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BMW 5-Series Wagon 2004 Redesign
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Comments
I saw the new 5 Series in-person at the local auto dealers show last weekend. It looks a little better in person, but not much. Too many lines, angles, etc. I really hate the new interior. I will never own i-drive (I hope). The BMW rep said that I was the only person that criticized the new design. That's hard to believe.
I plan to keep my E39 until Bangle wakes up or moves on.
Mercedes' wagons haven't looked good since the old W124 E-Class model back in the eighties to mid nineties. The new one looks a little better than the just discontinued one, but it's no Audi/VW.
M
i do like the audi wagon but only with the rs6 designation. the regular a6 looks too bubbly.
the passat does look good especially the most recent model ('03-'04).
Anyway, I could NOT find the central locking system! On my 2003 5, it's laid out plain and simple on the center console. I am due to test drive the car on Friday, so I'll notice it then. So thanks for the info.
Now, as far as one's comments regarding the new 5, (whether one likes it or doesn't like it), that's what a forum like this is for. Only speaking for myself, if I truly "loved" the new design inside and out I would be singing the new car's praises. I don't. I think the new iteration of this vehicle is disappointing. For me, it's not even the so-called "radical/controversial looks." I find the looks and the interior to be boring, and a follower in the market rather than a trend setter. I don't think BMW has ever been a trend setter with its designs. IMO, they're a trend setter in their engineering. I am however, willing to have an open mind and I am looking forward to test driving the vehicle this Friday.
I picked up a 2003 525 3 months back and love it. the interior of the 03 is far better than 04. Moreover, i think the rear of the 04 5 series resembles a Subaru model . I believe it is the WRX. Just my $.02.
I am glad I picked up a 2003 5 series.
The active BMW 5-Series discussion on the Sedans board is the best place to talk with other 5-series sedan owners & enthusiasts. Thanks!
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M
Saw my first new 5 in person. There is good and bad.
Good news is that in the Silver color I saw, the eye brows are less noticeable, at least with the lights off. The front is acceptable, but I wonder how it would look lit up; things could get ugly. I would not choose a color that had a sharp contrast to those eye brows.
The trunk becomes the sore spot, IMO. Still looks hump-backed to me. A wagon could address this, though.
A Silver wagon could actually address both my beefs with the design.
-juice
BMW has done EXACTLY what it needed to do - come up with a cutting edge design that generated a LOT of talk. The old models were SO outdated. Kind of like Lexus - they make a great car, but the design is OLD.
When I see a new BMW on the road, I get EXCITED. I haven't felt that way about a car in a long, long time.
Can't wait to get our (it's "ours" now, not "my wife's" since I like the new design so much!) new 5-series wagon in '04.
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/generations/articles/101202/articl- e.html
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my friends are sick of my indecision, but its a huge commitment for me! also, will i find the 3 wagon too small on the road? (im coming from a land cruiser, dying to get closer to the ground!)
-Paul
I'd look at the 5er, the V70, the 9-5, there are lots of great choices in mid-size lux wagons.
-juice
You may also want to check out the touring cars (read wagons) from Audi. VERY classy design.
-Paul
thank you
Again, the wagon is the most attractive of the 3. The hatch look stubby and too tall, out of proportion.
The convertible doesn't look as good as that concept from the NY show from a couple years back.
-juice