[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by Warp Ten

Exactly. Everywhere I look, someone keeps moving my cheese. --Bob

A bit off topic, but years ago at a national meeting my company had the "Who Moved My Cheese?" author as the speaker. I have his book somewhere around here.

[AP]

maybe some hope...

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/...be9ae6ce&ei=13

[eliphil]

One can only hope…..

[eliphil]

Originally Posted by tjbuggy2b

Well, to me, the dynamic seems to be that the 5 series has shifted more to the luxury daily driver that still feels sporty and still has a semblance of satisfaction to drive. The 2, 3, and 4 series seems to be where all the "real" performance has shifted. ...and I'm ok with that. The size of all series has increased and, tbh, the G30 is a bit of a pig. So, realistically, the smaller chassis cars are more appropriate for enthusiasts and occasional track days.

That being said, I haven't driven the G60. ...or an M3/4, for that matter. So, maybe my opinion doesn't count. lol.

To be fair, though, the entire performance car market has shifted to big horsepower over handling. In terms of making a "drivers car", there's no real need for 617 HP in the F90 M5 Comp. 400 HP and a superb suspension will satisfy 99.999% of sporty drivers and, if there's anything we've learned recently about HP upgrades, it's pretty easy to get another 100-200 HP out of these cars if you really it. Hell, I'd argue that nearly none of us would put the 330ish HP of our 540i's to proper use on a race track.

Spoken like someone that does not own a M550…….

[tjbuggy2b]

I've driven the M550. There is no difference besides extra horsepower and adaptive suspension standard. So, I'm not sure what your point is.

Also, nice two-fer, there; gate keeping me AND budget shaming me at the same time. Kudos.

Opinions are just that. Yours is not more correct than mine.

[kitster]

Originally Posted by AP

Agree
I sat in a i5 m60 in the showroom a while back . It must have been fully loaded as it was up for sale for £114k
I sat in it and thought no way is this worth that.
Even with the huge discounts on offer now it’s still it worth it to me

It will be interesting to see how this has sold once a year is up. I e seen a few on the roads now and it still doesn’t do anything for me
I washed and waxed my m550 last weekend and once I had finished, I looked at it and thought this really is a good looking and good performing car

It’ll be interesting to see how the new m5 is received

Sat in an i5 at Stephen James in Woolwich. The dealers not interested in talking about non EV cars and just pushing the i5. Sales person did say that their sales manager has given BMW UK some feedback that the car is too expensive and not flying out of the doors. Also I have noticed some dealers in Aberdeen offering 15K deposit contributions for the eDrive40 and 18.5K for the M60. Anyway I’ll be looking to keep my G31 for a bit longer and like many not massively sold on the design.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tjbuggy2b

I've driven the M550. There is no difference besides extra horsepower and adaptive suspension standard. So, I'm not sure what your point is.

Also, nice two-fer, there; gate keeping me AND budget shaming me at the same time. Kudos.

Opinions are just that. Yours is not more correct than mine.

I’ve owned a 540 and an M550. Both G30’s. They don’t drive the same. Probably largely due to the suspension, the power, and also the weight. Two of which you mentioned. Why would you imply that the powertrain and suspension wouldn’t make a difference? That’s silly. And no one said you couldn’t afford one. Are you implying that the only reason a buyer would purchase a non M550 G30 is budget? I don’t think that’s true.

[eliphil]

Originally Posted by tjbuggy2b

I've driven the M550. There is no difference besides extra horsepower and adaptive suspension standard. So, I'm not sure what your point is.

Also, nice two-fer, there; gate keeping me AND budget shaming me at the same time. Kudos.

Opinions are just that. Yours is not more correct than mine.

My point is that many of us feel that the G30 M550 has very good performance and luxury combined. It’s all over now w the G60. I certainly didn’t intend to shame you in any way amigo

[eliphil]

Originally Posted by eliphil

My point is that many of us feel that the G30 M550 has very good performance and luxury combined. It’s all over now w the G60. I certainly didn’t intend to shame you in any way amigo

And btw I am not alone. Try and find an M550 from last year. There are plenty of folks around that enjoy a car the size of a 5 that can get to 60 in under 4 seconds and handle pretty damn well

[Adler11th]

Been to my local dealer looking for nice g30. Certified pre owned with 6cyl since I plan to keep it for a while. Sat in a new car, and didn’t like it too much (not id8.5 but rather things around it). Seems like they tend to sit on a lot, and managers put out pretty sweet lease deals just to get them out. The consensus is that it really will take time for people to get used to, and they count that buyer will accept it the way it is. That’s coming from salespeople and their manager. I already made up my mind just need to find the right spec.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by eliphil

And btw I am not alone. Try and find an M550 from last year. There are plenty of folks around that enjoy a car the size of a 5 that can get to 60 in under 4 seconds and handle pretty damn well

I’m assuming the DHP helps but it really does handle well. I’ve been test driving a lot of smaller cars. Audi S5 sportback, M440 coupe, 330i. When I get back in my car, the pickup in torque and power far outweighs the difference in handling. I think the fact that it’s bigger and more comfortable/smooth makes people think it’s not handling as well. That’s not true. Someone could argue it’s not engaging enough because of those things, but the actual handling is pretty good. I find it helps if you fully engage the side bolsters of the multi contour seats. If you can keep yourself in place, you can better feel what the car is actually doing.

[jcal65]

Originally Posted by Adler11th

Been to my local dealer looking for nice g30. Certified pre owned with 6cyl since I plan to keep it for a while. Sat in a new car, and didn’t like it too much (not id8.5 but rather things around it). Seems like they tend to sit on a lot, and managers put out pretty sweet lease deals just to get them out. The consensus is that it really will take time for people to get used to, and they count that buyer will accept it the way it is. That’s coming from salespeople and their manager. I already made up my mind just need to find the right spec.

This was also my experience when visiting my local dealer earlier this month.

I guess that is why many of us are upset about BMW’s current direction. Why design and build something people will have to grow to like? Why is it when the G60 was introduced on this forum many people jokingly asked when the LCI version would come out? Most of the comments I saw were not positive. The reviews have been flat, and some seasoned reviewers have been flamed on the G60 forum for daring to speak the truth. This is rolling over to weak sales at dealers in the US. The higher MSRP's and cheapened interiors don't help either. I'm not seeing a lot of excitement about the new M5 either, although they will sell due to limited production. I don’t ever recall these negative comments when the G30 was introduced.

In my opinion, the G60 is controversial for the reason it was built to satisfy the politicians/regulators and attract EV buyers from other brands, not loyal BMW customers.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by jcal65

This was also my experience when visiting my local dealer earlier this month.

I guess that is why many of us are upset about BMW’s current direction. Why design and build something people will have to grow to like? Why is it when the G60 was introduced on this forum many people jokingly asked when the LCI version would come out? Most of the comments I saw were not positive. The reviews have been flat, and some seasoned reviewers have been flamed on the G60 forum for daring to speak the truth. This is rolling over to weak sales at dealers in the US. The higher MSRP's and cheapened interiors don't help either. I'm not seeing a lot of excitement about the new M5 either, although they will sell due to limited production. I don’t ever recall these negative comments when the G30 was introduced.

In my opinion, the G60 is controversial for the reason it was built to satisfy the politicians/regulators and attract EV buyers from other brands, not loyal BMW customers.

This is all being caused by the forced EV market. We’ll see what other car makers do. I’m afraid they’re all going the same direction. Which means no incentive to do anything different.

[Bostongio]

Funny thing about my recent experience at a BMW dealer near me is they didn't even bother putting a 5 series in the showroom -- they were only out on the lot. A 7, two 4s, two SUVs, and a 2 series were in the showroom. Maybe it was just the week I was in, but that did seem odd to me given the 5 is the most recent new, mainstream BMW released.

[tsbrown]

I’m really torn. I’ve owned nothing but BMW’s for 30 years with the 540i the last 5 years. I’ve driven a few cars in the past 6 months, including the new G60 530i and 540iX M sport. It’s just baffling that so many simple adjustments in the G30 now take multiple inputs involving console button+idrive screen, door button + idrive screen, etc. The dealer sales staff seems to be getting this a lot based on their response to my questions/criticisms of this approach but mostly saying you have to get used to it. I don’t want my G30 to be my last BMW but as much as I want to like the G60 for it’s replacement, I don’t see that happening right now. There’s really no other BMW that works for me - as much as I like the 8GC - so I’m going to start exploring Porsche options.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by tjbuggy2b

Well, to me, the dynamic seems to be that the 5 series has shifted more to the luxury daily driver that still feels sporty and still has a semblance of satisfaction to drive. The 2, 3, and 4 series seems to be where all the "real" performance has shifted. ...and I'm ok with that. The size of all series has increased and, tbh, the G30 is a bit of a pig. So, realistically, the smaller chassis cars are more appropriate for enthusiasts and occasional track days.

.

I don't really agree. Even if one goes back to the E39, the 5 was always sitting between comfort and sport--a car that could both waft and carve corners in a manner that was satisfactory to customers who craved both. Its fundamentals (chassis balance, etc.) have not really changed. If anything, the G30/31 has brought back a bit more of the sport to the luxo/sport concept following the F10/11.

I tested an M550 and M340 before taking my 540. M340 was out of my price range due to how new they are (and pricing in Germany is insane), but the M550 was a private car that was 5k cheaper than my G31. I would have taken either 5er over the M340, regardless of price as I feel the cars are similar, but the 5 just does the balance better.

The M340 is a bit more agile, but that is about it. The car is nearly the same size as the 5 now. I am a handling fanatic and the 3 really doesn't have much on the 5, IMO. 2er is a different story, but all BMWs drive pretty well and are inherently very balanced.

[eliphil]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I’m really torn. I’ve owned nothing but BMW’s for 30 years with the 540i the last 5 years. I’ve driven a few cars in the past 6 months, including the new G60 530i and 540iX M sport. It’s just baffling that so many simple adjustments in the G30 now take multiple inputs involving console button+idrive screen, door button + idrive screen, etc. The dealer sales staff seems to be getting this a lot based on their response to my questions/criticisms of this approach but mostly saying you have to get used to it. I don’t want my G30 to be my last BMW but as much as I want to like the G60 for its replacement, I don’t see that happening right now. There’s really no other BMW that works for me - as much as I like the 8GC - so I’m going to start exploring Porsche options.

This is exactly why I grabbed one of the last new m550s , found it in Texas……

[Tk718]

If your not tracking the car, the 550 is solid on the highway and around town, huge difference in how stable the car is on highway versus 3 and 4 series. Sure the steering ratio could be quicker and suspension could use a little less body roll but then if bmw made those changes to the 550 it would cut into M5 sales.
After sitting in and driving the new 5 series, Was very disappointed at how simple the interior got and how vanilla the car drives.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Tk718

If your not tracking the car, the 550 is solid on the highway and around town, huge difference in how stable the car is on highway versus 3 and 4 series. Sure the steering ratio could be quicker and suspension could use a little less body roll but then if bmw made those changes to the 550 it would cut into M5 sales.
After sitting in and driving the new 5 series, Was very disappointed at how simple the interior got and how vanilla the car drives.

Its impressive. It’s not a car you can very well find a replacement for. Which is impressive considering this whole thread and forum is full of car people with car problems.

[jphcbpa]

my wifes warranty on her m550 is up in Jan 2027. Might extend another year but told her we may go to Genesis in a few years the way things are looking for the 5 series.

[tjbuggy2b]

Originally Posted by eliphil

My point is that many of us feel that the G30 M550 has very good performance and luxury combined. It’s all over now w the G60. I certainly didn’t intend to shame you in any way amigo

All good. I may have been in a bit of a pissy mood that day.

[jcal65]

I caved this weekend and took advantage of a great deal on a new 530i to replace my M550. This car has been on the lot since late October and the dealer was highly motivated to sell. They were just about ready to turn it into a service loaner.

The 530 ended up costing a lot more than my old highly optioned M550. Only $1,458/mo. + tax, which included $6,800 extra for pinstriping, wheel locks, protection for the vegan seats and nitrogen for the tires (discounted $2k from what they normally charge). They kept the extra dealer fees under $4,000 after my tough negotiation. Being near San Francisco, they offered “smashed window” insurance protection for $6k, but I declined. Now I’m off to get PPF and ceramic coating.

The new car not only looks so much better, but it is almost as smooth and fast. The interior luxury and quality are second to none. I love the synthetic seats and idrive 8.5. Physical buttons on the dash ruined the look ... such a hassle to use and old school. The base stereo rocks! My only regret is this car does not have the lighted grill to impress my neighbors. I should be able to get a lighting kit off eBay soon.

I am so proud of my purchase, and no one can convince me otherwise. After all, this new 5 series all was voted "World Luxury Car of the Year" by http://www.worldcarawards.com/web/el...cles.asp?cat=8. It beat out the 2024 MB E-class (which no one can get), the MB EQE no one wants and the amazing Hongqi E-HS9 and Ineos Grenadier.

To fit in on the G60 forum, I named my car “menthol” because it’s minty cool! Although I plan to rename it “mint chocolate chip” after I get the wheels plasti-dipped black.