By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Hydrogen technology has not delivered any practical result up to now to the best of my knowledge. When I drove last winter a 4 cyl. 118d with EfficienDynamics I thought spared energy might well be stored in a battery to such a point that it could be a much more efficient power co-source not only for the car electric system but also for the engine. I was glad when I knew that was being developed as a new technology for performance cars. It will be frustrating if BMW cannot put it into green cars. What the impediment can be? Do you know it?
Regards,
Jose
Efficient Dynamics is what the BMW 118d is all about. It is a remarkable car and was voted the number one Green World Car for 2008 by a group of international auto journalists. Also there was a recent comparision between a BMW 5 Series diesel and a Toyota Prius in which the BMW won in terms of fuel efficiency.
Right now the new BMW green cars are a merely speculatitive notions. BMW better hurry up and establish themselves as a hybrid/Electrical vehicle manufacturer before this segment gets crowded in the next few years or else BMW will end up having green cars that are neither distnict or desirable when compared to the established competition.
The styling tweaks were subtle, but I agree that the car is definitely better for them. The M45 is still one of my favorite cars, but it needs that 7-speed automatic and the engine from the FX50.
Have you considered the Jag XF?
Couldn't the exact same thing be said about the RL? Why buy one if AWD isn't necessary? If you don't need it, SH-AWD is just a waste of gas. The A6 is at least luxurious and comfortable on the inside and handles well.
Many moons ago, when Arnie Nudell was running the show, Infinity made some of the best speakers in the world. The IRS in particular is a legendary speaker. Now, other than the occasional effort like the Prelude MTS, they mostly make cheap, mediocre speakers suitable for Circuit City. HK will never let Infinity compete with Revel, so there will never be another really impressive Infinity.
Definitives seem to favor force over refinement, so they aren't for me. They are wonderful home theater speakers, with loads of bass since most everything they make has at least one powered sub. Give them a bit of delicate classical though, and they fall down.
When it comes to midrange, Magnepan, Hyperion, Totem, and Harbeth are about the best there is for less than $5K.
That, and performance. There are plenty of people who can easily afford a new 535i, but choose a 3 series instead because of the superior handling. Not even BMW can break the laws of physics.
Audi arrived with the Q7 just as the market for big V8 SUVs imploded, but the luxury cute-ute market is just now really starting to heat up, and the Q5 looks like it could be one of the segment leaders. The next gen X3 is still a question mark, but Acura and Infiniti totally blew it, (really too bad as the EX35's interior is arguably their best) and the GLK is hideous and its interior is even worse than the C's. Lexus still doesn't compete, and the only other serious entry is the Volvo. My wife refuses to give up her high driving position, even though the wagons are indeed better at everything else, so to her the Q5 is still a very relevant product. It's the prime candidate to replace the X3 (which she is keen to get rid of).
But I still have a Toy car in the garage - my super-reliable Camry Hybrid. Still gives me some Toyota-DNA in my house. The e60 is my wife's DD and the Audi for my daughter. Driving that Audi gives me the chills.... I am gonna get ticketed real soon.. What a car!!! I almost bought a 330i/SP but felt it was too much for a 16-yo to drive. Figured the smaller 1.8L motor in the Audi is just right. Wrong!
Anyway, owning a Bimmer wasn't what I'd thought possible only a short few months ago, but things change. And I must confess, the e60 drives so superbly better than the LS, its not even close... Yup, I know they are not comparable... but ... Regardless, it was fun owning and driving Lex for so long, so I won't diss my fellow Lexicans despite switching to the Germans... I'll be here, silently and sometimes vigorously defending Lex against any snub from you German afficianados... hehehe... Its all good tho'...
Regards,
Jose
Sorry I did not address you question directly with my last post.
My answer is no I have not a clue if they will develop that technology for their green cars. At this point of time the details of their green cars remains hazy at best. Remember the first time anybody heard about their twin turbo 3.0L engine was in March 2006 and already during that very same Spring a twin turbo 3 Series Coupe was available for sale. BMW is a secretive company.
Is the luxury cute-ute segment reallly that hot? Based on my readings X3 sales are dropping and Acura RDX and Infiniti EX35 sales are not exactly stellar.
Every month sales statistics seem to confirm " the smaller is better viewpoint". Even the more economic insulated high end luxury sedan segment sales for every single marque I know of is dropping like an anchor. High market gas prices are doing what environtmentalist dreamed of doing with high gas taxes.
So what's the good news?
Lower sales of all types of luxury vehicles may end up having a favorable impact in terms of "prestige" and "exclusiveness". Status and luxury loves small exclusive numbers.
I am preparing myself to buy a hybrid Lexus or Toyota. I am already taking some medications for those awful " BMW withdrawal sympthoms"
The reason I may end up buying a hybrid Toyota or Lexus instead are many. But here are just a few reasons:
Traffic cops managed to kill of my desire for speed and BMWs
High Gas prices
Almost all my driving is congested city driving so a diesel would not be a beneficial for me as a hybrid.
Political Reasons (North American oil dependance)
And last but not least to try another brand. I love BMWs but I also want some novelty in my life. Sticking religiously with the same brand all the time sounds a bit too orthodox to me.
It's funny how I just bought a vehicle and am now "hard at work" researching the next one!
The taillights on the M were a problem for me. Better now.
The only thing left to criticize is the rather disappointing mpg, especially for the M35. Should be better than 19mpg, premium.
This is a very very important reason, IMHO.
Regards,
Jose
True. My only regret in driving the 545i, after many years of driving a 3 Series, was in turning the vehicle. I noticed the vehicle's mass every time. The VW, in comparison, is actually more fun to drive. If I ever do BMW again, it will have to be a 3 Series with sport package.
I just gave up my 545i for a smaller more practical VW hatchback.
You now have a fine assortment of vehicles.
I hear you, Dewey! That's one of the reasons I moved over to the 5 cylinder VW hatchback. Still a lot of fun, but with a muzzle!
I meant heating up in terms of automakers jumping into the pool with new entries. I have no idea what the sales numbers are. I assumed the segment would be up with people moving out of MLs, X5s, MDXs etc, but maybe not, after all most of the luxury mini-utes are no more fuel efficient than the midsizers.
From what I've read, this is going to be the lowest new vehicle sales year in a very long time. When the market shrinks by 4 million cars or more, everybody is going to feel that, from Kia to BMW.
That's why I like the M45. When the difference is 16/23 vs. 16/21, why not enjoy the smoothness and torque of the V8?
Not really, with Acura practically giving the RL away right now, it can be had for much less than a similarly equipped A6. Also, RL's V6 delivers 300hp, how much does the Audi 3.2 put out? Overall, in my opinion, the RL is a much better value (after taken the current discount into consideration) than the A6 hands down.
Its a beauty.
Currently little more expensive then want I want to spend on a car. It definitely has left me more confused.
I agree with your assessment of Infiniti M. Couple of times I got it as a loaner and really enjoyed it.
Sanjay
But if you go PURELY by value then 2008 TL type S is a better VALUE then RL.
Sanjay
Exact same reason I dont want to get an Infiniti.....I initially thought it was not-good-reason to discard infiniti...
There is a major jolt going on out there and that jolt will benefit any car company that sells mainly small cars--Honda, Hyundai, Kia and disbenefit all companies that sell gas guzzling vehicles --either luxury marques or auto firms that sell mainly trucks.
NY TIMES
Americans’ longtime romance with the automobile is being severely tested, and in some cases dashed entirely, now that every trip gives rise to worries about how much a fill-up costs, guilt over how much damage the exhaust is contributing to the destruction of the planet, and self-consciousness about the image a full-size behemoth conveys today about its driver.
Beyond the bad economic news may lurk a less remarked shift in Americans’ psyches: a change in the role the automobile occupies in people’s emotional lives and self-image. For decades, automakers pitched cars as sex symbols, as extensions of drivers’ freedom or affluence or eye for beauty. Even if that pitch is inverted — if hybrids or minicars become the most desirable wheels, bespeaking a driver’s thriftiness or environmental sensitivity — is it really possible to be passionate about a compromise?
Can you love your Prius the way you once gave your heart to a 4Runner or a luxury sedan?
Increasingly, for many, the question is moot.
“I’m willing to not love it,” said Justin McCarthy, 43, a public relations executive from Long Beach, Calif., who is considering replacing his 10-year-old Volvo with a hybrid.
There’s a certain status that comes with a Jag or a BMW, but you really have to leave that at the door, the ego part,” Ms. Conner (a former BMW owner) said. “My heart is going forward in a different way. I don’t need a luxury car anymore.”
But when asked how she felt about her Mini, Ms. Conner responded with all the enthusiasm of someone who settled. “I like it,” she said flatly.
NEW YORK TIMES
Exactly. The RL is slower, uglier, uses more gas, and handles much worse. It offers essentially nothing but AWD, and Acura will soon fix that and make the RL's irrelevance total.
What about the Volvo S80, have you given that a shot?
I have to say that the love for lux cars and SUVs will not wane as a result of high gas prices. Rather, these lux barges will evolve into a combination lux and eco-friendly barges. If they do not transition, then they'll die off. Our choice to buy an e60 was predicated on the fact that we have balanced our family auto needs... a small compact sedan for the young one, a mid-sized performance oriented sedan for the missus, and a somewhat thrifty and eco-friendly mid-size family sedan for moi... That way, we can eat our cake and have it as well. I see this as a fact of life for many families going forward...
You're kind of like me, a former Lexus owner (six of them) and most recently on my third BMW. I had three Audis also and loved all of them.
I appreciate all these marques for what they offer, but just like the change. While the Lexus' are the nicest to be in as a passenger, for the German cars, it's being the driver.
Sorry though that you haven't experienced the newest generation iDirve which is much improved. Use the steering wheel controls to change you radio stations and you'll be satisfied.
I'm contemplating a Prius as extra car, for running around in city driving.
Anyway, best of luck !
Oh wow!!! Nice to know I am not the only crazy one out there... :P
Sorry though that you haven't experienced the newest generation iDirve which is much improved. Use the steering wheel controls to change you radio stations and you'll be satisfied.
iDrive is indeed an overkill. Yes, I am still learning plenty about this car and although I am fully comfortable with techie stuff, this iDrive can get frustrating... oh well... Are you saying the '09s have a much improved iDrive system? How much improved? Is there like an over-ride feature to bypass iDrive completely? At least for all radio stations?
I'm contemplating a Prius as extra car, for running around in city driving.
That would not be a good idea cos any of these gas econo-boxes are NOT good with stop-n-go traffic. Much better if you are legging it out on an open road. But I suppose a Prius can still eke out close to 40mpg regardless of the constant traffic jams in-city. So maybe its not such a bad idea afterall... But good luck getting a Prius at fair ,arket value... The ones I see around local dealer lots are marked up pretty big-time... Even my lowly Camry Hybrid is selling a tad over MSRP due to demand. I could sell mine today at a price higher than I paid for it last Nov. Can't understand it, but it is what it is... Selling my LX470 was a breeze. There was so much demand for that truck it was scary!!!! I had like 10 offers for it. I guess the bad SUV market is not universal...
In fact, the '08's have. It has 6 preset buttons for radio stations (am, fm or sat.). Just putting your fingers on the buttons (without pushing) shows your pre-selected station on the iDrive screen, a nice feature. iDrive is slowly getting better with each update.
Speaking of iDrive, do you use the Bluetooth for your cell phone? If you do, unless you have Verizon, you'll notice that your phone book is down loaded and very easy to use. This is the nicest cell phone Bluetooth in the business compared to others I've used.
As for the Prius, it would be used in city driving, not necessarily grid lock stop and go. I have a refundable deposit down for an '09 at $500 under msrp. We'll see.....
The latest version appearing in the new 7 and the refreshed 3 is more MMI like, with buttons around the iDrive controller to directly get to certain functions like the radio. I haven't actually used it yet, but it seems like it should be simpler to deal with.
Or they can just offer the simple touch-screen, you touch what you want to select... BRILLIANT!!!
Also, not a huge fan of the joy-stick type gear shifter, either give me the third pedal or the KISS gated shfter, thank you very much.
Regards,
OW
I'm with you on that one, though this is at least better than the column stub on the old 7.
And the airbag goes where?
Regards,
OW
The excitement of driving a sporty Audi S6 or RS4 no matter how much gas they consume will remain desirable among the affluent because such vehicles will be hard to duplicate in electrical form.
Luxury barges, even barges that are very gas consuming will always be desired by the very affluent. If gas prices go higher then owning such a barge will boast bragging rights in terms of what wealth an owner must have to own such a vehicle in the first place while the rest of mankind is driving 30MPH in order to save a gallon.
Holy smokes... that is so true!!!!!!!!
Luxury barges, even barges that are very gas consuming will always be desired by the very affluent. If gas prices go higher then owning such a barge will boast bragging rights in terms of what wealth an owner must have to own such a vehicle in the first place while the rest of mankind is driving 30MPH in order to save a gallon.
Another truism, dewey. Gotta agree with you on this point as well.
My wife drives the car as her DD, and hating to use the headset, she loved the BT in the Bimmer. She was able to download all her contacts in her Samsung Blackjack to the car phone directory with the BT. It worked flawlessly even tho' our plan is AT&T. I found it equally flawless downloading and syncing all my contacts into the Nav in the Camry Hybrid, the car BT syncs with my BlackBerry the moment I step into the car. Nice! About the best feature I love on the Bimmer Nav is that you can enter addresses while in motion, something Toy/Lex has refused to let owners do. So I am loving the Bimmer for this feature. Only if my wife would let me drive the darn car... She has commandeered it all for herself, even though I bought the car and its registered in my name. After 20 years of marriage, I think this e60 is her first real love
The data also revealed that Americans drove 29.8 billion fewer miles in the first five months of 2008, a drop of 2.4 percent. Americans started driving fewer miles in the beginning of November 2007 and have driven 40.5 billion fewer miles up until May 2008.
The Federal Highway Trust Fund said it faces a $3.1 billion shortfall in the fiscal year 2009 because drivers are buying less gas. The FHTF funds roadways with gas taxes that are collected.
OH GOD. I will not be surprised anymore...
You know you want it...
This is why that gas tax holiday will be so helpful. It may possibly lower the price of gas by as much as a few cents, and our roads and highways are in such great shape, who cares if the Highway Trust Fund gets bankrupted? :sick:
Regards,
OW
I see you haven't driven the IS F, or a regular IS on sports suspension huh...
Regards,
OW
What a pleasant surprise! You and your wife enjoying German cars!
After five days into this 2-week vacation, I've finally got a cell signal... and I just want to say hello to you... and congratulations.
In the near future, I might buy my daughter a Honda Civic or a Lexus IS, or some other small economical Japanese car. In addition I am looking forward to the possibility of buying a future Japanese hybrid, like the Honda CR-Z, for my own use. That's on top of the recent Toyota FJ I owned for a few months last year, and the wife's current MDX.
Me buying Japanese, and you buying German... I guess we are more open-minded than some would have thought!!!
Anyway, good luck with the cars, and best regards!
TM
That is indeed interesting turn of events... You had an FJ for a few months? What happened? Didn't work out or what? My wife still covets an FJ, and now that the LX is gone, who knows... although I am no SUV fan ... no soriee....
Anyway, good luck with the cars, and best regards!
Thanks, and have a wonderful vacation and we'll expect to hear all about it when you are back and rested...
Salesman approaches and I do believe it is the same one who "snubbed" me last Friday. Asks what I think of the car. I give him the general, "mid-life crisis, just looking, rather have an '06 with dark wood in the interior" speech. He smiles, mentions the black '06 (that appeared to have the top trouble last week), but I shan't own a black car. He congenially said I'm welcome back anytime to shop, window or otherwise. Nice.
I mention, as we're parting, that the left front quarter panel is separating from the frame. He looks stunned, said no, he actually sold this car three years ago and it has been meticulously maintained by this dealer... He walks around to the driver's side and looks down. Looks up at me and smiles, "Thanks for alerting me to this." De nada, amigo.
Ok, two XLRs within a week. One with a recalcitrant top, the second has the body separating from the frame (looked to me like the glue holding it on had simply dried up). Again, are the Car Gods trying to tell me something? Isn't GM quality Job 1? Or is GM quality an oxymoron...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)