[eliphil]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Yeah, on day 3 and returning it in about an hour. I did find the 1-7 hot buttons, but they aren't physical button, they are buried somewhere in the software. So you have to click a few times to get to the hot buttons to the best of my knowledge. Defeats the purpose.

Same impression as you after 3 days. It is a nice "car" and comfortable to drive, handles nice and certainly doesn't ever bottom out. Very vanilla. Nothing screams BMW about it. I bet this 4-banger is $70k. There are a lot more cheaper options out there for a "car" that drives smooth.

Geez how disappointing to hear about a lousy evolution of the 5 series. It sounds like they turned the car into a Lexus, quiet and comfy but uninspiring.

[tsbrown]

I’ve connected with a CA at my local dealer that understands me. We’ve both done extensive HPDE track time in BMWs and really identify with the driver-centric approach of the brand to date. He’s convinced via NA dealer training that the new 5er is just the beginning. Everything in the future will be more of the same. This is where the manufacturer is going based on market feedback. We “drivers” are on the short end of this deal. Vast majority of the market doesn’t want to drive like we do. I was so dead-set against the X5 in 1999 when it launched but BMW was ahead of its time. Now I’m a believer in that model, having owned 2…a 2001 E53 and 2013 E70, even if I don’t personally want one now. If I were a shareholder I’d have to believe BMW AG is making good decisions even if I don’t like the direction. Either an M- or P-car must be my destiny.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I’ve connected with a CA at my local dealer that understands me. We’ve both done extensive HPDE track time in BMWs and really identify with the driver-centric approach of the brand to date. He’s convinced via NA dealer training that the new 5er is just the beginning. Everything in the future will be more of the same. This is where the manufacturer is going based on market feedback. We “drivers” are on the short end of this deal. Vast majority of the market doesn’t want to drive like we do. I was so dead-set against the X5 in 1999 when it launched but BMW was ahead of its time. Now I’m a believer in that model, having owned 2…a 2001 E53 and 2013 E70, even if I don’t personally want one now. If I were a shareholder I’d have to believe BMW AG is making good decisions even if I don’t like the direction. Either an M- or P-car must be my destiny.

I'm still hoping that the ix/g60/g70/g90 are aberrations like the E6x. But I'm not counting on it.

Porsche has largely managed to get things right. Preserving their heritage, appealing to the mainstream, and having among the highest profit margins in the biz.

[tsbrown]

Anyone else build out an X5 with all your desired options and wish you could get that in a 5er sedan or touring? Or am I the only one? I mean, you can still get 40i, 45e, or M60i power train, suspension choices, merino multi contour comfort seats, nice trim options, etc. Except it’s an SAV not a sedan.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Anyone else build out an X5 with all your desired options and wish you could get that in a 5er sedan or touring? Or am I the only one? I mean, you can still get 40i, 45e, or M60i power train, suspension choices, merino multi contour comfort seats, nice trim options, etc. Except it’s an SAV not a sedan.

Yep. They stripped the G30 a bit on interior options at the LCI.

I’m not sure I’d be that interested in the G60 even if it had all that in an M560i. I think I’d rather have an M850, based on looks alone. Maybe driving at 8 would change my mind but I doubt it.

[AP]

Can’t say I have as an suv just isn’t my thing at all
I spent yesterday enjoying my car , covered around 200 miles
Attended the pistonheads Sunday survivceat Mercedes Benz world (brooklands) albeit briefly then set off for driving
So what did I enjoy exactly!
On the motorways I enjoyed the technology of the driving assist making the journey very relaxing and effortless.
Then it was off to some country roads where it just made travelling the distance fun. Couldn’t use any of the m550s power due to quite a bit of traffic but none the less enjoyed how it just goes with hardly any revs
Then on to some dual carriageway road and argaubaly then it I enjoy where I can at least use some of the V8s power , accelerating out of the roundabout into the outside lane , slowly apply power as I straighten up and overtaking the cars in the left lane so quickly that they could be going backwards!. Then in a matter seconds back off as I’ve hit the limit. The car is just getting into its stride and can only imagine what it would be like to do the same on an autobahn.

All the while listening to some great music , the head up display indicating to me what the speed limit is along with my speed and satnav directions.
The comfort seats keep me , well comfortable ( they do what they say)
You sit in and it just feels right even before you set off

When I get the chance I can admire the leather dashboard and the Alcantara headlining and a pillars

The satnav map displays where I am and highlights any traffic in yellow or red. The RTtI logo pops up in yellow or red to indicate that there is traffic on my route so I can see ata glance if I can expect some stop and go traffic

Talking of stop and go traffic I engaged the driving assist at slow speeds to distance me from the boredom of heavy traffic.

I get home but still want to go driving

Yes my g30 , what a car. I look forward to it every time. I don’t use during the week so weekends are my excuse to go out and have some fun. I stay out of London as it’s not car friendly now and head out to the country A and B roads which are the most entertaining.

Everything about this car is just so great. One of bmw best and the only car I would compare it to would be the E39 a car which I know a lot of you here like aswell.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by AP

Can’t say I have as an suv just isn’t my thing at all
I spent yesterday enjoying my car , covered around 200 miles
Attended the pistonheads Sunday survivceat Mercedes Benz world (brooklands) albeit briefly then set off for driving
So what did I enjoy exactly!
On the motorways I enjoyed the technology of the driving assist making the journey very relaxing and effortless.
Then it was off to some country roads where it just made travelling the distance fun. Couldn’t use any of the m550s power due to quite a bit of traffic but none the less enjoyed how it just goes with hardly any revs
Then on to some dual carriageway road and argaubaly then it I enjoy where I can at least use some of the V8s power , accelerating out of the roundabout into the outside lane , slowly apply power as I straighten up and overtaking the cars in the left lane so quickly that they could be going backwards!. Then in a matter seconds back off as I’ve hit the limit. The car is just getting into its stride and can only imagine what it would be like to do the same on an autobahn.

All the while listening to some great music , the head up display indicating to me what the speed limit is along with my speed and satnav directions.
The comfort seats keep me , well comfortable ( they do what they say)
You sit in and it just feels right even before you set off

When I get the chance I can admire the leather dashboard and the Alcantara headlining and a pillars

The satnav map displays where I am and highlights any traffic in yellow or red. The RTtI logo pops up in yellow or red to indicate that there is traffic on my route so I can see ata glance if I can expect some stop and go traffic

Talking of stop and go traffic I engaged the driving assist at slow speeds to distance me from the boredom of heavy traffic.

I get home but still want to go driving

Yes my g30 , what a car. I look forward to it every time. I don’t use during the week so weekends are my excuse to go out and have some fun. I stay out of London as it’s not car friendly now and head out to the country A and B roads which are the most entertaining.

Everything about this car is just so great. One of bmw best and the only car I would compare it to would be the E39 a car which I know a lot of you here like aswell.

Yeah, the problem with the X5 is it's an SUV/SAV. I don't want one of those...I want a 5er sedan with all the same stuff. Which I currently have and it's such a great car as you point out, but will eventually need a replacement. I've discussed this with a friend who has a recent 911S, along with several other cars, and he say's "sounds like you should just keep your car". Good advice from a good friend.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Yeah, the problem with the X5 is it's an SUV/SAV. I don't want one of those...I want a 5er sedan with all the same stuff. Which I currently have and it's such a great car as you point out, but will eventually need a replacement. I've discussed this with a friend who has a recent 911S, along with several other cars, and he say's "sounds like you should just keep your car". Good advice from a good friend.

Yep. I can relate.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Yeah, the problem with the X5 is it's an SUV/SAV. I don't want one of those...I want a 5er sedan with all the same stuff. Which I currently have and it's such a great car as you point out, but will eventually need a replacement. I've discussed this with a friend who has a recent 911S, along with several other cars, and he say's "sounds like you should just keep your car". Good advice from a good friend.

RS7? That’s a whole other price range. And the S7 doesn’t have a V8, so might as well stick with the S6. But again, no V8’s. More comparable to a 540.

Cadillac CT-5 V Blackwing? Same thing as far as a bad price comp to the M550. And the CT-5 V is more of a performance comp to the 540, also.

Without going into the $120k+ territory, there isn’t much of anything to go to. It sucks.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Anyone else build out an X5 with all your desired options and wish you could get that in a 5er sedan or touring? Or am I the only one? I mean, you can still get 40i, 45e, or M60i power train, suspension choices, merino multi contour comfort seats, nice trim options, etc. Except it’s an SAV not a sedan.

This has been a big gripe for me for many years. The x5 has always been richer in options than the 5er, and the gap seems to be getting bigger. But afaik, the x5 is also losing things like soft close doors, rear comfort access, etc. and certain features like b&w and heated/cooled cup holders have become m only.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by NGT2

RS7? That’s a whole other price range. And the S7 doesn’t have a V8, so might as well stick with the S6. But again, no V8’s. More comparable to a 540.

Cadillac CT-5 V Blackwing? Same thing as far as a bad price comp to the M550. And the CT-5 V is more of a performance comp to the 540, also.

Without going into the $120k+ territory, there isn’t much of anything to go to. It sucks.

Thanks for the suggestions but after the shitty Q7 we had there will never, ever, ever be another dressed up VW in my garage. And while my aforementioned friend has a CT6 company car, and loves it, I can’t bring myself to consider an American car. Freely admit I’m a car snob.

[Tk718]

I’ve been looking for a replacement to my 550 for a while and for the price I cannot find anything close to it. Looks like keeping it is the best option. I thought the x5 m60i is a good replacement but they muted the exhaust on it and the steering is way too light, and I think the g30 dash is classier.
It seems the natural replacement is a cpo m5 , just 30k more.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Thanks for the suggestions but after the shitty Q7 we had there will never, ever, ever be another dressed up VW in my garage. And while my aforementioned friend has a CT6 company car, and loves it, I can’t bring myself to consider an American car. Freely admit I’m a car snob.

M850GC?

Same Tk718

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by NGT2

M850GC?

Same Tk718

I may have to test drive another 8GC and make sure it’s not too low for me.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I may have to test drive another 8GC and make sure it’s not too low for me.

I plan to, as soon as I can find one close enough to test. I hope I like it enough to look forward to one later but don’t fall in love where I feel like I “have to have” one.

I keep trying out other cars and I keep getting in the M550 and knowing the other cars are fun but don’t dethrone the car I’ve got. If I get to try an M850GC and have the same feeling in the M550 after that, then I may as well just stop driving other cars until my M550 drops. There’s nothing else to even try, that I can reasonably afford.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by eliphil

Geez how disappointing to hear about a lousy evolution of the 5 series. It sounds like they turned the car into a Lexus, quiet and comfy but uninspiring.

the same can be said about my M340i

[G30M]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I plan to, as soon as I can find one close enough to test. I hope I like it enough to look forward to one later but don’t fall in love where I feel like I “have to have” one.

I keep trying out other cars and I keep getting in the M550 and knowing the other cars are fun but don’t dethrone the car I’ve got. If I get to try an M850GC and have the same feeling in the M550 after that, then I may as well just stop driving other cars until my M550 drops. There’s nothing else to even try, that I can reasonably afford.

i drove my wife's EV6 GT and i was blown away, it drove better than my M550i with DHP. i can't believe it. if you became temporarily deaf and blind you'd think you're in an highly upgraded M5, just don't open your eyes and look around! some kind of alien tech ....

[tsbrown]

I suspect you will like it a lot, I certainly did aside from the couple things that impact me probably more than they would you.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by g21

i drove my wife's EV6 GT and i was blown away, it drove better than my M550i with DHP. i can't believe it. if you became temporarily deaf and blind you'd think you're in an highly upgraded M5, just don't open your eyes and look around! some kind of alien tech ....

Dude, you’re starting to worry me😄. M340i doesn’t drive great and EV6 GT drives better than the M550i. Not sure what to make of all this, but someone should seek help and it may be the people in Munich.

[AP]

What’s wrong with the m340?, I thought that was generally regarded as a very good car.
Never driven one but assumed compared to the m550 it would be perhaps just a bit more sporty down to being a bit smaller and a bit lighter

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I suspect you will like it a lot, I certainly did aside from the couple things that impact me probably more than they would you.

I assume that’s mostly the low entry/exit? I’d like the get a real life feel for the kids entry/exit and fit in the back seat, too.

This morning I was feeling a little lazy, sore, and a little full after taco night last night. It’s nice getting into a larger sedan with a roomy cabin and big seat. And getting the kids into a fairly roomy back seat. I’ve been trying out these smaller/sportier models and I was thinking this would be a morning I wouldn’t be as excited to be squeezing us in a little more.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I assume that’s mostly the low entry/exit? I’d like the get a real life feel for the kids entry/exit and fit in the back seat, too.

This morning I was feeling a little lazy, sore, and a little full after taco night last night. It’s nice getting into a larger sedan with a roomy cabin and big seat. And getting the kids into a fairly roomy back seat. I’ve been trying out these smaller/sportier models and I was thinking this would be a morning I wouldn’t be as excited to be squeezing us in a little more.

Yes, low seating position and smaller trunk but I may have to get over it. Also, the low seating is as much age related as height. I'm probably 20 years ahead of you so as much as I try to stay fit and healthy, it's not as easy to get in/out as when I was younger. I do really like the 8GC otherwise, especially given what the 5er has evolved into.