Considering New 2008 535i

[JimR]

I've owned many cars in my life but never a BMW. The other day I drove a 2008 535i and was blown away. Driving the BMW is comparable to driving a true sports car, especially when the vehicle is equipped with the sports package. It puts the fun back in driving for me. Don't get me wrong, I have a beautiful 2006 Lexus GS 430. The car is fast, luxurious, quiet and rides like a dream but driveability isn't in the same league as the BMW.

I'd like to hear from some 5 series owners to see how they feel about their vehicles. I'll take a beating on the trade if I decide to buy, but I think it would be worth it to put the thrill back into driving. What do others think?

Thanks from this newbie.

 

[deutsch100]

I too think the "new" somewhat re-designed 5 Series is a beautiful car, and being a large 4 door sedan, it does handle amazingly. The only thing that worries me, is that a lot of computer software that is in the new 2007 X5, is in the 2008 5 Series. As a former owner of the new X5, there are a lot of computer and electrical glitches. Sadly, this has been BMW's problem, whenever a "new" model is released.

I agree that most BMWs handle better than most Lexues. Most Lexus models are much more reliable than most BMWs.

It's always like this. What is more important, better handling (although your GS handles pretty well) or better reliability? BMWs free maintenance is really amazing, but they honestly don't require that much maintenance...most dealer visits will be computer & electrical related.

Good Luck

 

[JimR]

I too think the "new" somewhat re-designed 5 Series is a beautiful car, and being a large 4 door sedan, it does handle amazingly. The only thing that worries me, is that a lot of computer software that is in the new 2007 X5, is in the 2008 5 Series. As a former owner of the new X5, there are a lot of computer and electrical glitches. Sadly, this has been BMW's problem, whenever a "new" model is released.

I agree that most BMWs handle better than most Lexues. Most Lexus models are much more reliable than most BMWs.

It's always like this. What is more important, better handling (although your GS handles pretty well) or better reliability? BMWs free maintenance is really amazing, but they honestly don't require that much maintenance...most dealer visits will be computer & electrical related.

Good Luck

I read you loud and clear. There's just something about the BMW I can't quite put my finger on. The Lexus, if anything, is super reliable and gets decent gas mileage for a V8. The problem is the vehicle is uninspiring to drive.

I guess I had thought BMW reliability had improved in recent years. I'll just have to weigh the pros and cons and make up my mind. I'm really close however to taking the plunge.

Thanks for the timely info.

 

[deutsch100]

I read you loud and clear. There's just something about the BMW I can't quite put my finger on. The Lexus, if anything, is super reliable and gets decent gas mileage for a V8. The problem is the vehicle is uninspiring to drive.

I guess I had thought BMW reliability had improved in recent years. I'll just have to weigh the pros and cons and make up my mind. I'm really close however to taking the plunge.

Thanks for the timely info.

Hey again Jim. BMW reliability has greatly improved over the past 10 years. It is probably the most reliable "big" German brand. Yes, a BMW does have a much better "feel" than the Lexus, in terms of driving pleasure. I wish you luck, and a long, meaningful relationship with your new BMW Service Advisor

 

[JimR]

You were doing OK until that line about my BMW Service Advisor. I hope it won't be necessary to form a relationship with him!http://www.bmwboard.com/forum/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=0#

 

[deutsch100]

You were doing OK until that line about my BMW Service Advisor. I hope it won't be necessary to form a relationship with him!http://www.bmwboard.com/forum/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=0#

In all fairness to BMW, I have always received exceptional service, and when I had the severe problems with my brand new X5, both my dealer and BMWNA provided me with beyond amazing customer support and service. BMW and BMWNA are incredible companies, and stand behind their products. I can see myself always having at least 1 BMW in the garage. Just don't get the 535i and assume it's going to be trouble free, that's all I'm saying. Buy prepared.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

I read you loud and clear. There's just something about the BMW I can't quite put my finger on. The Lexus, if anything, is super reliable and gets decent gas mileage for a V8. The problem is the vehicle is uninspiring to drive.

I guess I had thought BMW reliability had improved in recent years. I'll just have to weigh the pros and cons and make up my mind. I'm really close however to taking the plunge.

Thanks for the timely info.

Jim I too am considering the 2008 535i, although would want it in awd form. I also caution you to take the advice of some posters like a grain of salt. Simply because there are a some who either fabricate problems with their cars, or take possession of a car and criticize every single thing on it. The new X5 and the 5 series are two very different cars, I have heard of no issues with the twin turbo 3.0 I6, which gets amazing gas mileage if you ask me. I have an 04 330i, which I purchased 3yrs ago and reliability has been impeccable. Im at 42,000 miles, zero electrical issues.

As for the relationship with your Service Advisor, you might find yourself coming in for free wiper fluid refills, free wiper blade insert replacement, free oil changes, and if you drive enough free new brakes...

Goodluck in whatever you decide to do. Let me know how much off MSRP you got, if you do take the plunge.

 

[JimR]

Jim I too am considering the 2008 535i, although would want it in awd form. I also caution you to take the advice of some posters like a grain of salt. Simply because there are a some who either fabricate problems with their cars, or take possession of a car and criticize every single thing on it. The new X5 and the 5 series are two very different cars, I have heard of no issues with the twin turbo 3.0 I6, which gets amazing gas mileage if you ask me. I have an 04 330i, which I purchased 3yrs ago and reliability has been impeccable. Im at 42,000 miles, zero electrical issues.

As for the relationship with your Service Advisor, you might find yourself coming in for free wiper fluid refills, free wiper blade insert replacement, free oil changes, and if you drive enough free new brakes...

Goodluck in whatever you decide to do. Let me know how much off MSRP you got, if you do take the plunge.

Right now I am sitting on $1500 dollars off MSRP. The trade offer is a thousand more than the other local dealer offered and he offers no discount. I'd still like to get about another grand for my car. If I succed, I order next week. I plan to take delivery at the Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC. I've driven both the 335i and the 535i. Coming from a Lexus GS430 the size of the 5 suits me better.