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Re: Hpowders [anthonyp]
Written by: hpowders on Mar 17, 2007 6:30:19 PM
I know that it's hard to tell from a photo, Tony, but one of the 2008 550 interior shots unfortunately looks like more of the tired "same old, same old." In the brochure, BMW admits that it would be hard to tell the current 550i from the 2008 version. I guess BMW is satisfied to rest on their considerable performance laurels which had me hooked since 1993 despite their boring interiors. ... Read More
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Funny though...
Written by: hpowders on Feb 26, 2007 1:43:48 PM
Since that C&D review, no accident has been reported as a direct result of faulty BMW brakes for any 2006 or 2007 BMW models, as far as I know. I have had BMW's continuously since 1993 and the brakes have always stopped the vehicles quickly. I have absolute confidence in them even with that annoying little jerk at the end. This is from someone who actually drives BMW's.
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"So is every other car"
Written by: hpowders on Feb 13, 2007 4:35:04 PM
Exactly! So tired of hearing about "reliability." When was the last time anybody has seen a tow truck bailing someone out on the side of the interstate? The reliability argument is tired and dated. Vehicles today are incredibly reliable. They have to be, to compete. 3 BMWs. No reliability issues since 1993. Maybe I'm different, but I like getting reliability AND breathtaking performance. Why settle for a vehicle whose only selling ... Read More
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Re: The Pre-Production Question [lexusguy]
Written by: merc1 on Dec 25, 2006 11:34:17 PM
I don't really take issue with anything you're saying, but I just don't get this about C&D being so brilliant one minute and idiots the next, the conspiracy theories, and so on. Every single review that doesn't put the car in the best light possible is deemed to have been written by clueless editors, while a review by Cnet is taken to be gospel. Something is wrong if you have to ... Read More
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Re: People... [lexusguy]
Written by: hpowders on Nov 3, 2006 2:30:44 PM
Well anecdotally speaking, I have had 3 BMW's since 1993 with no computer glitches. Never any lag. I only experienced this on 2 2005 LS430's. Ocassionally, I have come home from intense parties and the BMW pinwheel appeared to be spinning, but I do not attribute that to any BMW computer glitches.
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Merc
Written by: drfill on Aug 10, 2006 6:09:17 AM
You've got to be joking if you think Toyota offers any kind of "variation". They're the dullest, most boring mainstream brand going. Nissan and Honda are much more "diverse" and offer more "variation". Ditto for Mercedes and BMW compared to Lexus. Toyota is a lot of things, but diverse isn't one of them. Have to correct you there. Even though Toyota has forgotten about the sports car market, they still make ... Read More
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Re: baby boomers, gen-x, gen-y, boring price discourse and 1969-1993 [blcki
Written by: stevekilburn on May 24, 2006 7:54:20 PM
With increasing globalization, the heritage factor has assumed a new role and is no more the dominant factor. And yes the pace at which we are moving, 35 years is more than enough. I would say you can duplicate that success in 20 years. Which means in 2009, when Lexus celebrates its 20th, we will have a toast and to germans too, who have sustained such competition. Benz churned out million+ ... Read More
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Re: Wow! [drfill]
Written by: lexusguy on May 19, 2006 11:55:35 PM
They may have disagreed in '98 or '99, but as I said before, once the A6 received actual horsepower, it was all over for GS as far as the mags were concerned. The '06 GS is the best one yet, but it still has the same fundamental problem that has been plauging the car since 1993. Lexus keeps over promising and under delivering with an akward car that has to find ... Read More
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Re: highly successful formula [carnut100]
Written by: merc1 on May 5, 2006 5:29:11 AM
I too think there will be a S450, just not right now. I really don't think adding a 335hp S450 will actually help sales in the short term. The S450 is going to have to get more competitive under the hood or come in under or at best at the same price as the A8L and 750Li, it can't cost 77K like the old S430 for it to be competitive with ... Read More
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Looks Like I Have...
Written by: hpowders on Feb 16, 2006 11:58:12 AM
the best of both because since 1993, I have had 3 BMW's and only had to bring the vehicles in for routine oil changes, chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate. I find it hard to believe that I am the lucky one among thousands. If BMW means unreliability, give me excess of it!
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LOL!! I dig you, Merc!
Written by: callmedrfill on Feb 7, 2006 5:36:36 PM
:P I like you, Merc. You make me laugh! If Matrix were here, he'd laugh too. Take the gloves off and start swingin'! ;) Alright, let's see if you'll follow this line of questioning: 1. Was that a good picture of a vehicle for a national print ad campaign? 2. I omitted BMW for three very good reasons. One, their ads are consistent to their slogan and mantra, which has NEVER ... Read More
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Re: Lexus vs Merc [michael_mattox]
Written by: hpowders on Jan 22, 2006 5:58:11 AM
The reliability issue with BMW's is old news. CR has recently upgraded the 5 series to satisfactory reliability. Writing from my own experience, I have had 3 BMW's since 1993 and have only had to have regular oil changes paid for by BMW, and of course, new tires. I don't believe I am the lucky exception to the rule here. BMW had a reliability problem. They listened. They fixed it.
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Re: MB, BMW?? what else you have? [oac]
Written by: lexusi on Jan 15, 2006 2:09:24 PM
MB sales did increase, but well not tremodously!! they did a good job, thanx to lexus that taught them how to build luxury cars, i say, this belongs to lexus, otherwise MB cars were/will be the same until now if there was no lexus :) 2004 - 221,610 1993 - 61,899 something around 3.6 % ! will you compare it to lexus growth!! hmm NA! Lexusization of the world Lexusi
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Re: Fact checking !!! [oac]
Written by: hpowders on Dec 10, 2005 12:49:18 PM
"BMWs are the definition of what a driving machine is." "You (Merc1) don't drive this car daily so how can you know?" I have driven BMW's daily since 1993 except for 1 day when I had a fight with a neighbor and didn't leave the house for fear of bodily harm, which is a story for another day. I have had 2 325i's and now have a 545i. I have driven ... Read More
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Re: Value of Free Maintenance [oac]
Written by: hpowders on Dec 7, 2005 4:36:31 PM
The point is BMW has courageously put their reputation on the line by offering free maintenance. This gesture is a tremendous vote of confidence in the quality of their vehicles. They stepped up to the plate when nobody else would. In doing this, they show serious movement in alleviating the perception that BMW's have serious reliability problems This makes me feel very good as a BMW consumer even though since 1993, ... Read More
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Re: I Agree to Disagree.. [designman]
Written by: hpowders on Dec 7, 2005 8:47:14 AM
There was no extraordinary price increase when the policy of free maintenance was initiated. The engines are so amazing that the only maintenance I ever needed were oil changes every 15,000 miles on any of my bimmers since 1993. BMW knows this. They weren't about to offer free maintenance if they were going to lose big bucks on the deal. They even generously allow you to bring the car in more ... Read More
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Re: I Agree to Disagree.. [tagman]
Written by: hpowders on Dec 6, 2005 3:05:09 PM
I DON'T KNOW what you are saying. What disappointment? I've had 3 BMW's since 1993 and currently have a 2005 545. Not once have I had any difficulties. No "faults" as you put it. Only visits were for regular oil changes. Don't believe everything you hear. And I am surely not alone on this thread in having no trouble at all with BMW vehicles. If BMW reliability stinks, they would not ... Read More
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Re: Buying vs Leasing [hpowders]
Written by: oac on Nov 22, 2005 8:33:56 PM
"As a loyal BMW customer, I have to admit, I would never buy one. Always leased since 1993. If I were to change to the LS which could happen in 2007, I would buy one....This car is as close to an investment as a depreciating asset can be!" Words of wisdom.... Dewey may do well to not skip this post, but I am sure he will bcos it doesn't jive with ... Read More
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Buying vs Leasing
Written by: hpowders on Nov 22, 2005 8:08:23 PM
As a loyal BMW customer, I have to admit, I would never buy one. Always leased since 1993. If I were to change to the LS which could happen in 2007, I would buy one. The car has great long-term reliability (which BMW's don't) and retains its value better than most. I would not be looking to dump it after 3 years. This car is as close to an investment as ... Read More
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Re: Dewey et al [syswei]
Written by: hpowders on Nov 20, 2005 8:24:22 AM
Forgive me for being about 500 messages behind, but I have had 3 BMW's since 1993 with no problems and the latest, the 545 with the comfort seats, is awesome. Tried the Lexus LS430 but didn't care for the driver's seat-I couldn't get comfortable. However, If the LS430 was priced more competitively as a lease and Lexus threw in free maintenance, I may have made a deal on one. (Being 6'2", ... Read More
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Re: The best? [oac]
Written by: hpowders on May 7, 2005 2:07:42 PM
I drove the M35 (so called) "luxury" and M45 sport and found the suspensions on both to be quite punishing. I could not get used to the busy display in front of me and I hated the rosewood-looked like thin cardboard. The engine drone would prove quite tiring once the novelty wore off. And now all those complaints on the M board. I don't think so! Also, the M looks too ... Read More
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My Journey to the LS430
Written by: rgsw on May 3, 2005 4:14:11 PM
Purchased used MB in 1978, took Military BX European delivery of 300D in 1980, had to wait 18 months from date of order to delivery at factory. Traded in 1990 for a 1989 MB 300E (a lease return with some damage repair unknown to the dealer), 1993 traded for another 1993 (New) MB 300E. 1995 traded for new GMC Yukon, 1998 traded for new GMC Yukon. 2001 started looking for replacement ... Read More
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ljflx
Written by: merc1 on Mar 17, 2005 10:23:30 PM
I can't believe it. One of my wishes has come true! Mercedes-Benz has just decided to sell a S350 Sedan here for the final run of the current S-Class! Very interesting move. You know what this means right? They're getting buyers ready for the next-generation S350 as the entry level S-Class. http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/models/main.jsp&modelCode=S350V I can't believe it! It is a short wheelbase model though. The S65 AMG has also been released too. ... Read More
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Point A to Point B
Written by: hpowders on Feb 27, 2005 9:30:24 AM
Having owned BMW's since 1993, the reason for switching to the Lexus 430 in August is that I no longer have confidence in the former being able to get me from point A to point B.
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no title
Written by: sv7887 on Feb 14, 2005 5:39:11 AM
Hi All, Toyota prices the LS for less because it's more efficient to begin with. The TPS mantra they follow is the best in the industry. They fully utilize the benefits of platform sharing and not offering numerous engine types..Hence their strong financials. Their cars are built primarly by robots, hence avoiding the union worker mess the Germans have to deal with..Basic economics will tell you the most efficient producer is ... Read More
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The prodigal brand
Written by: designman on Dec 9, 2004 5:38:46 AM
"I would love to continue with BMW. I have leased them since 1993 and am addicted to the ride. I don't believe it is worth the potential risks anymore…" I feel the same way although I am willing to sacrifice a little reliability for the passion of driving a car I love. Then there's styling. BMW is going over my threshhold. They have to shape up before I buy another sedan. ... Read More
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Re: Another Lexus convert ? [garyh1]
Written by: hpowders on Dec 9, 2004 5:08:10 AM
I would love to continue with BMW. I have leased them since 1993 and am addicted to the ride. I don't believe it is worth the potential risks anymore so I will be going with the LS next summer. The only thing that could change my mind would be a dramatic improvement in the reliability stats for BMW between now and August. I do not anticipate this happening, however. Very sad. ... Read More
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Re: [ljflx]
Written by: hpowders on Dec 8, 2004 7:59:30 PM
I will definitely get the Honeymooners DVD set. No out-takes of course as the show was stone cold live every time. I have a 2002 330i sedan with every intention of moving up to a 530i this August. I have heard so many complaints about the new 5 series that the game plan had to be changed. BMW has let me down by over-complicating their new vehicles. Too many horror stories ... Read More
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michael_mattox
Written by: merc1 on Aug 1, 2004 10:15:27 PM
This is amazing. (Last Post) "In your previous post the chart showed 700+ units and you said that was US sales???? I accept 1700+ for the SL500....Allante sold 6700 in 93." No chart or link I ever posted said anything like that. Period. It said (they MBUSA.COM) said 1721 sales for 1993. End of story. You said 700 or 800 in your confused state. The link didn't change from one posting ... Read More
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michael_mattox
Written by: merc1 on Jul 29, 2004 6:03:43 PM
It is painfully obvious that you don't have a clue about the Mercedes SL. You seem to be the only one that is "confused" here. Everyone else has pretty much agreed that the SL was the superior car. The question is whether or not the Allante is so lame that its sole supporter is reduced to harping about trunk space over a decent top design, you know something that most people ... Read More
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michael_mattox
Written by: merc1 on Jun 13, 2004 10:29:40 PM
"Note to mention your constantly changing the years we are reviewing..I provided specs for a 93 SL and a 93 Allante...AS IS YOUR CUSTOM YOU WANT TO MOVE THE BALL TO THE 90 ALLANTE AND NO DOUBT COMPARE IT TO THE 93 SL." You're confused. It doesn't matter which 1990+ SL you use! You can use whatever year SL from 1990 onward and it will be the same outcome since the ... Read More
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michael_mattox
Written by: merc1 on May 13, 2004 10:07:09 PM
"Do you think that if Mercedes went back to their former style that Lexus "copied" they would sell a lot more cars." I'm not sure actually. I think design wise they've never been better with the exception of the CLK and Maybach. Neither of those cars "look" like they should imo. I also think the SL could stand a few less frivolous details like on the sides and hood, but overall ... Read More
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michael_mattox
Written by: merc1 on Apr 20, 2004 1:25:03 AM
See how maxhonda99 and sv7887 got the point about models and sales trends, but no.... You and oac keep harping about sales of MB and BMW declining yet when I dare point out that Lexus has the same problem with one of their duds you all post the same thing over and over like in post #4752 because that's all you know, even though it doesn't pertain to the conversation. Sales ... Read More
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ljflx
Written by: merc1 on Apr 18, 2004 11:33:15 PM
Well I've always stated that MB is my favorite brand, but not my favorite car in every segment. If I were shopping in your class there would be only MB and Audi on my list, but in the 30-35K segment there are at least a dozen good or great cars competing and Mercedes' C-Class doesn't really wow me like say an E, SL or CL does. I'm looking at the G35 ... Read More
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Bzzzzt, wrong again...
Written by: shipo on Mar 9, 2004 3:47:44 PM
Sorry guy, I've owned four Audi's and I am now on my second BMW, a 530i this time that I had the pleasure of picking up in Munich and running it through its paces on the Autobahn. If that's not enough, I spent several years in the mid 1990s working for MB-USA in Montvale and Stuttgart, and I drove everything they had as well as all of their competitors that they ... Read More
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1992 750
Written by: f1buick on Mar 3, 2004 4:28:36 PM
I own a 1993--almost identical car. You are not crazy, but I wouldn't every pay more than $6000. At 140k you'll be getting a complex car with a lot of miles and, potentially, many long-term parts that are due for replacement. 140k, for example, is on the tail end of the tranny lifespan in that car. I think there are 3 types of people who own cars like this: 1. Those ... Read More
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misinformation
Written by: f1buick on Jan 27, 2004 4:45:43 PM
well, misinformation certainly gets spread around all right. Where did you get yours? The Nikasil V8 was intoduced in 1993 and infected all 1993 and 1994 e32 v8's. BMW extended the warranty on all of these cars to 100,000 miles and 6 years. I can personally vouch for that because when I shopped a 1993 V8 in 1997 the salesman made a big deal about the extended warranty, and the service ... Read More
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some answers
Written by: f1buick on Jan 15, 2004 11:19:14 AM
regarding tire rotation, BMW does not recommend tire rotation on any of its cars, as far as I know. I'm not sure why. Tire mfg's, on the other hand, generally insist on tire rotation if you want to maintain the mileage warranty. Regarding a "720iL" V8, there is not and never has been such a car. The last two digits indictate the engine's liter displacement, i.e., a 745 has a 4.5 ... Read More
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1992 735
Written by: f1buick on Jan 2, 2004 2:35:32 PM
. . . I have a 1993 750 and feel the same way. Agree with nvbanker that BMW has serverely overengineered the E65, it is crawling with bugs, and anyone who purchases it will be seriously sorry when the warranty runs out. the 1995-2002 7 series (E38) basically is an update of the E32. That's what I'd be looking for. Should be pretty bulletproof. The A8 is intriguing, but very rare--who ... Read More
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Car & Driver
Written by: f1buick on Nov 14, 2003 11:04:06 AM
Just ran a comparo in which the i-drive, pretty much on its own, bumped the 7 from its traditional 1st place spot to 3rd behind the lexus and new Jag XJ. C&D also predicted that the new 7 would take a real beating on resale value. I intend to own my old 1993 750 for at least another 6 years. The new 7 is NOT on my list of potential replacements. ... Read More
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blockislandguy
Written by: f1buick on Oct 22, 2003 7:21:54 PM
"But, do you really think that a used 7 Series with a CPO is the same price as a Lexus? What is the CPO premuim? 3K or so?" You'll have to answer that for yourself. I really have no idea. I do know that in comparison to a Lexus 400, my 750 cost a lot more new and is worth a lot less used. I think BMW 7-series depreciates faster because ... Read More
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Relative depreciation
Written by: f1buick on Oct 15, 2003 12:54:05 PM
is somewhat of an economic fallacy. You maximise profit by placing the least amount of money in depreciating assets. Percentages are irrelevant If you buy a $70,000 BMW and it only depreciates by 50% in 8 years, you have lost $35,000. If you bought a $25,000 Buick and it depreciates to zero in the same 8 years, you still are $10,000 ahead, even though the depreciation percentage is 100% compared to ... Read More
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maybe, maybe not
Written by: f1buick on Oct 13, 2003 11:32:19 AM
I'm not doubting you, but I think the issue is statistical. An example: I own a 1993 750 (E-32). During the first 3 years of production the E32 used a circuit board for the instrument panel that was placed near the hvac outlets and was found to develop cracks due to repeated thermal cycles. Starting in 1991 (4th year) the circuit board was replaced with a better unit. I would have ... Read More
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boo20
Written by: syswei on Oct 3, 2003 2:05:19 PM
Well, since the S430 costs 31% more than the LS430, is 9% slower 0-60, has 5% less HP and 8% less torque, it had better be "superior" in SOME ways to SOME people, else MB would sell zero units. Hands down, MB wins in sheer prestige. Aesthetics are a personal judgement, and in my personal opinion the S does offer more attractive exterior styling (but not necessarily interior). As far as ... Read More
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1995 BMW Engine
Written by: bstotmeister on Jun 19, 2003 9:32:08 AM
This may be a day late and all, but regarding the problems with a circa 1995 7 series BMW.... I was recently looking into this, and from 1993 to 1995 (think that's correct) BMW used a nickel alloy engine, called Nikasil. This alloy, combined with the relatively high sulphur content of gas sold in some US regions, hastened pitting of the cylinder walls. BMW extended the warranty, but if you buy ... Read More
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bernard1
Written by: merc1 on Mar 27, 2002 6:18:07 PM
I'd have to disagree about the Acura NSX, the car is rare because it's 10+ years old and just doesn't sell. Acura has stated many times that they would love to import more of these. The NSX sold very well between 1991-1993, but after that it's been downhill. I'ts not a rare car by choice. Well I guess we'll never know about the profit margins on the 5-Series BMW models, but ... Read More
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bobbyknight
Written by: bernard1 on Mar 26, 2002 5:21:52 PM
Yep the X5 was to just generate profits. But it is fun to drive and works in the snow. It's still a debate if the Cayenne is going to tarnish the Porsche image but I have a feeling it will sell if they price it right. I'm looking forward to a new Audi S8. I will probably not buy another S class. I didn't have any problems with my previous ones ... Read More
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no title
Written by: bobbyknight on Mar 26, 2002 3:54:52 PM
Of course Lexus got BMW's attention. That's why for 1993 they brought out the 740 for 735 money (which by the way was 400E money). The 7-series was considerably more car than the 400E, yet the pricing was similar. This proves that MB's pricing was out of control. Pricing for the 5-series has grown little to it's present version, along with the present E-Class. There is no doubt that MB in ... Read More
