've owned 2 of them. I disagree.

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: RichUK
BMW's are the best cars ever. I doubt anyone will disagree.

i disagree

 

[yellowg555]

The 2007 Camry SE is a fun car to drive. The new Toyota 268hp V6 makes it really powerful, and for about $30k out the door, makes it one of the best bangs for your buck.

Although I will probably end up getting a 325i or 328i in the next 6 months.

 

[sniperruff]

comparing a 540i with an accord/camry is like comparing some nice juicy porterhouse to the beef from a cup-o-noodles. feel the interior panels, sit on the soft leather, push the V8... the entire car just feels a lot more solid and well built comparing to even some of the best lux from japan.

 

[mooseracing]

Originally posted by: Blazin Trav
$30K? There are tons of nice cars buyable at that price.

I defiantely could have found a better purchase than that.

Yea, as cars are just a play toy for me, i would buy a cheaper car and put the 20k into it and have something that will outdrive a Beemer.

I see nuthin special about them.

 

[Ilmater]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919

Originally posted by: RichUK
BMW's are the best cars ever. I doubt anyone will disagree.

i disagree

Me too. I just bought an Acura TSX, and I can't see why anyone would go with a BMW over an Acura TL or RL.... at least in that price range. Someone tell me what a BMW 3-series has over an Acura TL? They're pretty agile, have similar power profiles, the TL has ALMOST every option the 3-series has (I think it's missing retractible sun shades or something, that's it). But, you can get it for like $5k - $10k less. For me, I didn't need the power as much as I did the gas mileage (TSX is a 4-cylinder with 200hp), AND I got to save money. Easy choice.

Plus, more importantly, I feel that Acuras/Hondas are more reliable than BMWs are.

EDIT: Just to make sure I'm clear, I'm not talking about cars like the 6-series. That car is sex on the road. I would give my testicles for that car, and I'm not kidding. Hot hot hot hot.

 

[homercles337]

The 5 series are designed for breeders--boring, fat, apathetic, beasts. Hop in an M3 then get back to the thread.

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: RichUK
BMW's are the best cars ever. I doubt anyone will disagree.

I've owned 2 of them. I disagree.

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919

Originally posted by: RichUK
BMW's are the best cars ever. I doubt anyone will disagree.

i disagree

You are both wrong, best cars ever!

I have owned two, and am about to acquire my third. I have driven a couple of Mercedes a hell of a lot of BMW's "considering i used to work for them ages ago), and a couple of jag's, and i favour the BMW's hands down.

The design, build quality, attention to detail is amazing. I say this and I have never driven an Merc S class, but hey, i dont know what to say, just brilliant cars IMO.

I am getting a 330CI + sports pack soon, this is my new company car. A colleague of mine, has the 650I sport (he's on a higher pay bracket). OMG I creamed when I drove it, this car is hella fast!!!

 

[Tab]

I actually really dislike the newer BMWs... They might be fast, but damn they are ugly...

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: Tab
I actually really dislike the newer BMWs... They might be fast, but damn they are ugly...

I find almost all BMWs ugly. Except the roadsters and the like.

 

[Blazin Trav]

Originally posted by: F22 Raptor

Originally posted by: LoKe

Originally posted by: Blazin Trav
$30K? There are tons of nice cars buyable at that price.

Doubt it. BMW's are amazing cars, and I'd sure as hell take one over a Camry or ACcord any day.

Go pick up an issue of any car magazine, because yes there are. It all comes down to brand prefrence these days because everything is so similar and the options are many (albeit for the rare one that comes along and blows the compeition away).

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[paulney]

Originally posted by: Ilmater
Someone tell me what a BMW 3-series has over an Acura TL?

RWD
Handling
Response
Agility

I have both cars, and TL is no match for 3-series in ride
Comfort? Yes
Gadgets? Yes
Fun driving? Hell no

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: Tab
I actually really dislike the newer BMWs... They might be fast, but damn they are ugly...

I used to think the 6 series was fugly. But it has grown on me, and now I really really like the way they look (wish I could have one, lol), and OMG they are fast.

I like all BMW?s I?m not a massive fan of the 1 Series nor 7 Series, from a style perspective, but the build quality makes up for that.