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Re: RIP 1999 to 2007? [designman]
Written by: tagman on Mar 29, 2007 7:31:44 PM
You are correct D-man. It was indeed Dewey who recently invited us to the Luxury Lounge. I recall checking out the forum myself, and I also recall that it was around that time that the BMW financials and BMW lease/residual stuff became the debate for many days, particularly between Dewey and brightness. That forum was burning hot for a few days. Anyway, we're all still hanging around here... and that's the ... Read More
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Re: As the dust settles, [tagman]
Written by: brightness04 on Oct 21, 2006 9:43:24 PM
On the LS forum, there is already notable criticism of the LS460. As in criticism posted by yourself?? and other Europhiles who have not even seen the car in person, much less test-driven the vehicle itself?? Your insistence on asserting "price advantage" only begs to bring the subject of actual price back again . . . after all, how can you even talk about "price advantage" without verifying the actual prices ... Read More
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Re: Actually, [syswei]
Written by: merc1 on Aug 2, 2006 4:22:13 AM
I haven't really been reading what all the fuss is about with the surveys this time around, but I do think JDP should have broken the IQS into two surveys because certain brands (like BMW) rank differently when you break down the two categories they used this year: A little something I saw on MBWorld.org, someone posted the breakout for the study: Auto news More rankings June 8, 2006 Email this ... Read More
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Interesting reading............
Written by: merc1 on Jun 4, 2006 10:28:05 PM
Been on a long Memorial Day vaction. What did I miss? hpowders - BMW should drop the 7-Series? I had to do a doubletake at the user ID when I read that post. No, they can't drop the 7-Series. As others have stated BMW's overall image would suffer relative to Mercedes' without the 7-Series. The 7 is really BMW's only car that competes in the high-end space with Mercedes on a ... 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: Merc [drfill]
Written by: merc1 on May 20, 2006 1:01:58 PM
You were right about C-Class sales. Ok! I missed that one. It sells much more than I thought. Bingo! Finally! But you are also guilty of lack of research, and saying without knowing! Nope. Not. You seem to like to pick on the GS, as I do the C-Class. For some reason you are quick to jump on BMW's bandwagon, while the E-Class gets passed over easily in comparisons, like it's ... Read More
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Merc
Written by: drfill on May 19, 2006 5:43:20 PM
You were right about C-Class sales. Ok! I missed that one. It sells much more than I thought. But you are also guilty of lack of research, and saying without knowing! You seem to like to pick on the GS, as I do the C-Class. For some reason you are quick to jump on BMW's bandwagon, while the E-Class gets passed over easily in comparisons, like it's bretheren, the C-Class (but ... Read More
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Re: LS 460 pricing: quantum leap and incremental increase, new deal [garyh1
Written by: stevekilburn on May 7, 2006 8:04:24 PM
So you want to call me a looney who lacks cogent thinking and gets lampooned left and right. Alright, carry on, but then dont expect me to save you next time when you make a less than perfect comment. You think I am doing this just to "GRAB ATTENTION". Well I dont get it! I have been saying all along that it does not behove Lexus to under-cut competitors prices, when ... Read More
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Re: LS600h and European Passions [merc1]
Written by: stevekilburn on Apr 16, 2006 10:54:19 PM
Well said Merc1. This is a very good answer. Most people are so mesmerized by Toyota's success in US, that they think Toyota is "Mistake Free" and can never or has never made an error. It is true that Toyota along with BMW has made profits every single year in past 50 years (except BMW in 1999/2000) but that does not mean Toyota has not made mistakes. Although they have a ... Read More
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Re: Merc, I already won this argument! [drfill]
Written by: merc1 on Apr 10, 2006 9:42:36 PM
Re: the SC vs. the SL, part of the reason for the HUGE success of the SC is the SL-matching V8 within the Sc430 engine bay. Whether the Lexus built the SC to compete with the SL primarily, at $25k less is debatable. But the SL, for 3 years, would struggle to outrun the Lexus. I'm sure this was used in "walkarounds" often. Won? Won what? The bottom line is that ... Read More
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Merc, I already won this argument!
Written by: drfill on Apr 10, 2006 7:14:34 AM
:P You are too late! :) LOL! "Every time I try to get out, they pull me back in!" Re: the SC vs. the SL, part of the reason for the HUGE success of the SC is the SL-matching V8 within the Sc430 engine bay. Whether the Lexus built the SC to compete with the SL primarily, at $25k less is debatable. But the SL, for 3 years, would struggle to ... Read More
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Re: No Change... [tagman]
Written by: merc1 on Feb 1, 2006 6:59:18 PM
Seperately from the stats, don't you agree that the line-up needs some quicker freshening, and maybe even a little "housekeeping" in a couple of spots? Sure. A new C-Class and a facelifted E-Class would help a lot. BMW and Lexus have the advantage of having newer sedans in each category, especially Lexus. As DrFill points out all of Lexus' 4-doors are new for either the 2006 or 2007 model year. That ... Read More
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Re: Fact checking !!! [syswei]
Written by: oac on Dec 10, 2005 11:56:15 AM
This link from USA Today link title is truly eye opening. Of the cars we discuss on THIS forum, guess who actually drives geezer mobiles - MB ranks right next to Buick in old age buyers. Lexus appeals to *younger* buyers than MB, while BMW is even slightly younger still. Interesting factoid. So if Lexus were that geezer mobiles, how is it that younger folks buy them so much ? Truth ... Read More
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Re: Have a look... [dewey]
Written by: michael_mattox on Oct 22, 2005 4:56:23 PM
DEWEY: I believe we are talking Ultra Luxury sedans here....it is true the GX470 got the Black X in 03....The only year I can find that any Lexus Product got a Black X HARD STATS: The LS 400/ 430 has never had a BLACK X...it is all red checks going back to 97 (as far back as my book goes) All the Mercedes products got all black Xs going back to ... Read More
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Re: Have a look... [oac]
Written by: dewey on Oct 22, 2005 11:56:58 AM
Oac, My BMW e46 has 114k since 1999! My anecdotal evidence will not persuade you or anyone. But it has has persuaded me.
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Re: Copying isn't the culprit [designman]
Written by: merc1 on Oct 16, 2005 6:27:19 AM
Amazing the agreement you'll get when you say that the Germans have done most of the copying. Way to go, now the Lexus guys are going to say that the S-Class is a knockoff of a Bentley to excuse the LS430 I guess. ;) I truly hate to disagree with you on design because usually you're right on the money, but there is no way I can go for this. The ... Read More
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Re: Land Rover [merc1] Mr. Potato Man of SUVs
Written by: greenbelt on Oct 11, 2005 7:27:53 PM
I think if I was a plastic model car company, I'd do a 'Mr. Potato Man' model SUV kit and call it Range Roofer. There you could stick parts from all kinds of SUVs together onto a boxy frame to get your own Range Roofer design. Like tinted rear glass from Presidential Cadillac limos, while the front windows are clear. Maybe you could glue on the 'mountain profile' GPS receiver antennae ... Read More
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Re: Lexux? [syswei]
Written by: merc1 on Aug 12, 2005 2:57:37 AM
in 1999, MB beat Lexus unit sales in the U.S., 189,000 units to 185,890 Thats easy, that was the year they rode the popularity their first SUV introduced in 1998, and 1999 and 2000 were the best years for the previous M-Class, that is what put them over Lexus, not their more expensive cars. Lexus is only ahead of MB and BMW because they caught the SUV wave, not because of ... Read More
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Re: ljflx [ljflx]
Written by: merc1 on Mar 18, 2005 8:02:31 AM
Yes there was a 6-cylinder 735i at one time from 1988-1992, just before the last S320 came out. The previous S320 made up 40 percent of S-Class sales during certain years from 1992-1999. The Audi S8 is/was performance model and doesn't "die" like you say it does. Its the same has MB not having an E55 from 1996-1998, or BMW and M5 from 1997-1999, those models always come a few years ... Read More
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Re: Mercedes reliability [hpowders]
Written by: merc1 on Mar 7, 2005 10:21:58 PM
"I just wonder how MB can sell vehicles in the USA when Consumer Reports comes out in its highly influential April 2005 auto issue on page 18 predicting from its accumulation of previously submitted data that 2005 new car reliability across the MB brand should be about 80% below average. That is because you've been led to believe that CR should be the ultimate authority on cars for everyone and it ... Read More
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Re: [michael_mattox]
Written by: tiag_m5 on Feb 24, 2005 11:54:54 PM
My 01 Ultra has Curtin side airbags in the back and side airbags in the front. You are mistaken. No Lexus vehicle offers rear side airbags. Side airbags are different than curtain side airbags in that curtains protect the head and side airbags protect the torso. The LS430 has side curtain airbags for both rows, but it doesn't have rear side airbags. Only the front seats of the LS430 have side ... Read More
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Re: [syswei]
Written by: tiag_m5 on Feb 24, 2005 3:11:46 PM
If you look at my original post, I never claimed that Lexus has out-innovated MB specifically in SAFETY since 1990. I did claim that, since 1990, Toyota/Lexus innovations IN TOTAL are at least as significant to the industry as MB innovations. Really? Would you please provide a list of Toyota/Lexus innovations, in total, since 1990 that make them "at least as significant" to MB innovations? For all of MB’s 120 years ... Read More
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Re: [syswei]
Written by: jovialanus on Feb 24, 2005 12:46:17 AM
"What has MB done for the industry in the last 15 years?...Yes, MB has managed to do more here in 120 years than Lexus has in 15. " You must have been living under a rock for the last 15 years. Even if we disregard countless Mercedes innovations and only include those introduced since 1989 Mercedes STILL trumps Lexus by a wide margin. Virtually every safety feature in every Lexus car ... 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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Re: Steel thickness not the issue... [dieselbreath]
Written by: footie on Jul 19, 2004 4:29:38 AM
I appreciate your long post. I still don't think you are thinking fully about what is happening. Saying that the Japanese are making cars to 'just pass' the tests is a good debating point but it doesn't have any substance in a discussion since you can't establish if it's true. It's just an opinion. It's just like someone saying, Mercedes and BMW cars are heavier because they are rear wheel drive ... Read More
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pablo
Written by: ljflx on Jul 7, 2004 5:19:15 PM
That's why I always say MB's move to a sportier look is very very recent, but some would have you think it's always been that way. designman - I don't think you can blame this whole thing on Bangle. He's just the instrument. Someone above him ordered a revolutioary change in BMW design trying to pur artwork and even sculpture into their car designs. Everytime I see that trunk it reminds ... Read More
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sv7887
Written by: merc1 on Oct 21, 2003 9:52:55 PM
"In your opinion, what is Build Quality vs Reliablity? Are they mutually exclusive?" The short answer is no they aren't mutually exclusive. Lexus blends them very well, on the whole probably better than anyone else. I'm just guessing here, but I think you knew this, but wanted me to admit that? Anyway...with Audi they are exclusive traits. When you open the door of a A8, A6 or A4 you feel the ... Read More
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ljflx
Written by: merc1 on Oct 5, 2003 10:53:37 PM
It still doesn't make a difference if the LS430's "Euro" option doesn't cost anything because the S430 or S500 is still going to cost more anyway, so whats the difference? You're not comparing cars of equal specification. Thats like me saying the E500 Sport outhandles the regular LS430, that simply isn't a fair comparision. I really think you're making to broad of a statement when it comes to the press. They ... Read More
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no title
Written by: merc1 on Aug 12, 2003 1:27:38 AM
Interesting question, as we've discussed this before in this thread. I don't think we'll ever see those models here because of their price relative to the top line V8 versions of the 5-Series, A6, E-Class, S-Type, and the single car that bridges the gulf in between..the LS430. A six-cylinder of the 7-Series just wouldn't fly now, neither would an A8. The BMW is way too heavy and Audi has worked very ... Read More
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a BMW specialist working at my local BMW dealership
Written by: dwongswong on Jul 2, 2003 7:09:02 PM
Your BMW may have high mileage on it, but I'm sure that there are high mileage vehicles in all car categories. My overall experience with BMW cars was very bad--as well as my sister and friends. We all have had many problems with them during and after the warranty expired. I had three BMW's; my sister had one; my college friend had two; my professor had one; and my boss had ... Read More
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New Guy Looking to Buy 1999 740iL Needs Help!!
Written by: pirh on Jul 20, 2002 9:13:29 PM
I would greatly appreciate some of your experienced opinions on what routine maintenance and anticipated repairs should be expected on a car like this. I am thinking the best way to go is through a BMW dealer and get the Certified Warranty, but perhaps it is not worth the additional costs. I am inclined to believe nothing should go wrong in the first 100K miles (that didn't show up fairly quick) ... Read More
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740i Sport Best Kept Secret
Written by: nstroghilas on May 21, 2002 2:38:03 PM
Indeed, the 740i Sport version was one of BMW's better productions....a 1999 Edmunds auto reviewer proposed it as possibly the "finest sedan in existence" during that period....if one looks at the steering wheel and sport wheels of later 740 Sport models, the M badging is discreetly profiled, as that division of BMW was reponsible to the vehicle's performance upgrading....note that the iL version of the Sport package was purely for the ... Read More
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New 7...
Written by: merc1 on Jan 21, 2002 9:24:11 AM
Well I have finally been able to examine the new 7 up close. I'll start with the good news first. The interior is made of the highest quality materials around. The seats are some of, if not the best around. The car looks a lot smaller than it really is. From a few feet away it looks small and 5-Seriesh, but when you get right up on it, it's huge. The ... Read More
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dhanley
Written by: merc1 on Dec 17, 2001 6:23:02 PM
I guess a part of me can't believe that this is happening at BMW. They aren't supposed to mess up and make an ugly car......Say it isn't so! Yeah they're saying Chris may go the 7-Series hits the ground with a big thud. Oh well it may very well be that BMW fired the wrong man back in 1999. M
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want a 1999 740i sport
Written by: docmac on Dec 10, 2001 7:52:36 PM
I have the opportunity to buy a 1999 740i sport in excellent condition for 33,900, the only catch is 65,000 miles. can't be CPO'd but they are giving me 1 year powertrain and roadside asst. with the deal. Curious about the residual value in couple years or should I pay more for one with less miles. I will put on only 10-12k miles a year on it. I just started looking ... Read More
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Residual value / lease of 740i
Written by: arthur3 on Nov 3, 2001 8:01:50 PM
Carman et al: Do you know what the fair residual value is for a CPO BMW 740i? Looking at a 1999 740, w/18k miles, priced at $43200.....so far so good.. Dealer is quoting 50% from BMW, which seems way low, with a payment of $780/month/36mos..... seems to me this is overpriced.... your thoughts? Given the new model on its way, have you seen any good 740 deals around the country?? Thanks.. ... Read More
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BMW 740iL Reliablity
Written by: jad6 on May 15, 2000 3:50:07 AM
OK you good folks, I need some information concerning the reliability of a late model (1997-1999) BMW740iL. I have read with great interest much of the feedback from the "Sedan" segment related to the 740. It seems from what I have read the early or mid 1990's tended to have significant problems (i.e. engine, electrical, transmission). The question is has BMW corrected these problems? I love the car in terms of ... Read More
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i was just woundering
Written by: clunker96 on Apr 9, 2000 5:00:31 PM
when i was little my dad had a 1986 or 87 bmw 733i it had a lot of the high tech stuff that the cars of today have like traction controll and a navigation system but when they discontinued the 733i my dad was p. o.ed and he really missed that car when we sold it my mom and my dad still are firm belivers in bmw's mom has a 1999 ... Read More
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Lease Residuals
Written by: nikhilmodi on Nov 23, 1999 11:47:45 PM
Effective Nov 1, 1999, BMW has decreased the residual for a 3yr/12K mile lease from 65% to 62%. I found out about it last week and am mad at my dealer for not telling me about it sooner. Apparently, if he had told me sooner, I could have applied for a lease earlier and locked in my residual. My 740iL is supposed to be ready in a few weeks time and ... Read More
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Now, Watch For Our New...
Written by: bonnie_rick on Jun 30, 1999 7:52:05 PM
Spin Around Town of the BMW 7 Series, 1999 BMW 740i Sport, coming soon to the front page of www.edmunds.com Bonnie Rick Town Hall Community Manager, Edmunds.com
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And here's the review...
Written by: bnormann on Dec 8, 1998 3:33:02 AM
Here's the direct link to the 740i review. 1999 BMW 740i Sport Bruce.
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While We Have A Comparison...
Written by: bonnie_rick on Nov 23, 1998 8:15:42 PM
topic, look here for the link next week for our First Drive: 1999 BMW 740i Sport, on the front page of www.edmunds.com "Quite Possibly the Finest Sedan in Existence" according to Christian J. Wardlaw... Read it and tell us what you think! Community Manager
