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Re: Old Goats Reunion [designman]
Written by: lexusguy on Feb 3, 2007 7:03:31 PM
Not long after my older brother came home with a BMW 2002. That was my indoctrination into the world of Euro cars and I never looked at American cars the same way again. In the mid '70s I was driving around in a '62 Austin Healey 3000 MkII. Very different from the Detroit pigs of the day, it was a blast. I don't think I've had more fun in a car ... Read More
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Old Goats Reunion
Written by: designman on Feb 3, 2007 5:34:46 PM
Here’s my first, identical to this specimen except for the wheels. I had the 3-spoke OEM hubs. It's a 65 Impala SS, three on the tree. Had it converted to a 3-speed Hurst on the floor. I also installed the first-ever 8-track tape deck by Panasonic. Not long after my older brother came home with a BMW 2002. That was my indoctrination into the world of Euro cars and I never ... Read More
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Re: Mercedes-Benz [merc1]
Written by: dewey on Dec 14, 2006 7:14:37 AM
Definitely great news for the MB productline. No shared platforms between MB and Chrysler. No shared platforms in the near future between Audi and VW. BMW continuing its tradition of avoiding re-badged engineering. So whose the blacksheep of the family now? Porsche. Unlike the other German marques Porsche plans to increase its links to VW. In this case tradition prevails since we should not forget Dr. Ferdinand Porsche did build his ... Read More
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BBC Top Gear Survey 2005
Written by: houdini1 on Dec 6, 2006 1:35:05 PM
76,050 people, 159 car models from 36 manufacturers-It's the U.K.'s biggest independent car satisfaction survey. Top Gear Survey 2005- Each of the 76,050 viewers and readers who took part in our survey this year were asked to reveal how every aspect of the car ownership experience matched up to the expectations they had when they first took delivery of their vehicle. Each car is given an overall satisfaction score out of ... Read More
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Turmoil
Written by: esf on Nov 29, 2006 7:41:07 PM
I, too, look at AutoSpies sometimes to watch the posts. It's pretty hilarious. The people there are in constant fighting- it's like Lexus vs. Audi vs. BMW all the time! It's much more civilized here. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm assessing all the cars in the high-end class, from worst to best: Jaguar XJ: Old-world British charm just doesn't cut it any more. This car is beautiful ... Read More
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Re: Mercedes-Benz - A short lesson... [merc1]
Written by: brightness04 on Oct 26, 2006 7:53:38 AM
Thanks for the valiant effort to clear up some of the confusions. MB certainly lacks the BMW marketting department's clarity of vision. E class was derived from the old 300 series, and you are certainly correct about where the letter E came from. MB used to be engine-centric, building cars around engines. It may not have been unique in that regard, just witness all the car companies with "motor" in their ... Read More
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So, How Come....
Written by: hpowders on Oct 19, 2006 8:34:13 AM
BMW's are always given the CR coveted red circle for depreciation, meaning "excellent." Every single BMW rated in the April 2006 CR was given the red circle except for new models which weren't rated. Very few cars hold their value as well as BMW's and this has been true all the way back to the lamented Bavaria and 2002 models of the 1970's. Admittedly, the residuals are a little inflated on ... Read More
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Re: BusinessWeek on BMW - Great Article [tagman]
Written by: merc1 on Oct 8, 2006 10:36:41 PM
Great read! It is no secret that BMW has been a better run company than either Mercedes or VW/Audi for a few years now. While VW dreamed of selling Mercedes-priced cars/suvs and Mercedes tried to cheap out on quality and buy up other troubled companies, BMW stayed true. Truthly I've liked BMW as a company better than Mercedes for a while now. Mercedes is still finding its way back as is ... Read More
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Re: Peugeot 908 RC, C230 etc....... [tagman]
Written by: merc1 on Oct 1, 2006 9:23:40 PM
Maybe, but easy isn't the question. The current C-Class is Mercedes' largest seller. That says enough to know that you can bake a little E and S-Class into a cheaper vehicle. True, they could but then you'd be at the price a regular C-Class sedan. The C hatch needed to be sporty like other hatches to succeed. If one wants some E or S-Class in a C-C they're going to go ... Read More
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Re: 2002 745i with 27,000 needs new engine? [sadatx]
Written by: kevin3344 on Jul 11, 2006 11:40:05 AM
Hi sadatx, Good to hear about your car. The 03 I drove had comparable options; lux seating, logic 7, park distance control. Very nice when backing up I might add! The list was $49,999 with 40,100 miles. I went in knowing I wanted to spend $45k. The dealer came down to $47.5k, which was close but not close enough. I thought he could come down a little more to tell you ... Read More
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Re: 2002 745i with 27,000 needs new engine? [kevin3344]
Written by: sadatx on Jul 9, 2006 5:34:55 PM
Hi Kevin, I got my car back finally. The dealer recalibrated thirteen modules (not sure what that means) and so far, the issue hasnt surfaced. Im gonna give it a few weeks or so to ensure the issue has disappeared. I would stay away from the 02 you drove. From reading the comments, I think the vehicle wont qualify as having a clean title. The 03 you drove has a similiar ... Read More
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Re: 2002 745i with 27,000 needs new engine? [sadatx]
Written by: kevin3344 on Jul 8, 2006 3:02:33 PM
Hi sadatx, let me know what happens when you get it back. I went back to Leith BMW today to test drive a 02 and 03 745. I asked for the Vehicle History Report on both autos, which my salesman provided. The 02 had a history of 18 service issues. In the comment section of the report there was an entry that read: “Bmw trade assist vehicle, ineligible for intial enrollment ... Read More
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Re: 2002 745i with 27,000 needs new engine? [kevin3344]
Written by: sadatx on Jul 7, 2006 11:08:16 AM
Hi Kevin, Ive had my 745 for abt a month now (but its been with the dealer for 2 weeks of the one month ive owned it). I took the vehicle for regular service and a few minor issues. turns out one issue isnt so minor (an rpm issue). dealer cant seem to figure it out and is working with bmw on the matter. aside from that, its been fine. but ... Read More
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Re: 2002 745i with 27,000 needs new engine? [sadatx]
Written by: kevin3344 on Jul 7, 2006 9:55:28 AM
Hi sadatx, there was a little more road feel with the BMW, but I haven't decided yet on whether to trade my car in just yet. To tell you the truth, I'm a little concerned after all of the reading I've been doing. My friend has a 325i and he's never had a problem with it. Of course, it doesn't have the iDrive and much of the technology the 745 does. ... Read More
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Re: 2003 745 Li issues [sadatx]
Written by: cjennjr on Jun 28, 2006 1:35:48 PM
I have a 2002 745i and the idle was going below 500 rpm at times, especially at stop lights, signs, etc. Even though it was smooth during driving, the drop in rpm was annoying and it seemed as though the engine would shut down, then jump back up to 600 rpm. I took it to my local BMW dealer and they adjusted the idle to 700 rpm at rest. I haven't ... 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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Of vienershnitzel and lederhosen
Written by: designman on Apr 10, 2006 6:49:50 PM
Audi and VW need to capitalize on two things now, their German-ness and the new bond with Porsche. VW was the “people’s car” and it can become the “people’s Porsche” or the “entry-level Porsche.” It already has a young cult following in the US that has this sort of perception. It should be watered and nurtured. This latest round of Jettas and Passats went in the wrong direction—they went soft on ... 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: Merc [blkhemi]
Written by: volvomax on Apr 7, 2006 4:05:52 PM
Like it or not, sales volume is the final arbiter in the winner or loser category. How well a car does in its category determines alot about its fate. Slow selling cars are withdrawn or overhauled, good sellers are lauded by the motor co. and beloved by dealers. The A8 is a fine car, but it clearly can't match the salea of the BMW or Benz or Lexus. Consider the A8's ... Read More
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Re: 2007 Availability [hpowders]
Written by: esf on Apr 2, 2006 10:30:23 AM
That wouldn't make sense in the least- the 7 Series was updated just last year! Are you talking about another update, a new model, or just a complete redesign? Also, it's only been out since 2002. BMW isn't known for four-year life cycles. I hope that the new A8 is released in one to two years- I can't wait to see it with D'Silva's sexy new design language. (Think Nuvolari concept, ... Read More
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MB TREMENDOUS sales increase???
Written by: lexusi on Jan 15, 2006 2:00:43 PM
Although in my IMHO I do not judge the car by its sales, but thats why manufacturers produce cars? to sell no to display?! anyhow, Lexus sales were shown against BMW sales, and here is the other part of the story, the MB sales (USA only), lets see how tremendous it is! yah BTW, here is an intersting point: "Posting its best sales month with 31,192 units sold in December, MBUSA ... Read More
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Re: ALG [ljflx]
Written by: dewey on Dec 19, 2005 9:22:26 AM
I said it before and I'll say it again - agressiveness/risk in lease residuals will get you the number one prize every year. So BMW plays with the residual values/subsidies in order to accomplish a good rating. A wonderful rumor which cannot be substantiated unless you know the level of subsidies involved! And you know how worthy unsubstantiated rumors are, dont you? they had posted what the result was for achievement ... Read More
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Re: Fact checking !!! [oac]
Written by: designman on Dec 9, 2005 1:06:02 PM
The “Ultimate Driving Machine" is all marketing BS. No it ain’t. Actually I think BMW marketing hitchhiked onto it in the 70s courtesy of the customer love affair with the 2002. So I think it was created by customers and/or the press as opposed to being a creation of marketing and advertising. I’m not totally sure about it and could be wrong but will try to look it up one of ... Read More
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Re: Value of Free Maintenance [tagman]
Written by: garyh1 on Dec 7, 2005 8:49:44 PM
I believe DaimlerChrysler has referred to this issue in their quarterly earnings releases several times, but I can't quickly put my hands on them, and I really don't care to spend a lot of time looking for the sentence. Suffice to say, for example, when they recalled 1.3 million cars in April, it cost them some money. Here is a quote from a JP Morgan research report dated 10/24/05 that references ... Read More
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Re: Dewey, my BMW brother [syswei]
Written by: garyh1 on Oct 22, 2005 7:18:35 PM
Thanks for showing the VDS ratings for individual models. I missed them since I only looked at some examples for 2003-2004 models...duh, there is no 3 year record for those! I take back my statement about JDP not proving VDS data by model; they obviously do. I'd say you have now provided "statistics" to back the Lexus superior reliability claims against even the 5-series - at least as of the 2002 ... Read More
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Re: Dewey, my BMW brother [garyh1]
Written by: syswei on Oct 22, 2005 6:44:02 PM
certain BMW models dragged down all of BMW A somewhat valid point if you're a customer for one of the more reliable models. If you happen to want a full-size luxury sedan, though...the 7 appears deficient in reliability terms. In any event, using the link I provided earlier, http://www.jdpower.com/cc/auto/ratings/vehicles/FindJdAwards.jsp shows the following (where 5 is the best possible score) 2002 VDS "overall dependability" Lexus IS...4 Lexus ES...4 Lexus GS...5 Lexus LS...5 ... Read More
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Re: Have a look... [dewey]
Written by: syswei on Oct 22, 2005 5:00:22 PM
I think it is long overdue that this "BMW unreliability myth bubble" should burst! In fact this myth is about the only justification in buying a Lexus. What myth? It is a fact that Lexus is more reliable than BMW and BMW more reliable than MB. Try going here http://www.jdpower.com/cc/auto/ratings/vehicles/FindJdAwards.jsp and putting in some 2002 or earlier (for long-term reliability stats) Lexus, BMW, and MB vehicles, and some 2005 (for initial ... Read More
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Re: Merc [designman]
Written by: merc1 on Oct 16, 2005 9:36:26 PM
Throughout today's activities I thought about what your response would be. I was right. Don’t get hung up on copying, don’t place too much significance on it, and please don’t misinterpret what I was trying to say. If you re-read my post you will see that that Japanese styling gets no pass from me. You once told me that I am tough on styling. You were right and I’m just doing ... Read More
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A Taste of Lexus - The Report
Written by: merc1 on Oct 9, 2005 10:25:52 PM
I went to the "Taste of Lexus" earlier today, as always with these types of events it’s a real up close look at the cars without the sales folks. They had every Lexus model there for people to drive. I drove the LS430, IS350 and GS430. Surprisingly (or not surprisingly in the day of $3 gasoline) no one drove the LX470 for a while during the 3 1/2 hours I spent ... Read More
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Re: Experience with 2002 MB CLK 320 [tiny1]
Written by: lexusguy on Sep 17, 2005 3:21:50 AM
Yes, there's a silver '00 Jag XKR in my garage. Its my third Jag convertible, my first was a '96 XJ-S. Since the Ford takeover, Jag reliability has steadily improved. My '96 wasn't terrible, but it wasnt that great, either. The problems it had were all electrical though, no major mechanical issues. My next car was a '98 XK8, which was much better. It also had some issues, but not nearly ... Read More
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Re: Experience with 2002 MB CLK 320 [lexusguy]
Written by: tiny1 on Sep 16, 2005 8:58:11 PM
Thanks for the reply lexusguy. I thought the Jags were the absolute worst offenders in terms of long expensive stays in dealers garages. Jag seems to be taking big hits in the reliability arena in the press lately...I have two friends that have had engines replaced within a year of new purchase..Does the 00-01 XK escape this dark cloud? I agree it is arguably one of the best looking cars on ... Read More
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Re: Merc1 [pablo_l]
Written by: merc1 on Aug 20, 2005 10:57:07 AM
While it is encouraging that MB has done much better in the 90-day surveys lately, the real survey and the only survey the survey folks care about is the 3-year dependability survey. I too think that it gives a much better picture of how a car will hold up over time. My understanding of the ADAC is that everything from flat tires to running out of gas counts as a "breakdown" ... Read More
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Re: a history question [brightness04]
Written by: kga on Aug 15, 2005 6:55:55 PM
Post 10286: >>> The BMW we talk about today is the post-1970 (after the 2002ii) Post 10292: >>> We would not have 2002ii, much less any 3 series if BMW folded in the 50's. >>> That's kinda important to the history of BMW, don't you think? Indeed I agree with your last post which actually contradicts your previous one (10286). Models produced by BMW before 1970 had impact on post 70s. ... Read More
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Re: MB in the press [ljflx]
Written by: merc1 on Aug 14, 2005 10:47:45 PM
Syswei - this is why I made the statement last year or last winter that MB would lose its throne status position in the future. I still think both BMW and Lexus will pass them in a few years. Status is made up of many things. BMW has never, ever been as strong as Mercedes when it comes to the status cars. BMW has always been stronger than Mercedes when it ... Read More
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Re: Merc1 [oac]
Written by: merc1 on Aug 7, 2005 11:35:52 PM
The argument of price you continue to throw around is old and worn. The high prices of MBs have been shown not to be solely about prestige, but more to do with their antiquated production system which is too costly. Thanks to Chrysler, MB can remain afloat for sometime.... Whats old and worn is the diversion into irrelevant issues. You're bringing up why MB's prices are where they are instead of ... Read More
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Re: Unreliable Luxury cars [oac]
Written by: merc1 on Aug 7, 2005 6:42:37 AM
After reading through all the usual doom and gloom about Mercedes, which has become the norm here.......I spotted this very interesting statement: Thanks to the choices out there today, MB is no longer the car to drive for high-end lux car buyers. I don't see how the 7-series wins cos its style is so polarizing, and saddled with the i-Drive, its just not winning that many converts, imo. Really? Mercedes isn't ... Read More
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Re: Lets Slice the Data Another Way [oac]
Written by: blckislandguy on Aug 2, 2005 8:32:33 PM
OAC, my intention was just to ruminate on how much a guy would have to spend to get himself into a reasonably late model (i.e, 2002) high end car. I didn't want to get into residuals or econometrics. Just how much the initial nut would be. However, since you raised the subject, I disagree with your statement that "the 745i does not have a higher resale value than the LS430 .." ... Read More
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Re: Lets Slice the Data Another Way [blckislandguy]
Written by: oac on Aug 2, 2005 7:58:25 PM
There is a key point made n ljflx's previous post. That one needs to compare resale values to MSRP of each car in order to get a better re-sale valuation. Len has also provided some numbers on BMW 745iL v LS430 UL v S500 and has shown that resale, as a factor of MSRP, is lowest for MB, about same for BMW and Lexus. Meaning: The 745i does not have a ... Read More
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Re: Lets Slice the Data Another Way [ljflx]
Written by: blckislandguy on Aug 2, 2005 7:37:06 PM
Yes, I was looking at how much Joe average with a little bit of cash would have to spend to get into a late model (i.e, 2002) high end sedan for summer trips. Sorry, Edmunds doesn't give data for 2002 Lexus LS430 Ultras. I think you have identified nicely how a high end car retains value: it its unique selling proposition (thank you David Oglivy for the concept) , e. g., ... Read More
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Re: Lets Slice the Data Another Way [blckislandguy]
Written by: ljflx on Aug 1, 2005 8:19:31 PM
To clarify - you mean how much will a 2002 cost a buyer in a private party sale. I was looking at how much retention value there was from the original MSRP for the original buyer when I did this. If you used a LS430 ultra - which is probably the right car to use - its' cost would be noticably higher than the Benz at around $43K. The initial MSRP's ... Read More
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Lets Slice the Data Another Way
Written by: blckislandguy on Aug 1, 2005 6:45:45 PM
Over the weekend I went to Montreal. Nice trip, about 6 hours or so from RI blasting along the Vermont-a-bahn at 85 MPH plus. (If you went any slower Andre in his Peterbilt with Quebec plates would nerf you out of the way. In any case, how many Vermont State Troopers do you think they really have on duty in the whole state at any one time? Four?) On the road ... Read More
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Re: Just for the heck of it here's the next level down [syswei]
Written by: merc1 on Jul 27, 2005 7:57:00 AM
I wasn't talking about Lexus at all in my post. I'm just saying that performance seems to be of over-riding importance to you, and the S is taking a step backward in the styling department...will BMW start to become more appealing to you than MB? My point is that there is any room to talk about styling from the Lexus supporters. The S going backwards in styling is of course your ... Read More
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Just for the heck of it here's the next level down
Written by: ljflx on Jul 25, 2005 9:24:15 AM
A6: consumer rating on 70 reviews 8.5 http://www.edmunds.com/used/2002/audi/a6/100003618/options.html E430: Consumer rating on 29 reviews 8.9 http://www.edmunds.com/used/2002/mercedesbenz/eclass/100003436/options.html GS430: Consumer rating on 16 reviews 9.4 http://www.edmunds.com/used/2002/lexus/gs430/100003416/options.html 540i consumer rating on 108 reviews 9.1 http://www.edmunds.com/used/2002/bmw/5series/100003675/options.html E-430 retention values are also terrible. I'll bet just about the whole MB line is suffering except the AMG's and other specialty cars. I've never seen MB three year retention values this bad. The sky high MSRP's always held ... Read More
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Re: Oac—the operative term—true driver [blckislandguy]
Written by: ljflx on Jul 24, 2005 9:37:06 AM
Well one way to check is using Edmunds prices. These may vary by zip but heres a look at the resale of 2002's before you add in any options in my area, so it is simply base car to base car. BMW 745 LI values: http://www.edmunds.com/used/2002/bmw/7series/100070588/options.html?tid=edmunds.u.prices.u- - - - - - tmv.vdpprice.13.BMW* I believe MSRP was about $76000 so that means a retained value of 52.9% on trade-in, 56.4% on private ... Read More
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Oac—the operative term—true driver
Written by: designman on Jul 21, 2005 4:30:45 AM
”Is this not the year you want to AVOID at all cost ? The 2002 745 was, well, a big phat dud reliability-wise....” You forgot to mention that if you have a low tolerance for risk, don’t buy volatile stocks. I thought this was common knowledge, and truluv_cars said he has been a reader of the boards for many years now. But hey, the Lexus buyer has a 15 amp circuit ... Read More
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Re: The $30k-$40k used car question... [designman]
Written by: oac on Jul 20, 2005 9:50:33 AM
If you can tolerate high mileage you can get an 02 745 for well below $40K... Is this not the year you want to AVOID at all cost ? The 2002 745 was, well, a big phat dud reliability-wise.... If you must buy a used Bangled 7-series, get one post 2002, period. Sometimes, spending a little bit more $$ can get you a much better car. Try expanding the price to ... Read More
