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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

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  • loucopitsloucopits Posts: 103
    Me to lawyer: "Is it true that you charge $75 just to answer a simple question?"

    Lawyer to me: "Yes I do. That will be $75."
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  • laurasdadalaurasdada Posts: 3,094
    Ditto-ish for my '05 TL. Premium gas, 5 slushy speeds, ~40miles/day commute mix of local/highway driving = 23mpg consistenty.

    Tires rotated every 6k miles, but original Bridgestones gone at 33k miles, now on Toyo Versados (with Dunlop WinterSports in the, well, winter...). Regular pressure checks.

    Yet I still want an XK. But, the Evil Wife wants a three season room. Gee, wonder who'll win. "Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets!:" Name that tune (well, show/movie...).

    '13 Jaguar XF, possibly my favorite of all the cars I've owned. But, my '09 Jag XK was a beauty, as was my '05 Acura TL, '88 Acura Integra, '84 Mitsubishi Mirage Turbo & '78 VW Scirocco (my first!). And, of course, the '92 Nissan Sentra SE-R and '95 Saab 900s I bought for the ex... Ok, I like a lot of the cars in my life.

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  • circlewcirclew Posts: 8,608
    Damn Yankees/Kinky Boots.

    XKR...Fughedaboudit for now...

    Regards,
    OW
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  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Forest Lakes, AZPosts: 4,041
    Welcome back, Mark. We've (or at least I've) missed you.

    Let us know on this or some other board what's been going on, if you're that way inclined.

    Going from the longest-post maven to missing-in-action is a jolt to some of us.

    Either way, hope you enjoy your new A4. The A3 turned out to be my runner-up to the car I finally ended up with this time, the Acura TSX. I appear to have recovered from my RWD disease.

    Good to hear from you.
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  • laurasdadalaurasdada Posts: 3,094
    "Damn Yankees"

    Well done, Shoeless O! ;)

    Yeah, I'm fuhgedinaboutit for now... :sick:

    '13 Jaguar XF, possibly my favorite of all the cars I've owned. But, my '09 Jag XK was a beauty, as was my '05 Acura TL, '88 Acura Integra, '84 Mitsubishi Mirage Turbo & '78 VW Scirocco (my first!). And, of course, the '92 Nissan Sentra SE-R and '95 Saab 900s I bought for the ex... Ok, I like a lot of the cars in my life.

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  • circlewcirclew Posts: 8,608
    With rival BMW warming up to the idea of turbocharging in a big way, Mercedes-Benz is poised to embrace the technology across its entire line. “We will go turbocharging across the board on gasoline engines,” R&D boss Dr. Thomas Weber told Leftlane in an interview last week. “Even the next A-Class generation will get a turbo engine.” But that’s not all — we questioned Weber on a variety of issues, and got some very interesting responses.

    The C will need new chassis pieces to handle this!

    Here is the link for more.

    link title

    Regards,
    OW
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  • marsha7marsha7 Posts: 3,703
    I like that Post 11041...why didn't I think of that???
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  • loucopitsloucopits Posts: 103
    Or this one:

    Dr. - your X-Ray shows that you need major surgery.

    Guy - How much will it cost?

    Dr. - $10,000

    Guy - I don't have that kind of money.

    Dr. - OK, for $1,000 I'll touch up the X-Rays
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  • circlewcirclew Posts: 8,608
    BMW is about to get trumped...

    With as much horsepower as the coupe and 200 less pounds to carry around, a G37 sedan could make a compelling case for itself, especially against it's quicker main rival, the BMW 335i. Bonus's would be, quicker throttle response, smoother operation, and better fuel economy as well with the VVEL system.

    Is Infinity loosing weight first???

    All without Turbos???

    Let's talk!

    Regards,
    OW
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  • joestylesjoestyles Posts: 2
    Have got problems with the fuse blowing all the time for my instrument display.
    Every time i switch my lights on the fuse blows,not only that i've noticed that i dont have any brake lights neither.All the bulbs have been checked & changed,& it's now doing my head in.lol.Am new to Beemers so don't know much about them really.Is this a common fault??? Could do with some help solving the problem. :(
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  • ferozferoz Posts: 14
    I recently drove some of this cars and was very well impressed. I don´t know the series well so I have a few questions:

    1). On 2000- 2004 models are there regular standard shifts in all models years?

    2). On the secuential shift, can it also operate as automatic or dose it always have to work as semi auto? If so how dose BMW expect a valet parking to take the car? the shifter takes time and knowledge to be driven well.

    3). On what model year did BMW introduce the secuantial shifter for 3 series
    coupes?

    4). What dose the "sport" button do on the 2003 secuential shifter 330 coupe?

    5). If this transmission (secuential) reliable? Is it delicate.

    6). On all BMWs are the F1 series faster than the same engine on luxury trim? Are the F1 engines different?

    Thanks!
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  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Posts: 6,257
    Maybe the 1 with a turbo 4 cylinder will come to the US and A? If VW's turbo 4 can make nearly 300 hp, there's no reason BMW can't follow suit. RWD, lighter nose...hope, hope...
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  • sanjo1sanjo1 Posts: 4
    does anybody know what part or what kind of tunning they did to the 2004 acura tl that makes it 270 horse power and 2005-08 only has 258.
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  • fedlawmanfedlawman Posts: 3,118
    Same power - just tighter SAE standards.
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  • sanjo1sanjo1 Posts: 4
    what does SAE stand for
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  • shiposhipo Posts: 9,152
    SAE originally stood for Society of Automobile Engineers, its scope has expanded a bit since then:

    http://www.sae.org/about/general/history/

    Best regards,
    Shipo
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  • sanjo1sanjo1 Posts: 4
    im trying to reverse the tighter SAE standards so i can increse the horsepower back to 270 bhp like the 2004 tl
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  • patpat Posts: 10,421
    The horsepower is the same. The way of measuring it has changed, that's all.
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  • sanjo1sanjo1 Posts: 4
    ok thanks alot. ive been trying to figure it out for the longest.
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  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Posts: 11,024
    A reporter is looking to talk with consumers who have considered purchasing a luxury car in the past, but would not do so currently because of the economy, or consumers who have traded-in their luxury vehicle. Please send your email address and phone number to ctalati@edmunds.com by Friday, February 6, 2008.

    MODERATOR

    Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.

    Share your vehicle reviews

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  • dash5dash5 Posts: 421
    Was hoping to get some advice on my search. Looking to spend no more than 22k on a used entry level luxury sedan. No more than say 40-50k miles. This would be my commute to work car, other car is a Honda CRV for family duty but this needs to be able to handle a car seat as a "plan b". My personal priority list would look something like:

    1. Quiet smooth ride. Dampen road noise.

    2. Luxury cabin and modern amenities. i.e. soft leather, no cheap materials and someplace to plug my ipod in.

    3. Power and performance. Doesnt have to smoke everyone on the road or corner on rails but when I need to pass it should respond impressively.

    4. Back seat capable of fitting a car seat and an adult if needed.

    5. Drivable in bad weather. I wont say absolutely no rear wheel drive but I have previously owned an Infiniti G-35 coupe and it was nearly useless in even a light snowfall and not good in the rain.

    6. Sporty style. This is subjective obviously :)

    So. I am thinking:

    2006 BMW 325xi or a 2006 Acura TL

    Other candidates are the Audi A4/A6, Volvo S60 or Mercedes C class.

    Any input would be welcome including options like leasing or any tips on how to get the most for my money.
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  • alltorquealltorque Posts: 535
    The BMW would certainly do your jobs but the 3-series is hardly "Luxury". A4 is cramped in the back and the C Class can be very variable on built quality/reliability. No idea about the Acura, we simply don't see them in Europe.

    A6 or S60 would be my choice..............but I have to declare a bias as an S60 owner, (and a diesel at that). Best seats in the business, nice lines, very well built and typically excellent Swedish safety, (incl child seats). Between the S60 and an A6 would be a hard choice for me but the slightly more distinctive lines of the Volvo would probably win me over - again - after 2 years of enjoyable, comfortable, utterly reliable driving.

    $22k would buy you an '07 or possibly '08 S60 SE Lux here in U.K. and enough change for a good weekend away...........ditto for an S80 which is even nicer.

    Ah, but the iPod plug-in would be an after-market fit; but hardly a deal breaker.
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  • pv2pv2 Posts: 37
    Someone I know told me last week she picked up a 2006 Acura TL with only 12k miles on it for $22k. Nice deal and nice car. I had a 2003 CLS and now have a 2007 TLS. My TL has an iPod input jack in the center console, not sure if an older model would. Both my TL and CL were fine in light to moderate snow as opposed to the 2 BMW 328Ci's I had. They needed separate winter tires to get through northeast winters. Good luck!
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  • dash5dash5 Posts: 421
    Thanks for the tips. I think my short list will be the BMW, TL and Volvo. I suppose I could always get snow tires like you mentioned for a RWD car. Hmm.

    The BMW seems to fit the bill in terms of fun to drive and status. Light on luxury and amenities, heavy on price tag and a lot of people have one.

    The TL sounds like it has a lot of features and luxury, but I'm not sold on the style. Although I have to see one in person to say for sure. Red with Tan interior sounds nice. We will see.

    The Volvo is the dark horse. Good value, safe, distinctive, reliable and more affordable. Again though I'm not sold on the look or performance reviews I read. Perhaps again if I see one in person in a color and trim I like and test drive it, that will come out ahead.

    And now I'm seeing the TSX is considered luxury as well. Another for my short list?
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  • carnaughtcarnaught 'zonaPosts: 2,330
    The BMW seems to fit the bill in terms of fun to drive and status. Light on luxury and amenities, heavy on price tag and a lot of people have one.

    Pretty much, called right on.

    The TL sounds like it has a lot of features and luxury, but I'm not sold on the style. Although I have to see one in person to say for sure. Red with Tan interior sounds nice. We will see.

    Nice car, but weird looking, kind of a knight in armor without the knight.

    The Volvo is the dark horse. Good value, safe, distinctive, reliable and more affordable. Again though I'm not sold on the look or performance reviews I read. Perhaps again if I see one in person in a color and trim I like and test drive it, that will come out ahead.

    A nice looking and safe car but somewhat underpowered with fair interiors and gas mileage.

    IMHO
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  • bobhoopsbobhoops Posts: 7
    I bought a '06 TL in late October for $21K with 23k miles. It is everything you want except having an IPOD jack. I would recommend it as your commuter car as it will be very reliable, it has very good power, and I think it looks great and a great back seat.
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  • dash5dash5 Posts: 421
    Thanks Bobhoops that's a good endorsement, appreciated. Can you tell me if it's a quiet smooth ride on the highway? Really sounds like a contender for me.

    Well I saw a white, late model TL in the parking lot today. I am guessing it was at least an 06 but possibly as new as a 09. Sharp car, not what I would call distinctive or a head turner, but very nice. Really though none of the cars I am looking at are "head turners".

    TL makes my short list. BMW does as well. Volvo I will be checking the S60's and S80's.

    Audi I am eliminating because of reliability concerns, which may or may not be justified but I've just heard it too much and I need to eliminate something. Too bad too because the A6 is a sharp car. Benz I am eliminating for now, that will be my gift to myself as a next car perhaps in 5-7 years when I can go beyond the C class. Lexus doesnt seem to have anything I like within my price range. Cadillac... not feeling it. Only other car I'll likely check out is the TSX, not sure what the distinction is between that and the TL but it seems to get very good reviews.
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  • darrinzramzdarrinzramz Posts: 24
    WOW!!!,did you drive the Infiniti G35 sedan!!???,I have one and it drives like a dream on the hwy!!!(I think it does)I believe it's better than the Acura's,plus you get more power!!,just thought I add my opinion,they are alot cheaper than the BMW's w/more power seating in the back is good for adults & kids :)
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  • fobulousfobulous Posts: 2
    I checked on CR and noticed that 2005 is the year that 325i has the highest rating.. why is that? I'm looking to get a 2005 or 2006 325i.. what are your experiences in these vehicles? My wife is currently driving the 2005 BMW X5 3.0 and we love it!

    It is also true that the best way to buy the used 325i is through a dealer that offers these as CPO?

    Thanks all!!
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  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Posts: 5,343
    If you can get your choice of one of the cars on your list with the CPO designation -- from the factory -- I would urge you to consider doing so, as the cars on your list are breathtakingly expensive to repair without some kind of a warranty program.

    I traded in my 2005 Audi A6 (fully loaded and with the V6) and it had 60k virtually trouble free miles on it. Having said that, I would ONLY acquire one (of any of these mfgr's kids) with the CPO designation.

    PS don't think you will use snow tires on an RWD car and enjoy it as much as an AWD car with all seasons, in most places, that is.
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