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Comments
It is something I will consider doing in my next purchase.
Alternatively, I could have ordered the multi-contour seats separately, without the sport package, although I think they do require the optional leather. Again, as a stand alone option, I did not see any mention of a sport seat.
Thanks
Bruce
If you haven't noticed, I'd suggest you continue to enjoy your 545, but to be honest, I think a limited service spare might be the way to go these days. Both my E34 and E39 have full-service spares that have seen very "limited service".
Here's a link to an Edmunds discussion of pro's and cons:
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/tires/articles/117588/article.html
I have had two punctures with my RFT and have been able to get them repaired. The key is not letting the tire pressure fall below 18 psi at which point you will start loading the side wall.
The RFT in both cases allowed me to drive home safely and change the punctured tire.
I have to admit that due to stiff side-wall, you get a harsher ride, however I have also noticed maintaining 2-3psi above the recommended tire pressure improves the ride quality. Increasing the pressure a little bit reduces the load stress on the side wall when you take those little bumps or pot holes.
I intend on getting the 535i, and I will without a second thought opt for RFT because of the safety factor.
Just thought I should share my experience.
Here is the text of the follow-up e-mail:
Thank you for contacting BMW of North America, LLC regarding the rear-side airbags in the vehicle. We appreciate your inquiry.
Passengers are safer with rear-seat side impact airbags than without them. Children must be properly positioned and restrained to ensure their safety and avoid possible injury from airbag deployment. Please see your Owner's Manual and the in-vehicle safety tips card to ensure proper positioning and restraint.
For vehicles equipped with side airbags, all occupants should be properly restrained - children in appropriate child restraint systems: larger children and adults using the safety belt - and sitting upright. Never let an occupant's head rest on, or near any side airbag. If this warning is not heeded, the inflating side airbag could cause a serious or fatal injury.
We believe the safest place for children in an automobile is in the rear seat. However, a child sitting in the rear seat and not properly restrained in a child seat appropriate for their size and age may place his or her head on or near the side airbag. For example, a child, even though belted, may fall asleep with his or her head against the side airbag or may lean out of the child seat in the direction of the door. It may be difficult for a driver to ensure belted children in the rear seat will remain properly positioned at all times and not place their heads on or near the side airbag. Therefore, we recommend that you deactivate the rear-seat side airbags if you plan to transport children not properly restrained in approved child seats or in the rear seat of your BMW.
BMW of North America, LLC will provide rear-seat side impact airbag deactivation free of charge. If you are interested in deactivation, please contact the service team at your authorized BMW center.
You may read more about airbags by accessing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website www.nhtsa.dot.gov, or you may call them at 800-424-9393.
If you have any further questions, please respond to this e-mail or contact the Customer Relations and Services Department at 1-800-831-1117, Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time. Again, thank you for contacting BMW.
Does anyone have any comments/suggestions? :confuse:
My wife drives an X3, after previosuly driving an '01 3 series sedan, and she loves the higher seating position. She is also petite.
I just traded in my '06 3 series sedan for an '08 5 series sedan. The 5 series sits a bit higher, and is easier to get into and out of than the 3 series, although it's not the same as the X3.
Bruce
I did not get navigation. In playing with the radio using the I-Drive, I think I-Drive is really great for that- it's much better than a convetional radio interface.
I'm wondering if there are other aspects of I-Drive I haven't encountered yet that are not easy to use. Otherwise, my very limited initial exposure makes me wonder why the auto press continues to criticize I-Drive.
Bruce
I did not get navigation. In playing with the radio using the I-Drive, I think I-Drive is really great for that- it's much better than a convetional radio interface.
I-Drive isn't as bad as it is purported to be. In fact I can do several things with my i-drive using the console knob without taking my eyes off the road. With the addition of 6 programmable buttons on the '08, it should be a major additional improvement.
Good luck with your new 5. I get mine approximately at the end of Aug. and can't wait.
It is a mystery to me. I have been using it almost for four years, and always with a smile.
Regards,
Jose
Perhaps the press do not like i-Drive for two reasons.
1. It is true that a potential user has to put a little time into i-Drive to get used to its possibilities. May be journalists have not the right approach to 'wast' that time.
2. Then, and from the very first review, i-Drive and the press is just like a passing prejudice: a smart remark that has to be said. After all, some negative remarks have to be underlined for a review to be fair, haven't they?
Regards,
Jose
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-2021 Sahara 4xe-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My take on iDrive is that it is "set and forget" along with having the 6 new programmable buttons for your primary functions. Sure seems like a good idea to me, given that "Job 1" behind the wheel is to pay attention when driving. I agree that this iteration of iDrive is far better executed than v1.0.
Otherwise some time has to be spent learning it, in the same way one has to learn a new vehicle.
As for I- drive, maybe it's the fact that it's not something that one can quickly or easily (in the first minute)get a grip on. When I test drove a 7 series a few years ago, I remember that I wanted to turn on the radio and it took me five minutes to figure it out (never having seen I-Drive before). I will tell you that those 5 minutes were very frustrating and for no apparent purpose. I mean, was there anything wrong with the "old" way of turning on a radio? That said, I'm sure that once you put in some seat time, it becomes second nature. So the auto journalists who are reviewing are forced to re-learn things that the already knew and not to a clear advantage. I'm not sure that I-drive is really a step up (Lexus seems to do OK without it) but it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me as I seem to have the ability to learn new technology fairly quickly. It's just that sometimes the old "simple" way is really better.
Question re: the 535i vs. 535xi: Since i can't drive the cars where I live (in the UK - they don't offer the new 535i petrol models) can anyone comment about the ride characteristics, driving dynamics or any other differences between the two, I'm moving back to the States later this month and would like to order one before I get there, but am hesitant without test driving. I'll be living in the upper Midwest, so AWD would be great if it doesn't compromise the driving dynamics I admire so much in BMW's. Also, any comments about the speed shift sport option (with the paddle shifters) I'm not even sure if that's available in the States yet. Thanks!
Randy
Regarding "What else did you cross shop against and why did you choose the BMW?":
The only other car I was actually considering was the M35x. I liked the interior room and styling from seeing them at auto shows, and the pricing. From what I read, I liked the reported good handling and performance, but was leery about reported high engine revs on the highway, ride not as supple as the 5 series, and road / cabin noise. My other concern was Infiniti might upgrade the engine to the one in the new G35, or even the 3.7 in the new G37 coupe, and I didn't want to pay that much for a car that could soon have last year's engine. And I felt the performance of BMW's twin turbo engine makes the 535 cars more of a competitor to the M-45 than M-35.
When I placed my order in late May, there were unconfirmed rumors of an M-45x. Someone in the Infiniti threads said Infiniti has now announced the M-45x, but that was not a consideration when I made my decision.
If the '08 CTS had been available for a comparison drive, I would have cross-shopped that. Notwithstanding that it is categorized as an ELLPS category here, size-wise (external dimensions and interior room) it seemed to be a clone of the 5 series, the 300hp V-6 with AWD and a 6 speed AT sounded attractive, and I liked the new CTS' styling. But I was anxious to buy sooner rather than later, and the new CTS was still untested, so I felt much more secure in going with the 535Xi.
I would also comment that over time I grew to like the styling of the 5 series, and felt it conveys an impression of a sporty car versus a traditional sedan. I also think the visual impression of the 5 series is of a car smaller than it actually is, which contributes to the sporty impression.
This is all very subjective. The cars that I initially considered, but ended up not cross-shopping were:
GS-350 AWD- Liked the styling, which I felt was sporty, and engine power, but every time I sat in one it felt too small inside for an LPS, and it isn't supposed to be as fun to drive as the 5 series.
E-class with 4-matic- Just from reading, MB did not sound like it was as fun to drive as the 5 series. I also thought the styling was elegant, but traditional rather than sporty.
Audi A-6- I like what Audi pioneered with Quatro and that you can get Quatro with the V-8, but it reportedly does not drive as well as the 5 series. The styling is very sleek and elegant, but to me it gives a visual impression of a larger, more traditional, less sporty sedan.
Acura RL- Ride is too soft, styling is okay although a bit bland, but it's not supposed to be in the same performance league as a 5 series.
Again, just my opinion, YMMV.
Thanks
Bruce
I posted this in the other discussionhttp://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.f11fd4d/8
but did not get any response. SO, I am posting it again here. Please let me know if this is no the right place.
I am buying a new 2008 BMW 528i. I am planning to buy extended warranty to help after the standard 50,000 mile warranty BMW gives. Is it a good idea? How much it may cost and what are the best places to buy around Chicago area. I am also interested in understanding how it works and what it covers. I would appreciate any links.
Thanks.
I may have mentioned that I traded in an '06 330Xi for the 535Xi. The catalyst for doing that was the occasional ride harshness in the 330Xi, with RFTs, over larger road irregularities. I like firm, but not harsh. That wasn't the only reason I traded, but it got me started on looking for another car. The 535Xi is much smoother riding and doesn't suffer the periodic "hard hits" of the 330Xi, so I am very happy about that.
What I like about the 535Xi is: smoothness and quietness; handling; great combination of ride and handling; power; responsiveness of the engine and transmission (I don't feel the need to use SD like I did in the 330Xi); roomier all around; the multi-contour seats; a rear seat usable by adults even when the driver's seat is back far enough for my long legs; higher seating position; and easier ingress and egress. So far, I still like iDrive, especially for the audio system. I like the colors and every option I picked- space gray, gray leather interior, sport package, premium package, cold weather package, folding rear seats, heated rear seats, Logic7 premium audio, Sirius, and HD radio.
The only option I wasn't sure of was the 18" wheels and tires. I like the looks of the wheels, but did not like the idea of what lower profile RFTs might do to the ride quality. I also did not want to drive in the winter with summer performance tires, so I felt I would have to either change the summer performance tires to all seasons, or buy a second set of wheels and tires for the winter. Given all this, I decided against the 18" wheel option.
I'm still adapting to the car being larger than the 3 series in terms of around town maneuvering and parking. On the open road, the 535Xi is very stable and secure feeling. The steering is different, it has a heavier feel than the 330Xi I traded and a heavier feel than my wife's '06 X3. I'm starting to adjust to the steering, but was wondering at first if it was an issue.
We took our first road trip this past weekend, about 250 miles each way. Just for grins, I ran a test to check highway gas mileage. After I got up to speed on Interstate I-81 in the Shenandoah Valley, I reset the avg mph and avg mpg on the car’s computer, and tried to drive at a constant 75 mph while not being heavy-footed with the gas.
At the end of a 90 mile stretch on the first day, the display read an avg mph of 73.4, and an avg mpg of 27.6. On the second day, at the end of a 40 mile stretch, I averaged 73.8 mph and 30.1 mpg.
I drove on some back roads this past weekend, including a short stint on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the car was responsive and stable. But I haven't pushed the handling, or adjusted the side bolsters in the seats enough to comment on the other things you asked.
Thanks
Bruce
What extra weight are you talking about? As near as I can tell, like for like, the E60 weighs about 66 pounds more than a comparably equipped E90.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Model --- Manual --- Automatic - / - Manual --- Automatic
328i/xi --- 3,340 -------- 3,406 ----- / -- 3,582 ------- 3,627
335i/xi --- 3,593 -------- 3,605 ----- / -- 3,814 ------- 3,825
528i/xi --- 3,505 -------- 3,571 ----- / -- 3,770 ------- 3,814
535i/xi --- 3,660 -------- 3,703 ----- / ---- N/A -------- 3,946
Okay, so I'm mistaken, my bad. I happened to only look at the 335i vs. the 535i yesterday and assumed the differences would hold across the various cars. Like I said, my bad. That said, the average weight difference between like for like 3-Series and 5-Series cars (for the 7 that I have direct weight comparisons that is) 141.57 pounds.
"...I hope you are mistaken or the 3 has been on a fat diet."
Actually it's the other way around. The 5-Series has been on an aluminum diet as pretty much all of the body forward of the firewall is made of non ferrous metal.
Regarding your question of "feel", I too went from a 3-Series to a 5-Series (albeit E46 to E39), and if anything, my 5-Series felt sportier AND more luxurious at the same time. Go figure.
Best Regards,
Shipo
As wolfer2 said, the sport package on the 535Xi does not change the suspension or wheels and tires. It includes the 20 way multi-contour seats, different steering wheel, and shadowline trim. And I did not order the optional 18" wheels and tires.
The same situation existed with my '06 330Xi. I got the sport package with that, but there was no change in suspension or wheel / tire size. There was a difference in wheel design, but not size, with the sport package.
Yes, my 535Xi is definitely smoother and less harsh riding than my '06 330Xi. To me, they both have great handling, but I've never pushed them to the limit. Also, I have no experience with the RWD versions, so cannot comment on how the AWD compares.
Thanks
Bruce
I think the 5 has had less power assist in the steering which adds to the feel of the road. Also on the E60, the variable assist drops down considerably at highway speeds. On highway turns and jug handles at speed you really have to tug on the wheel with E60. I like that even though I would prefer it without the variable assist.
That might well have been the case with the later E46s, however, my E46 was a 1999 (built in 1998 no less) and it had the old/original "heavy steering".
FWIW, I much prefer a heavy wheel, and both cars were wonderful in that department. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
Actually, the dakota leather does come in black (as well as cream beige). In fact, that is what I did. I ordered a 535i with multicontour seats with the black leather interior and opted not for the sport package.
Cheers
Best Regards,
Shipo
I've seen several people postulate that the tuning of the suspensions in the Xi models, both 3 and 5 series, is somewhere between the non-sport and sport suspensions of the equivalent RWD versions. Do you have any insight into this?
Thanks
Bruce
1) RWD-SP
2) AWD-Optional wheels and tires
3) RWD-nonSP (all-season tires)
4) AWD-Standard tires
Can't say I have any scientific evidence to back that up, just kind of a seat of the pants guess.
Best Regards,
Shipo