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Comments
I put Bilstein HDs on my Wrangler and I love them. It's part of my plan to "Germanize" the old Jeep; I also installed Hella E Code headlamps and MB Quart speakers...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Was that a Freudian slip? I didn't know that soft or firm rides were now defined by geographical or cultural locations.
I more or less stand by what I said. Americans introduced the world to soft plush seating and light steering....and people wanted those items for a long time - maybe until the late 80s is my guess. Then, younger people, or those looking for something with more feel of the road, and who didn't have loyalty to the D3 started to buy foreign cars. Some realized Japanese cars were more dependable, economical, and reliable, and they started buying them. Some people discovered that European cars had appealing features, better handling and steering, nicer interiors, etc., and people started buying them.
Cadillac is becoming more of a copy of a BMW than a BMW trying to be a Cadillac, it is what younger people want. Only an idiot would pay a premium price because he is trying to buy prestige in name only....people pay the premium price because those people prefer the ride and handling characteristics of European cars.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Probably about 30 or 40 percent buy for that reason. You will not convince me that all the 20 something young ladies I see driving BMW's are driving them for the ride and handling.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
That 30 or 40% know that driving a BMW could attract a very intelligent, discerning gentleman. :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Here we go again. I know a handful (at least) of young ladies that work where I do that are FAR from being idiots except when it comes to wanting to impress people about what they drive.
people pay the premium price because those people prefer the ride and handling characteristics of European cars.
And here we go again, again. :sick: The next time I find one of these young ladies roaming the halls trying to navigate their way back to their cubicle from the ladies room, I’ll ask them about this. :confuse:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
My wife tried a few cars. I was hoping she would choose the Audi because it was about $15000 less expensive. She didn't try an MB because they don't have 6 speed manuals. She tried the BMW and liked it and wanted it because she thought it felt the best....and she knows cars! I think some people aren't giving women enough credit.
We had a lady cab driver in Chicago and one in London last time we were there. Honestly, the drove better than 75% of the men. They were not as aggressive or fast, but got you where you wanted to go in comfort, without being on edge the whole journey.
Maybe, just maybe, those women do understand terms such as "the feel of the road" and handling and steering. Maybe, they have even compared BMWs to other makes, and though they don't know why, they sense the car just handles different - in a good way.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Maybe, just maybe, you ain't listening to what I'm saying. I know these young ladies. They are very good in what they went to school for. At least as good in their field as me when I was their age but they know squat about driving cars and driving dynamics, honest.
Like I've said before, don't cite me the exceptions, the rule is what I'm talking about. Given time I'm sure these girls will acquire the appreciation of a well handling machine but right now they only know the words. And they like the sound of saying they own a BMW.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I guess I'd better go check the CCBA thread, next.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
The only thing that bothers me is the fact it's really "something else" with a Buick nameplate. I'm thinking back on the illfated Cadillac Catera which was really an Opel. It was a mechanical piece of junk that the Cadillac mechanics just hated!
Another major screw up for Cadillac at a time they didn't need another disaster.
Great tell me that 16 hours before I a board a flight to Lost Wages where we will be for three days before venturing to AZ for five days.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Inside the Hard Rock Casino is a Mexican place called of all things The Pink Taco.
After years of hearing about the place, my buddy and I went last year. Tex Mex to be sure and even better than expected! Not expensive.
I heard they had a hard time getting the city to approve the name!
Now to my post: You really gave me a good laugh. I'm going to have bed sores if I drive a Town Car due to the soft seats?! You really went over the top on that one. That was priceless! I should have had you on my debate team in college. When it comes to finding arguments to support a point, you do think outside of the box.
I thought that the cell phone discussion generated a lot of posts here, but my very mention of the Town Car as a possibility has taken off like a rocket. I have to admit that the views have been very interesting and informative.
Four weeks? Come on now. You couldn't last four hours. :P
Richard
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Yeah I know it's in Vegas, but once you sit at the table or the slot machine its the same game in Vegas as its in Chicago.
However the thing that really ticks me off is that Harras in Joliet now has all their black Jack tables where the dealer hits on a soft 17. That increases the house edge by 50%.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
You could be correct. We do like them. One thing is for sure. It won't be that ugly, little German car that begins with the second letter of the alphabet. :P
Richard
It's not what your thinking. Just like here on Edmunds, there are various topics and discussions on other web site specific forums, but at much greater detail and depth, With a lot more members you will increase the chance you'll come across someone who can help with a specific problem. I belong to a "MXPYV" Club forum. It's membership is over a thousand, compared to about 4 or 5 people that occasionally post in Edmunds discussion. There is a "Do It Yourself" discussion that includes step by step directions, with photos, on how to repair common problems associated with my minivan . I've diagnosised 4 problems, and performed 2 repairs myself. Helpful with which tires perform best, best parts and where to buy from. I've probably saved close to $800. It's been extremely informative and helpful.
As much as I love BMWs, it wouldn't occur to me to even try to talk to talk you into test-driving one, let alone actually buying one. I don't know what Driver hopes to accomplish by urging you to consider the Mercedes-Benz GLK. From what I can tell, that little thing wouldn't scratch your itch.
If I tried to talk you into doing anything at all, it would be to stop smoking. I'm a one-time heavy smoker whose friends thought I could never quit, & I've been clean for 21 years. If I can do it, anyone can.
You got that right; I'd have given him partial credit if he made it to 2 hours. He flunked miserably.
I sure hope the car gods don't make him repeat his posts. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I'm not into gambling in anyway what so ever at a casino or any other type of establishment that has a better chance of getting money out of my wallet than I have at getting into theirs. When that happens I'm out.
They just opened a casino in the Burgh not to long ago under the guise of creating jobs and bringing in needed found money for the city/county.
I guess you can say I'm all for unemployment with that theory and I've always been against politicians finding money to line their pockets that was not supposed to go to them.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I should have known, an expert in antique furniture would have the complete facts on the terms for sofa. Thank you for the info, it was very entertaining and enlightening.
The bed sores were a little over the top, but once I got started on that track it just kept going. I guess if I was on the other side of the debate I could have gone on about caluses!
I did say I would only reply on this topic within 4 weeks, if I had to do a reply...I don't want to be rude.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I was thinking, what about an MKX. Then you get an SUV that can carry stuff, but with some modern features.
The front is a little weird, weirder than the little German car that begins with the 2nd letter in the alphabet.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Even if that is true, they aren't buying Buicks or Town Cars for a reason. It is because they have heard that BMWs are excellent cars and they will be thought of as very knowledgeable and smart if they buy one.
Even if they don't know anything about cars, they know that they will make an impression if they are driving a bimmer. It is still because of the reputation that precedes the car....they don't have to know about "feel of the road" to tag along on the reputation of the car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I am hoping to achieve one thing only. Just to have the experience of driving a really fine car, and being able to go through life knowing what the term "the feel of the road" really means.
Like I said, don't go in with the idea of buying it, just to see what European engineering is all about. Like it or not, at least you will know what we are talking about. It is a perfect time to do it, when you are buying a car any way, so no guilt...you really want to test it. Think of the story it would make for us, good or bad...it would be the post of the year!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Can you fit a divan on a veranda?
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Sorry, but the GLK is no one's idea of a "really fine car". When Car & Driver, which worships most things German, put the GLK up against 4 other imported compact luxury SUVs last year, the GLK came in dead last - behind even the Lexus RX350, which is a real snoozemobile. C&D criticized the GLK's "disconnected steering" & "wooden brake feel".
Is that what you mean by "feel of the road"?
The Audi Q5 came in first. No surprise there.
If you're looking for an adjective to describe the GLK, the word you want is "underwhelming".
This reminds me of Bob (my wife's stepfather) whom I loosely associate with Richard. Plenty of dough, but not sure how to best use it.
My BIL and I plus wifey's six brothers all get together every 2 or 3 years. When I met Bob he had a Town Car which he asked the opinion of from the 8 guys in the family to not so rave reviews. Next visit he had another boat which I forget. Then this last time he has an MKX.
Since he keeps asking our opinion of his cars and gets not much more than a casual nod of disguised disapproval I decided to tell him why nobody was as excited about his car choices as he was.
I said, they're all the same. Luxury Fords. Ford doesn't do luxury well. Besides we keep waiting for you to break out in a real LUXmobile. Lexus, MB, BMW.
To that he said, I've never driven any of those cars. To which I replied that's why you can't impress any of the guys in this family by repeating semi luxury Fords.
I went on to describe what the rest of us were driving and he got the picture. So you think my cars are fuddy duddy. Exactly, I said. Try a Mustang. You'd be surprised at the reactions you'd get. Hmmm was his response. Can't wait for the next car/reunion.
ps, I see Richard in a 2011 Explorer (not fuddy duddy) in case we're keeping tally.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
- it's a Ford. We know he likes Fords.
- it's a NA build, pretty sure he leans that way.
- It's roomy and plush and we know he wants to be coddled a bit.
- It's an AWDriver
- and he does a fair bit of highway so the lower centre of gravity (than the other utes on his list) might get a nod or two.
- ingress egress looks to be fairly good with big doors and a good step in height.
- I'm guessing has fairly good visibility in all directions.
- I've read it's fairly quiet.
- is a people hauler.
- all the above points assuming it has decent steering and feel and a plush type ride. I hear it does. I've never driven one, but have simply heard they coddle their owners more than their looks outside would suggest.
On a personal note, I like the idea of a white roof. They don't heat sink as badly in warm climates. Only others are Toyota FJ's do that that I can think of off hand. Very smart.
How about the Mini's?
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
I grew up with "davenport." My wife still gets on my case about using that word but that's what it is to me. (And I'm not THAT old.)
In reverse order 2000 Jeep Cherokee, 1995 Jeep Ch Ltd., 1992 Cavalier, 1987 Corsica, 1986 Olds Cienna, 1984 Chev Celebrity, 1978 Malibu, 1976 Plymouth Fury 1973 Maverick and a few used before that.
Now what are you setting me up for?
By the way, when I tried my first BMW I was very skeptical, but as soon as I drove it, I knew, it was the best car I had ever driven by far...and there really is a difference.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I think you put yourself out of the running to be in the will.
Interesting story though. I remember a long time ago, one of the wealthiest families in Canada...all drove Fords. I think they wanted to be like regular people. Unfortunately, their huge department store chain closed up many years ago,....now if they had bought BMWs they would still be around.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Sure, I'll put the divan in my Vandura and take it to your veranda.
Which reminds me, where is Old Farmer,........ probably still lost in the back 40 in his new van.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
No wonder the BMW felt so good. :P
All those A body cars...sigh..
j/k
No...come to think of it sofa fits....shorter to type.
jimbres, all the reviews I looked at liked the GLK. Check this out from Edmunds;
. Close the GLK's doors and the sound they emit gives the feeling of closing a bank vault -- all that's missing is that spinny wheel thing. Go over railroad tracks and the body doesn't flex a bit, nor does any jarring or jiggling greet your backside. This little SUV feels like you could drive over a grenade and experience nothing but a muted "thump." The GLK350 may not be perfect, but when it comes to meticulous build quality, it simply has no equal in this segment.
Drive the GLK back-to-back with a C-Class sedan and you're bound to get a sense of déjà vu all over again. In addition to its aforementioned ironclad feel, the GLK's steering and ride are remarkably similar to the C's. Not surprisingly, the GLK is built using a C-Class platform that's been shortened by 4 inches and given some appropriately pumped-up SUV ground clearance.
Read more: 2010 GLK
It will be too confusing for Richard to switch at this time. The GLK will be a big improvement over any car he has ever driven, so I am not concerned that there are other cars which might be better. Besides, the GLK is square, which was one of his requirements.
I can assure everyone, those comments in the review above will not be matched by an Explorer, Jeep or LTC.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If you haven't done so already, go to an Audi dealer & sit in a Q5. Focus on the build quality. Then go directly to a Mercedes dealer & sit in a GLK. Note that the quality of the materials used in the interior falls short of Audi standards.
After setting the driver's seats of both cars for your maximum comfort, get into the back seat, behind the driver. You'll see immediately that the GLK has less legroom.
When you're done, you'll agree that the best word for the GLK is "underwhelming". That's not to say that it's a bad car - just not the best in its class. When it comes to compact luxury SUVs, the Audi Q5 is obviously the car to beat.
I'm posting this for your benefit - not for Richard's. He's clearly not interested in any German vehicle, & I don't know why you're wasting your time trying to talk him into one. I'm more concerned that you might do something that you might regret, like buy a GLK when the Q5 is the undisputed class leader.
jimbres, I think my SUV days are over. When I semi-retired I traded in the X3, which was very practical for work, and which served me well, for my hardtop covertible.....perfect for enjoying the ride more.
I will try the Q5 one day, but I am sure you are correct in your assessmant of the two cars. I know I am wasting my time trying to get Richard to test any German car (Although he mentioned he makes a great German chocolate cake), but I am having some fun.
The Q5 is probably better than a GLK, but like I said, even the GLK would be an eye opening experience for our dear friend.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If you live in Deliverance country, yes. :P
Richard
Richard
Please don't take my BMW remark personally. I know that BMW's are excellent automobiles. I just have to give Driver a fit now and then. He's so passionate on the subject. He does mean well...in all of his 5,000 posts. :P
Richard
Richard
You and Houdini could be right. We do like the Explorers. Edmunds did a favorable review of them.
Richard