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You don't. Don't read my posts and you won't have a problem with your BP. No one is forcing you to read my posts or comment on them. Blaming the customer is really getting old.
I have a non sport 08 528xi and I find the seats comfortable. I had a 04 non sport X5 that I traded for the 5 series. The seats to me are comfortable in both, but I personally found the ride in the X5 choppy. I got rid of the X5 not because of the choppy ride, but mainly because I hit a deer with it and I somehow consider wrecked cars "tainted". Just a personal preference. I paid the price and moved on. Perhaps you should do the same. One man's trash is another man's treasure.
Genesis has a battery in the trunk... An informed salesman told me that most of the time when a car needs a jump it is parked in a garage or in a lot with a hood pointing inside. Its difficult to reach battery.... hence to give better access to battery Hyundai decided to put battery in the trunk/cargo area.... now this I am willing to buy
Battery in the back in a SUV to improve weight distribution/handling... a 50lb battery in a 4000lb vehicle... how much difference will it make? well its an SAV not SUV.... so may be :-)
IIRC old Audi 100/1000 had battery under the driver seat...
Yes, every now and again ATI manages to hit their target exactly as nVidia is struggling. The two companies have different approaches and are growing farther and farther apart. ATI is playing it relatively safe, focusing on near term graphics performance. Their new chips have a few interesting tricks like their Eyefinity tech which could be very helpful to people who want to easily set up 6 or 8 monitors, but other than that its stuff we've seen before, just more of it. In Intel terms, its a tick.
nVidia's Fermi chip is a tock. nVidia is thinking very long term with this thing, perhaps too long considering the existing market for parallel computing. Unlike ATI, making Call of Duty run faster isn't really nVidia's goal. They want to create Fermi blade servers for applications where x86 architecture is weak. At this point that market is around 1% of their business, but if it takes off, nVidia is in a much stronger position than ATI. Unfortunately, Fermi isn't going to arrive in quantity until around 2Q 2010, which leaves them in a weak position. They've been in this position before though, and I have little doubt they will survive.
The other explanation for it was that it kept the battery out of the hot, grimy engine compartment. I didn't realize that this was an issue for a battery. I figure that they simply couldn't figure out where to put it after they stuffed everything else into place so they figured it was the one thing they could move elsewhere.
Just another reason that this is less a car than a science experiment.
Ditto what Jim said. Good post.
TM
TM
Anyway, a Quattro or FWD traction compensates the Audi long and heavy nose. An elaborated weight balance and a blunt nose compensates an RWD traction.
BMW weight distribution close to 50%/50% on front and rear axes is wonderfully achieved in BMW sedans; this being one of the well-known BMW drivability fundamentals. The battery on the right flank of the trunk is helping this distribution, in particular when the car gravity center is low. (Edit: this is not science, is engineering of the best quality.)
Under the bonnet of any BMW sedan there is not battery but poles. In case of doubt, a consultation to the Driver Manual is illustrative.
Jose
When you say choppy, are you talking about the transmission or the suspension? Did you feel that choppiness in the test drive? Did you total the X5 or did you get it fixed by insurance and then traded it in? Did you buy it or lease it and what did it cost you to get rid of it after how many miles?
I think cars that get hit or hit something especially in the front need a ton of repair work as they cave in to protect the cabin. I agree that a wrecked car is never the same even if they look fine and are more prone to problems in the future...just my observation.
X5 only needed a new bumper cover and you honestly couldn't tell it had ever been wrecked. Bought. Probably cost me an extra $1000 in trade b/c it was damaged. The deer only pushed in the corner of the plastic bumper cover. I don't think it would have caused me any problems down the road other than mental anguish, but it bugged me. If it was leased, you would just get it fixed - probably best to take it to where ever the leasing company wants you to take it so they can't complain about the workmanship/ repair quality. With a lease there is not any cost to you other than your deductible for the wreck and it would be a comprehensive claim, so your deductible should be lower. You turn it in and walk away. That is the only beauty of a lease - at least for me. Others can run a lease through their company and it makes it more attractive. I cannot do that.
You need to go on a long test drive especially on roads that you seem to have a problem with the X3 and make sure it is the right car for you. If you don't like SAV's, that is fine. If it is that big of an issue for you then move on. BMW makes some of the finest handling SAV's out there. Please compare it to an audi Q7 in terms of handling. The audi feels like it is floating TO ME, but you may like it. To each his own. It would be a truly boring world if everyone liked and drove the same car/ SAV. Too many choices, too little time.
I don't think it is fair to say that the worst engineers design SAV's/ wagons - car companies build what people will buy. SAV's were huge when the X5 came out. People wanted a similar but smaller vehicle, and that is what BMW built. They are fine vehicles, but not the correct vehicle for everyone.
Also, if you are putting 20K miles on a car per year, you'll get your best bang for the buck with a japanese vehicle. No one seems to mind a miled up japanese vehicle, but miles on a european vehicle kill you on a trade in. The japanese vehicles also tend to be less expensive to maintain if you keep them out of warranty as well.
My 2004 5-Series (which had no passenger body chassis deformation after the totalling accident) and my current 335d coupe have these flip flop back seats. And, I consider both ships were and are real ladies, not in the less diminished by any congenital defect.
Jose
Surely you jest. Perhaps not, given, well, the evidence.
My '65 MGB had its two (count 'em) 6 volt batteries behind the driver. My Miatas had their batteries in the trunk, though they were small -- it still makes a difference. Even my Lincoln LS had its battery in the trunk, which is part of why it sported a 51/49 front-to-rear weight distribution.
This is how cars are made to handle better going around corners, especially when applying power and hitting bumps.
Ignorance is often bliss -- maybe not this time.
Speaking of Jobless recovery, why is it people swarming retailers' stocks when the sector is showing a smaller decline year over year. At least this joblessness can't be good news for luxury/highend retailers.
While looking for a house in Florida, I was surprised by the large number of short sales and bank owned listings. Do you agree that it will take a full housing recovery before the US bank/mortgage companies are considered good investment again?
You guys have left me in the dust. Wow! I had jury duty this week and I have fallen way behind on the world and national news and on the economic developments. I was not only chosen to serve in the jury, but I was selected the foreman. It was fascinating to serve, but the case itself was very ugly. The defendant was this drunk who was accused by his teenage daughters (actually the state brought the charges) of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. after 3 hours of deliberation, we all agreed on a "not guilty" verdict due to a lack of enough evidence by the state (prosecution). We all felt that this guy could have easily done what he was accused of, but unfortunately we could only go by the evidence presented to us. The law did not allow the prosecution to present some much more damaging evidence (as we found out after the fact). Evidently, the DHS (Department of Human Services) will bring this low-life to trial again. It is SO sad to see a totally dysfunctional family.
Now, back to the market. I had a feeling last week that I should have been getting back in. I did buy one of my stocks (pkx) back last week and it is doing well. Most of the stocks that I sold are still lower than where I got out, so I suppose I could get back in. This month scares me though. I totally agree with you Len about this inflation BS. It is nothing but BS right now.
Ignorancse is bliss, because its from ignorancs comes the constant pleasure of discovery
So be ignorant and be happy :-) :-)
Interesting trial. And tragic, as you pointed out.
Anyway, get back in the market, just be selective. Also, you might consider some dollar cost averaging, to absorb some of the fluctuation... sometimes I do that.
I shared some of my picks, and I hope Len will share some as well. It's a lot trickier (and riskier) now than it was. I did not go as heavy into the market as previously. I also still have a fair amount of bonds that I got many years ago, and they are at the very good interest rates that were available back then, so I will keep them until they mature.
So, c'mon Len, let's get your recommendations soon. Your internet buddies are waiting.
TM
Actually, I am one that doesn't really care all that much about specific stock recommendations. If Len's prediction comes true and the Dow reached 10,750 in the next several months, then that is good enough for me. If you knew this for sure, then you could throw darts on various stocks and they would make you good money. Obviously, some stocks are better investments than others but it's not all that critical to me. The stock market in this respect is extremely different and much less risky than trading commodity futures.
I didn't say that.
I was simply commenting on the fact that the X3 has a battery in the back supposedly for cleanliness/heat or weight distribution. I do not know whether that is good, bad or makes no difference.
Little story... Quite some years ago, I had wanted to get out of the market when it took that huge drop, and I even called my broker (ex broker) and asked him to get out right before the drop. Shortly after I called him the market tanked 30% - 40%! He did not get me out of the market as I asked, and my phone conversation was not recorded, and he claimed that I never asked him to get out of the market. I had no proof, and I was too busy at the time, due to my mother's illness and subsequent passing, and I suffered a terrible loss. I thereafter removed every cent from that brokerage, which was UBS/Paine Weber. Now, my broker is a friend of mine, so I feel much more confident to make trades, and he doesn't charge me commissions either.
Dangerous business. Full of crooks. I used to receive stock market "investment" phone solicitations from New York City "boiler rooms" every single day. Finally, I got creative, and told every sales guy that I was broke and I was living in a trailer... finally the phone calls stopped. I guess my little story got me removed from some sort of list they were all working off of.
Anyway, if you use the "throw a dart" approach, I wish you luck. I guess I like to pick stocks thinking that I've made some sort of difference in what is probably just luck anyway.
Who knows... but I'd still really like to hear Len's recommendations.
TM
Problem comes when fooling others with one's own ignorance.
There is a Spanish saying that runs:
Es un tonto de los que hace tontear
I'm sure there is an equivalence into English, which unfortunately I don't know.
Regards,
Jose
(I am the fool and the fooled, just all in a piece.
I think it is safe to say that all of us here on this forum realize your regret for having purchased the X3, given the reasons you described... and instead of witnessing your ongoing complaining, we would really like to see you take some sort of mature and decisive action to resolve your situation. Keep us posted on your progress. If you put as much energy into resolving it as you have whining about it, I have no doubt that you will prevail!!
Good luck.
TM
+1 Well said and it happens all the time...often unknowingly..but sometimes knowingly
Three possibilities... UP, DOWN, SIDEWAYS.
Overall, I think a normal and healthy market chart should look like using a yo-yo while climbing a mountain... (little ups and downs, while overall going higher.)
TM
You are very right and wise about slow and steady... it is always proven to be the best long-term approach.
TM
:lemon:
:lemon: :sick: :mad:
"Lexus has been the undisputed king of luxury automotive sales in the U.S. for the 21st century. It hasn't even been close. BMW has played second fiddle the entire decade, but through the first eight months of 2009, the German luxury car maker has made some major gains on its Japanese luxury competitor. In fact, through August only 2,293 vehicles separate BMW from becoming the new king of the mountain.
BMW's climb to the top of the sales charts comes during a sales downturn the likes of which hasn't been seen in decades, yet the Bavarian automaker has weathered the storm much better than Lexus. BMW sales are down 33,000 units versus the first eight months of 2008, a 28 percent decline. Lexus is down an amazing 40 percent through eight months, a 40,000 unit decline. BMW owes much of its momentum to the venerable 3-Series, which is down 24 percent on the year yet still handily outselling the Lexus IS and ES. Lexus is staying in the lead on the back of its perennially successful RX crossover, which is down only four percent over the year.
While BMW has plenty to be proud of in a down year, catching Lexus is no sure thing. Lexus actually bested BMW by a substantial 3,600 units in August, proof that Toyota's luxury arm is getting stronger as the year progresses. In the end, top luxury sales is only good for one thing, and that's marketing. Lexus has been number one so long that it doesn't even need to brag any more, but if BMW manages to pull out the win in 2009, we're sure there'll be more than a couple celebratory commercials."
==================== How long has each company been in this market?????
3 Series? Let's add the X3 into the 3 Series line up shall we?
If you like to complain, you buy the X-3.
If you want a blend of luxury and performance with room for long cruises, you buy a 5'er.
Any questions? You know this already, correct?
Regards,
OW
If you want more space for things and a tall ride height you buy the X3 or X5. I don't know about the X6.
The older 5's are nicer than the new ones IMO.
I know this NOW.
Cadillac Escalade has an ad with a knock on the X3's (and others) gas mileage. Now that's curious.
Zack O'Malley Greenburg, 10.06.09 Forbes
Education level, tech smarts and wealth are just a few traits your ride can convey.
Porsches smack of success. Hondas preach practicality. And, according to a recent report, Chevys proudly proclaim of their owners, "I don't use the Internet."
Your car implies more about your life than you might think. While 13% of Chevy owners don't use the Web, by contrast, less than 3% of Honda owners remain in the technological Stone Age. The antithesis of flashy, Honda owners are usually pragmatic and well educated; 70% boast a college degree or higher, compared with 35% of Chevy owners and 45% of Ford owners.
The data was released in the spring as part of this year's New Vehicle Experience Study by San Diego-based market research outfit Strategic Vision....."
I'm not entirely sure what you're asking here, but the sales results are hardly a big surprise. Lexus' lineup is old and tired. Nobody buys the LX570, and the GX is on its deathbed. It's also part of a segment (ladder frame SUV with low range xfer case and such) that no one is really interested in anymore. 99.9% of GX470s are just going to get the groceries, lugging around all that Tonka Tuff off-road hardware for nothing. 13mpg is less funny than it used to be.
The GS flopped after a few years as it always does, the SC430 is a thousand years old and is awful, and the ES and IS are rapidly aging and have lost any competitive edge. It's the same old story, RX to the rescue.
BMW is on an expansion and has fresher product, so naturally sales are up. They'll never catch the RX, but the 3 is pretty much unbeatable sales wise in its segment.
That made me laugh. Chevy buyers seem to think that On Star is a navigation system, so yes, the latest technology is probably not a priority there.
Any 1 purchased any new vehicles?
Have a nice day everyone.
LG... Good job predicting this would happen.
TM
Yep, torque vectoring AWD wins. C&D's performance numbers are amazingly close, but I'm confident that the Audi would handily beat the 335i on a race track. And of course with rain clouds in the sky, it would be domination. I believe that's now a triple for Audi in C&D - Q5 beats X3, A6 3.0T beats 5 series, and now S4 beats 335i.
For those wishing to read the article, it can be found here: S4 vs 335i
Emunds full test (also yellow) is here: Edmunds S4 full test
BMW = GM
It has happened before and it is happening again. I see lots of indifference to customers and playing of techie catch up more than anything else. Remember the British car industry? I don't either.
BMW = GM
Sorry, but I don't buy that. GM's problems - decades of incompetent management, too many brands/models/dealers, division infighting that goes back half a century, relentless "cash on the hood" deals that have obliterated resale values, fleet sales, and an inability to hold on to a name plate or focus on a product/brand for more than six minutes. It's always another stunt with GM, this "try it for 60 days program, or take $500 instead if our dealers mention that part" is only the latest.
BMW doesn't operate that way. I don't think many of their recent moves are smart - the X6, the GTs, the rumored FWD Mini based 0 series - but BMW is not going down in flames. Let me ask you this, if you got one of the whatever percentage of X3s that aren't lousy, would BMW still = GM?
I did not want to take any risks, so an GS430 and now an IS350 are my answer for the reliability/performance requirement.
BMW have been doing a couple of things that probably won't turn out well in its favor in the long run:
- Sales volume achieved via cheap leases, almost a ponzy scheme like as some previous posters have said.
- Turbo charged engines, these are typically fine when new, but they will for sure be more prone to issues over times.
Just as I can't erase the experience of a good car, I can't erase the experience of a bad one either. It is what it is. You can't just eliminate bad cars or bad service and say, just ignore the junk behind the curtain and look at the ones we got right.
I am also not talking about problems with, say, the radio or the upholstery. I am talking about the core being of BMW: the ride.
The extra weight and the 55/45 balance don't matter. The S4 would mop up the 335i on any race track. The traction of torque vectoring AWD makes all the difference in the world, just ask the Nissan GT-R. I'm not sure if there are any lap times available yet for the 335i vs S4, but Edmunds did test the 335i on a track vs. the old S4, and it still lost.
"3rd Place: The BMW 335i maintains its composure even when driven extremely hard, yet it feels surprisingly slow and out of place compared to the TL and S4. Of course, putting power down with just the rear wheels means the front wheels almost needed to be straight before the throttle could go all the way to the floor. The throttle response from its twin-turbo 300-hp inline-6 is only happy and snappy in the upper rpm range, and the steering feels indirect and slow in comparison. Great brakes, but this wasn't enough to make up the 2.7-second gap to the TL. It's just too slow to react."
That's 2.7 seconds a lap slower than the Acura TL, a pig of a car with 3/5 of its weight over its nose, and with a Honda naturally aspirated V6 with no torque. If the 335i cant even beat that, its simply hasn't got a chance in hell against a car vastly superior to the TL - the S4.
That's what torque vectoring AWD does. A glitzed up Accord is faster around a track than a 335i thanks to that system.
As for the power, some dyno tests have shown that the 300/300 number BMW reports is more marketing than anything else. Supposedly the actual numbers are actually not far off from the S4, maybe 320/320 or so.
Traded 2008 Lexus 350RX and ordered/picked up Q5 with Prestige Package.
Wife says, the best move she ever made. Loves the Q5.
Now, myself.......6 total Lexus cars since 2004.....1 - SC430, 1 300RX, 2 350RX and 1 LS430 and 1 LS460.
Took the 2007 LS460 and Saturday traded it in on a new 2009 A8L.
Living in NJ, just needed the all wheel drive (the LS was terrible, even with 4 snows). Love the tighter handling and better NAV system. The LS had a few extras, the A8 did not have and vice/versa.
But, I would have to say we are now and Audi family.
Oh..........I was originally on my way to test drive the S550 and never made it out of the Audi showroom.
But, I would have to say we are now and Audi family.
Wow... This is indeed a terrific real-life testimonial.
I should mention that I think you might have liked the S550, but it is so understandable how that A8 seduced you before the MB even had a chance.
Enjoy those terrific new "European" cars!!
With posts like yours, I don't think it will be much longer before we are reading about Dewey's new Audi S4... he might get that European performance sedan (Audi S4) he is lusting after, with the AWD he genuinely needs up there in Toronto.
Thanks for the post. Please give us your feedback on the cars after you've had a chance to drive them for a little while.
TM
Too gimmicky with too much going on in the interior and way too expensive for what you get.
Too gimmicky with too much going on in the interior and way too expensive for what you get.
Hmmmm... let me get this right... you hated the Q5, but you liked the X3 enough to buy it. :surprise: :confuse: :sick:
TM