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Luxury Performance Sedans

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  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,148
    A large national newspaper is doing a story on how cars increasingly are computers. The reporter is looking for people with cars that have had difficulty getting repaired because of the knowledge needed to fix them or the code requirements needed to fix are often not provided to non-dealers, or the cost to fix was outrageous. Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, September 13, 2006 by 2:30 PM PT/5:30 PM ET containing your daytime contact information and what car you currently own and the issue.

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  • brodskybrodsky Member Posts: 14
    Can anyone chime in on whether they think this $1,200 option is worth it? I just factory ordered a 2007 530xi )with satellite radio) and I'm now having misgivings that I didn't order premium sound. It might not be too late. Opinions ASAP? Thanks.
  • akende1akende1 Member Posts: 11
    brodsky,

    I recently discussed with two different dealers about a 2007 525i, and both told me that the Prem. Sound pkg is no longer available. The available pkg is the base stereo or Logic 7. Prem. pkg included the 6 disc changer w/ Logic 7, now its just Logic 7 w/o changer. If you want the changer you have to request that the dealer install it later. (possibly w/ an extra charge) Ask your dealer if they got memo sometime around June or August concerning this issue.
    For what its worth, 13 speakers (2 of which are sizeable subwoofers) seems worth it; especially if you enjoy listen to music at a level of high quality.

    Good Luck.
  • mbbrooksmbbrooks Member Posts: 16
    The direct answer is yes. The stock system leaves much to be desired. One of the reasons that I got a 2007 E350 was because it has a Prologic system that in my opinion is even better than the 5 series Prologic system. The Benz also comes standard with the CD changer. With an Ipod connection and Sat radio, it is not essential but it is nice to have. I think that BMW quit offering the CD changer since it took up alot of valuable space in the glove box. The Benz changer is built into the dash but you would never find it if you did not know where to look.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Here is a interesting comparo of the European "Honda Legend" and the A6 and 5-Series:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=260KL9nls30

    M
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    A little bit off topic here, but you guys were talking about diesel, well here is an Audi diesel to end all diesels:

    image

    Audi is proud to present a world first – the first twelve-cylinder diesel engine in a series passenger car. This six-litre V12 makes its debut in the Audi Q7. It produces a colossal 500 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque. With this engine Audi has opened a new chapter in diesel history.

    The V12 TDI is reminiscent of the engine featured in the new R10 Le Mans racing car – it catapults the driving performance of the Audi Q7 into the echelons of top-class sports cars. The car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, and has an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. Maximum torque is available from just 1,750 rpm. The high-tech diesel engine, with the world’s first 2,000 bar Bosch Common Rail system, provides the high-performance Audi SUV with superior power reserves in any situation. The impressive sound of the new Audi is provided by the ultra-modern piezo-injection system. The V12 TDI transmits this power through a new six-speed tiptronic gearbox to the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.

    Good Lord is all I can say!

    Full Article

    M
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    . . .and, hopefully, you know the next part of the song.

    From Thursday morning until Sunday noon, my wife and I spent most of our waking hours at the BMW Performance Driving School near Greenville, SC (Greer, SC.)

    Some of you may know my personal passion for manual transmissions -- and BMW makes some of the best, of that there is much consensus. But, some of you may have gleaned that my wife is beyond passionate about manuals. She switched brands, from Audi to BMW -- for at the time (mid 2005) there were no new A4 Audis with stick shifts (Audi's loss.)

    I watched (and participated) in two days of driving exercises in a class with two instructors and only 6 students -- and I watched my wife actually announce to the class (after having noted before the class the opposite) that an automatic BMW is NOW on her list.

    The auto has come a long way, baby, for this to happen.

    Imagine, if you will, there were NO manual transmission BMW's to be found in the entire performance center (or if they were there, they were certainly off limits to students.) I expected the auto to dominate in quantity here in Auto-America, but NO sticks?!

    Now, nearly a year a half later with my 6 speed tiptronic experience and [now] two days worth of driving BMW V8 equipped cars with autos -- I am (and my wife is too) ALMOST to the place where I can imagine an auto trans equipped car is not some sort of punishment for some past misdeed, or almost feel that nothing is being given up with an automatic.

    They could've drugged us, but I doubt it.

    As I gather my thoughts and let the excitement wear down a bit, I will post the review of the experience over on the X3 forum.

    Just like with the Audi driving experiences, though, I can't wait to go back to SC to drive someone else's cars doing things I would never imagine I could do in a car.

    P.S. Saw the new X5's pretty much up close and personal.

    P.P.S Our primary instructor spent the first 10 minutes of our classroom experience explaining his recent experience with BMW's turbo diesel motor and explaining that we would see a lot of the BMW lineup offer diesel motivation. The small but enthusiastic crowd cheered.

    :shades:
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,504
    P.P.S Our primary instructor spent the first 10 minutes of our classroom experience explaining his recent experience with BMW's turbo diesel motor and explaining that we would see a lot of the BMW lineup offer diesel motivation. The small but enthusiastic crowd cheered.

    Now THAT is excellent news. Any timing?
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Based on the R & T October edition there is no mention of an upcoming twin turbo 535i series?

    I find that somewhat strange especially when there is a twin turbo BMW 335 coupe and sedan?
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    In the not too distant future we will see diesels and X3's built in America and even the engines mfgr'd here, so said our instructor.

    When?

    "In the not too distant future."

    If I said anymore, I'd have to make it up.
  • knowspinzoneknowspinzone Member Posts: 91
    markcincinnati, they generally don't use manual transmissions in those schools because they would be changing clutches after each class. They would rather you burn out your own clutch!

    Sounds like that was a lot of fun anyway ........ one of these days my wife will be giving me one of those for my birthday!
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    This is my fifth class and the first one that used automatics.

    Full disclosure: the first four were actually IN Germany/Austria.

    I mean, c'mon, they are BMW's -- and I am of the [former]persuasion who would [past tense] remark: why get a BMW if you are NOT getting a manual?

    Before you attack that remark, do recall that I am driving an A6 6speed tiptronic. However, at THAT time, I woulda got a stick would one have been offered in that class car WITH AWD. Alas, no 530xi was "on sale" on June 23rd, 2005.

    NOW, however, I think I am either a kool aid drinker or the new breed of 6, 7 and 8 speed autos have all but banished the problems I can all well attest to with EVERYONE's 5 speed autos (at least everyone's from Europe!)

    Sorry if you own one, it is one person's opinion.

    My 2003 allroad was quite possibly my last stick shift.

    On the bright side -- I am becoming of a mind where I can actually think I might NOT even miss it other than for completely "joy of driving" (via shifting) reasons. Other benefits may -- probably -- offset the drawbacks.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    NOW, however, I think I am either a kool aid drinker or the new breed of 6, 7 and 8 speed autos have all but banished the problems I can all well attest to with EVERYONE's 5 speed autos (at least everyone's from Europe!)

    Infiniti's rev matching 5-speed is VERY good for an autobox. The new TL TypeS also offers a 5-speed, paddle-shifted rev matching automatic. I don't think its the 5-speeds thats the problem.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Based on the R & T October edition there is no mention of an upcoming twin turbo 535i series?

    I find that somewhat strange especially when there is a twin turbo BMW 335 coupe and sedan?

    That will likely have to wait until the 5-Series facelift, probably next spring as early 08' models.

    M
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    Not to mention a 300HP 530i would severely cannibalize 550i sales at this point.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Not to mention a 300HP 530i would severely cannibalize 550i sales at this point.

    Good point. In the 3 series categorty a 335i will not cannibalize sales from the new V8 M3.

    After hundreds of test drives I've never felt as excited about buying a car as the BMW335i. I hope I can negotiate a reasonable deal this week.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    That will likely have to wait until the 5-Series facelift, probably next spring as early 08' models.

    No need yet for such a face lift with the 5 series outselling the E Class.

    Also I would like to point out that we are soon approaching the deadline for our E Class vs. 5 series sales bet. I am kind of disappointed that this was only a gentlemen's bet with no legal tender wagered. ;)
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Not to mention a 300HP 530i would severely cannibalize 550i sales at this point.

    At least in BMW's case the 550i would still have more horsepower. The 2007 GS430 has 290hp with the new SAE spec. The GS350 has 303hp. According to Lexus, 0-60 is identical between the two, 5.7 seconds, and 1\4 mile times are also an identical 14.2 seconds. The GS430 starts at a little over $8K more. For that you get... uh..
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    No need yet for such a face lift with the 5 series outselling the E Class.

    Ha, ha Dew!

    Also I would like to point out that we are soon approaching the deadline for our E Class vs. 5 series sales bet. I am kind of disappointed that this was only a gentlemen's bet with no legal tender wagered.

    Yeah can you feel me sweating? I'm starting to cringe as I read the sales reports, but I won't lose faith until Jan 1 and the sales figures are released! ;)

    M
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    That makes me think there will be a 2008 GS460 on sale around Jan 2007, there has to be IMO. The GS lineup doesn't make sense as it stands for "2007".

    M
  • purplem46purplem46 Member Posts: 54
    CNN Money has interesting article on trends for both auto and manny transmissions. Very favorable comments on Audi's DSG.

    CNN Tranny
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    I drove a manual there in the Z4 M roadster. :)

    Stupid fast comes to mind, along with an ear to ear grin. Now if there were some way to justify it. :)

    As for LPS wheels, looking at wheel choices, I agree with Mark that many of us would like to upgrade our wheels to those offered on the sportier (M, AMG, S-Line, etc) versions. I'd LOVE to put M5 wheels on a regular 5 as the other wheel choices leave me less than happy. Things like this can make or break how a vehicle looks.

    Not an LPS vehicle, but consider the BMW 6 Series. The ellipsoid wheels on the Sport package look rather goofy. I can take or leave it. Slap some M6 wheels on there and the look of the vehicle changes entirely.

    A la mode ordering would be sweet, but I suspect the technical workings and relationships between some features dictate that other things need to be there. Not that that is an excuse, just an observation and guess.

    -Paul
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    Uh, yea, I'll have my Bimmer with vanilla, French Vanilla, ice cream.

    You meant, perhaps, a la carte?

    :shades:
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    Seriously, I can see very few instances where one feature or option depends upon another, especially in the areas of wheels, tires, ground effects, colors of paint and colors of the interior.

    Now, I do understand WANTING to keep some degree of exclusivity with the high zoot wheels and full-on RED leather ONLY being offered in the M versions.

    Yet, I can't help but wonder, if there would be an offset of MORE than the lost sales of an M car with an increase in the sales of a "regular" 3 or 5, were BMW to offer that snazzy red leather interior (for a price with a profit, of course) in a more pedestrian 530 or 330, etc?

    Let's say I am willing to pay an additional $1,000 (and I made that amount up) over the cost of the Premium Package for Red leather and Black Pearl Paint (for an additional premium paint charge of another $500 over the upcharge for metallic paint, etc.)

    Let's say, however, that I am not able or willing or even if both able and willing, my spouse says "no M5 for you, baby cakes!" And I say, "I'd be a happy camper with a 530 with sport package, premium package, technology goodies, pushbutton start, M5 wheels, red leather sport seats and black pearl paint for a total up charge of perhaps $2999 over the 530 otherwise normally equipped.

    Why not allow me to "give you my money?"

    I look at Audi, now, and I'm starting to understand their S-Line grouping. S-Line for those who are not deep into Audis, is a combination trim and suspension, tires, wheels and even some ground effects (and some badging and a glitzy steering/sport/wheel, bla bla bla.) It adds less than $3000 to the price of the car, which is somewhat of a bargain considering that the sport package alone used to be priced at $1250, so this is about a $1600 upcharge which, as far as I can tell is probably quite profitable.

    I don't think I will confuse or reconsider an S6 simply because there is an S-Line A6 3.2. I know the difference, I know the $20,000 upcharge for the S6 includes the V10, the brakes and a whole host of other stuff that even an S-Line A6 4.2FSI doesn't even rival.

    But, the S-Line A6 is, if you already like the looks, a "real looker" in the A6 family.

    Likewise, the M5 is a "looker" and an M-Line 530 should drive additional revenues overall for BMW. I would think the M5 would not suffer one whit.

    Packages are great ideas, don't get me wrong. It is just that for some folks wanting a backup camera and being forced to spring for a sunroof just doesn't compute.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Nah, I want my BMW, and cake, and ice cream too. :)

    I meant ala carte, but it was early. :) heheh

    My dependencies was more from a technical standpoint, like needing MMI for certain features or iDrive to enable others. Other than that, I agree, single options would be a great way to get those niche buyers who want a specific configuration.

    Is boutique buying a future opportunity for car makers? Who knows, but it would sure be fun to do! I could imagine the level of service could be upped a bit too to offer a VERY personal car shopping experience.

    BMW now offers active steering as a standalone option, so there are some VERY small signs of progress.

    -Paul
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    There are rumors that the upcoming generation of the TSX will have AWD.

    If that is the case then the Acura TL will definitely have SH-AWD.

    Also Honda is very serious about diesels in North America. The likeliest N. American diesel Acura will be the TSX since that is what is currently being sold in Europe as an Accord.

    Read some British mags and the diesel Acura TSX received rave reviews contrarty to the dismal reception of the diesel Lexus IS220d

    image
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    There are rumors that the upcoming generation of the TSX will have AWD.

    Count on it getting the RDX powertrain then as well. There's no way Acura would downsize the engine to 2.3L on a car that is already too slow and due for a significant weight increase without slapping a turbo on it. 240hp and 260ft.lbs of torque compares very favorably with the IS250 and 328i. That torque especially would be up 100ft.lbs over the outgoing TSX.
  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    " I am (and my wife is too) ALMOST to the place where I can imagine an auto trans equipped car is not some sort of punishment for some past misdeed, or almost feel that nothing is being given up with an automatic. "

    I read your posting(s) on the X3 board - very interesting - but please ( please ) elaborate on this aspect?

    Thanks,
    - Ray
    Manumatic driver since 1999 . . .
    2022 X3 M40i
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    The BMW performance driving school -- details over on the X3 forum -- was our fifth school. The first four were with Audi and were all with A4's with manual transmissions.

    Out of some 30+ German cars, only 4 or maybe 5 have been automatics and all of them except my '05 A6 have been unimpressive even though I cannot say I hated them as much as some folks. I don't think I hated them at all, in fact, I just didn't like them, thought they reduced control, were never in the gear I would've selected and the manumatic functions were slow to engage. I have and could go on and on about the 3, 4, and 5 speed automatics that I have had experience with in my nearly 40 years of driving.

    The current tip @ 6speeds and the step also @ 6 speeds and I am certain the Mercedes 7 speeds have all but banished the bad things from auto trans. I am also CERTAIN that Audi's DSG transmission once it is widely available will push manual transmissions largely into the history books.

    If you read what we did at the BMW performance school you will note it was 100% with auto trans. My wife has largely but not yet completely come to the conclusion that the instructors' commands over the walkie talkies to "increase" the speed of your hands in the exercises were able to be obeyed due to the fact that one hand did NOT have to be on the gear shift. Two pedals and ONE wheel. I drove during my turns at the wheel in S mode with BMW 4.4L V8's underfoot.

    I, too, can attest that the Audis on snow and ice tracks doing the exact same exercises DID indeed feel fine with stick shifts. And even though the laws of physics that affect the cars applies equally on ice as it does on dry pavement, there are differences that have to do with the VIOLENCE level.

    At 20kph on ice it is possible to experience understeer, oversteer, power slides, abs on/of braking, slalom runs, etc etc etc and have the behavior of the cars translate to 80kph on dry pavement. What works on ice at 20kph works with the same reaction on dry pavement but to achieve that reaction you must be going about 400% faster.

    When you are careening out of control on ice, the speed and "attitude" of the car is smooth and almost in slow motion. When you are IDENTICALLY careening out of control on a 30 foot wide concrete track, the speed and "attitude" of the car are anything but smooth and everything is in fast forward motion.

    The tires are clawing at the concrete and you are jarred, your muscles are jostled and your reaction (required) is to squeeze the controls with greater force and so on.

    Were I to need to press on a clutch (to prevent stalling, for instance), a gas and/or brake pedal, plus have one hand (sometimes) on the shift lever and one hand all the time on the steering wheel, I (and my wife too -- and even the instructors who elect to drive M cars ONLY with autos) can now see how being able to keep two hands on the wheel can possibly (since I am NOT a pro race driver) improve my ability to control the car in a "violent" lane change and panic stop.

    I would LOVE to try EVERYTHING we learned at the BMW day one performance school with my A6 3.2 tiptronic AND / OR a BMW 3 or 5 series with a stick shift -- to further educate and possibly convince myself of what I have just written.

    The instructors were high on BMW's (and AUDI's and PORSCHE's) steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for the "current breed" of auto trans, too.

    I have only briefly test driven cars with these paddles and have no opinion at this time -- but it makes sense, in any case. The proof of the response time would be the proof I am seeking. The BMW X5's in manual mode were worse than any Audi manumatic I have known -- "same day" response time, I would suggest, is how it felt. Even my A6 tip is very fast in comparison.

    I did not get to try an M car, for instance, with a Steptronic 6speed so I assume I would be pleasantly surprised.

    At this point, my wife is probably 51% into the "auto could work" attitude and paradigm shift.

    I am probably 65% -- but a new Audi S4 with a 6speed stick still has a huge attraction.

    Hope this "rationalization" is of some help at least in understanding how my wife, Ms. Stick Shift, forever, Auto Shift never, is morphing into an Auto-Believer.

    She IS NOT there, YET -- but she has, as of last week, crossed over the 50% line.

    :surprise:
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    The instructors were high on BMW's (and AUDI's and PORSCHE's) steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for the "current breed" of auto trans, too.

    Paddle shifters are definitely much better than the various flavors of "buttons" that preceded them. I like them most when they are attached to the column and don't move with the wheel, so that left is always down, etc.
  • knowspinzoneknowspinzone Member Posts: 91
    Ms. Stick Shift, forever, Auto Shift never, is morphing into an Auto-Believer.

    Eventually as she gains more skill, she'll be a believer.
  • purplem46purplem46 Member Posts: 54
    M cars do not have steptronic tranny's. Only SMG or manual. No slush boxes.
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    From what I can tell, SMG is the worst of both worlds, and BMW, reluctantly is or soon will abandon it for DSG, even though they are probably loathe to have to adopt what Audi had several years before them.

    Our instructor prefered SMG as #3 on a scale of 1 - 3.

    A point and one that is not YET entirely there, is that there is a hell of a lot less SLUSH in the current 6 and 7 speed "tronics" than in the generation that was on the market just 1 - 2 years ago.

    I would call BMW's step tronic 5 speed, stutter tronic it was so bad. Likewise, Audi's tip tronic was the founder of the name "tip lag" due to some mighty strange programming.

    The current DSG is perhaps the best of all worlds, but it is offered on so few cars produced by anyone anywhere that it remains a virtual novelty.

    This is changing.

    Yet, reviews of Audis S8 which still uses a tiptronic are, darn near, glowing.

    Seven speed DSG transmissions will soon be widespread in this class of cars (from Audi and BMW), when that happens, I suspect the stick shift will be special order only, if it is even certified for NA sales.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    The British mag Car has some of the rumored details and pictures(certainly not official) of the upcoming 5 series.

    This picture looks alot like the current e90 3 series:

    image

    And the rear-end of this 5 series looks a lot like a Hyundai Sonata:

    image

    The most interesting specs are the following:

    BMW hasn't forgotten about environmental initiatives, though. The diesel engines should get urea injection – as Mercedes is pioneering – to cut nitrogen oxide emissions. A stop/start system and upshift indicator for six-speed manual versions will help reduce fuel consumption, and the engines should be biofuel- and synfuel-compatible. Brake energy-regeneration, in combination with adaptive alternator control, should also save up to 10 percent more fuel too.

    Link below for more 2009 5 series specs:

    2009 5 Series
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    I'm liking the engine choices too. Hopefully most of them will cross the pond.

    Model - Engine
    520i --- 218bhp 2.5-litre
    525i --- 238bhp 3.0-litre
    530i --- 272bhp 3.0-litre
    535i --- 306bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo
    540i --- 367bhp 4.8-litre V8
    550i --- 408bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8
    520d -- 175bhp 2.0-litre four
    530d -- 204bhp 2.5-litre six (Typo? Maybe a 525d?)
    530d -- 245bhp 3.0-litre six
    535d -- 300bhp 3.0-litre six

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,504
    I'd settle for just some of them (including at least one diesel).

    Anything is better than (at least for the 3 series) two choices. The 5 has three, exactly 30% of the available universe outside of the U.S.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    I'm liking the engine choices too. Hopefully most of them will cross the pond.


    My hope is that we will at least be seeing two of them:

    530d -- 245bhp 3.0-litre six
    535d -- 300bhp 3.0-litre six
  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,497
    And the rear-end of this 5 series looks a lot like a Hyundai Sonata

    BMW really does design the worst derriers in the business.
  • sfcharliesfcharlie Member Posts: 402
    Beauty must really be in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I have found the rear-end designs of the 3 and 5 series, during the 1990s and up to 2004, to be both simple and visually compelling. In addition, my take is that it has been widely copied, including by Hyundai. BMW shouldn't treat it as off-limits because it's now found on many other cars.

    If those photos predict what the next chapter will be in the life of the 5-series, I'd assume BMW marketing believes the change back toward previous rear-end design will please the marketplace.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    A reporter seeks to talk with longtime Volvo or BMW 5-Series owners. Please send your daytime contact info and a sentence or two about your Volvo ownership history to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, September 27, 2006.

    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    Corporate Communications
    Edmunds.com
  • shermanlshermanl Member Posts: 9
    I've pretty well decided on an M35X but I was comparing it to the BMW525xi on the Infiniti site. Lopsided in favor of the M.

    Then I went to the BMW site to see how BMW spinned the comparison but they don't offer an option to compare to the M. Imagine that. They let you compare to Audi A6, Volvo S80, and Saab 9-5. Do you think that BMW knows they can't compare to the M but don't want anyone else to know? Or...has Infiniti just picked the best features to compare to and make it look like the BMW was made by Ford?
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Then I went to the BMW site to see how BMW spinned the comparison but they don't offer an option to compare to the M.

    You don't have to use an automaker's site to get a comparison. There's a ton of sites that will let you compare any car to any other car. Vehix, Cars, etc. I'm sure Edmunds has something.
  • shermanlshermanl Member Posts: 9
    Yup, I've been to those sites but that's not the point. The point is why BMW wouldn't compare its 5 to the M on its website.
  • lansdownemikelansdownemike Member Posts: 54
    Just out of curiosity, why didn't you compare it to the 530xi? It seems that it might be expected to be a little closer in paper capabilities.
  • shermanlshermanl Member Posts: 9
    No particular reason, but comparing it to the 525xi gives the M a price advantage of about $9,000 so I guess the 530 would make the 530 more expensive and it wouldn't have all the features of the M.

    The only thing that keeps bothering me (which I'll probably forget about after I buy it) is the gas mileage of the M.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    The only thing that keeps bothering me (which I'll probably forget about after I buy it) is the gas mileage of the M.

    With oil at around $61, thats less of an issue than it was a few months ago.
  • kgarykgary Member Posts: 180
    My 2005 A6 4.2 came with 245/40/18 tires, I am thinking of going with a 255/40/18 replacement tire. The OD on the OEM tire is 25.7, the OD on the replacement tire is 26.0. I am concerned that the larger tire may rub or cause a problem with the Quattro system. Does anyone have any experience with the larger tire size? Does it rub? Should I be concerned about the impact on the Quattro system? Can I stick with the OEM rims?

    Kevin
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    I believe you can go as large as 265 x 40 x 18.

    255 would be a "perfect" plus zero and from what i can tell, requires nothing be done to the car iteself.

    What do you think you will get out of the plus sizing?

    This is not a trick question -- at least I don't intend it to be.

    I live in SW Ohio and the wider the tires, typically, the poorer the winter experience (and I would personally go with UHP all seasons, which may not be your approach.)
  • kgarykgary Member Posts: 180
    Mark,

    I have the Pirelli PZero Nero M & S tires on the car already. So I am in complete agreement on UHP tires for the car. I like the look of wider tires, but I don't want to go to a lower profile and risk getting a harsher ride. Do you know anyone who put 265/40/18s on the car?

    Kevin
  • jrock65jrock65 Member Posts: 1,371
    Got this from somewhere else. My copy of C&D hasn't come in the mail yet.

    "C&D November - M45 vs. 550i vs. E550 vs. GS450h

    1. Infiniti M45 Sport
    2. BMW 550i Sport
    3. Mercedes-Benz E550
    4. Lexus GS450h

    The Infiniti had a one point advantage over the BMW overall. The BMW edged out the Infiniti by two points in the Fun-To-Drive category, but the Infiniti had a 5 point advantage in the Price category. The BMW cost almost $15,000 more than the Infiniti. The BMW was almost $71,000! The Infiniti also won the Got-To-Have-It category, edging out the BMW by one point."
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