[jphcbpa]

Originally Posted by 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.

excellent choice !!!

[maDjzo]

Originally Posted by 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 www.worldcarawards.com/web/eligible_vehicles.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 [...]

Wow! Amazing deal, although the lack of grill light would be a deal breaker for me personally, grill light or nothing.

[tsbrown]

Just checking Alfa Romeo website and apparently June 2024 is the end of production for a gasoline ICE Giulia Quadrofolio. Am I the only one tempted to order one knowing it’s the end of the line for a compromised Italian thoroughbred sedan? I mean, we know it’s not German, so far from well thought out, but it IS an Alfa and we know all true car guys (and girls) have owned an Alfa in their lives. First car I ever tried to buy was an Alfa GTV6 that my dad (rightly) talked me out of buying. But 40 years later it’s my last chance….

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Just checking Alfa Romeo website and apparently June 2024 is the end of production for a gasoline ICE Giulia Quadrofolio. Am I the only one tempted to order one knowing it’s the end of the line for a compromised Italian thoroughbred sedan? I mean, we know it’s not German, so far from well thought out, but it IS an Alfa and we know all true car guys (and girls) have owned an Alfa in their lives. First car I ever tried to buy was an Alfa GTV6 that my dad (rightly) talked me out of buying. But 40 years later it’s my last chance….

What’s the draw? They don’t do a ton for me in theory but I’ve never driven one. They look nice though.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by 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.

Looking at that wheel gab, it must be 4WD with the off-road package.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by NGT2

What’s the draw? They don’t do a ton for me in theory but I’ve never driven one. They look nice though.

In theory a driver’s car not a phone on wheels like the latest generation. I haven’t driven one in decades, but have long harbored a curiosity in how good they are, even if less than reliable than a BMW. After driving a G60 540i M Sport last weekend and not being wowed by it, I’m just looking at other options. We all should if BMW doesn’t offer what we want.

[G30M]

same. first and last 2 BMWs - M340i and M550i

the new ones don't appeal to me, in fact i just bought my wife a Kia and now my kids don't even look at the BMWs, they prefer riding in the Kia

[NGT2]

I think BMW is having an identity crisis. Which happens to companies sometimes, even established ones. I don’t know if it’s the result of a new generation of management and designers or because of trying to find their way amid strict regs and electrification. Maybe both. But I think they can still find themselves again.

The problem with the G60 is that it’s freaking boring. Boring driving and boring looking. With some tacky trim pieces, subjectively. The 5 series is a conservative model but this new one is just kind of… blah.

I’ve been looking at other brands tonight and I wouldn’t buy one but there are some good, sporty looking EV’s out there and on the way. Eventually BMW will figure out how to make cars that look good, sporty, and like BMW’s in this new generation of cars. But they’re gonna have to come back to earth first.

The new 7 isn’t my cup of tea but it’s not boring, for sure. The XM is somewhat controversial but it’s not boring. They just screwed up and built a boring car in a segment and price range that shouldn’t be boring. It evokes no emotion at all.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by NGT2

The new 7 isn’t my cup of tea but it’s not boring, for sure. The XM is somewhat controversial but it’s not boring. They just screwed up and built a boring car in a segment and price range that shouldn’t be boring. It evokes no emotion at all.

The 7 is definitely not for me, but I think its execution is fantastic and everything about it makes sense. It’s a no-holds barred super luxury cruiser, packed with all the tech and luxury that bmw has to offer for <$200k. An ev makes perfect sense here, too. The quietness and brutal torque are exactly what the doctor ordered for a giant luxobarge where isolation from the road is a priority, and heft is a given. It gets a lot of hate for its looks. I think its styling is spot on. It’s supposed to be a mini rolls. Every time i see one on the road, my head turns- it’s got more road presence than just about every other sedan out there.

As for the xm, I completely don’t get it. It actually doesn’t look that different from the usual suv in person for how polarizing its styling is on the internet. Is it supposed to be sporty at 6000 lbs? It’s definitely less practical than the x7. I don’t see why I’d pick one over a Cayenne, or a Range Rover. But I guess that speaks to me not being in the target demographic.

I think the g60 is going to get cannibalized by the x5. Speaking for myself, the main reasons for going with a 5 over an x5 were the driving dynamics, the styling, and the overall emotion it evoked. The g60, as you said, does not have much of that. It’s a nice car in its own right though.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Gautam

The 7 is definitely not for me, but I think its execution is fantastic and everything about it makes sense. It’s a no-holds barred super luxury cruiser, packed with all the tech and luxury that bmw has to offer for <$200k. An ev makes perfect sense here, too. The quietness and brutal torque are exactly what the doctor ordered for a giant luxobarge where isolation from the road is a priority, and heft is a given. It gets a lot of hate for its looks. I think its styling is spot on. It’s supposed to be a mini rolls. Every time i see one on the road, my head turns- it’s got more road presence than just about every other sedan out there.

As for the xm, I completely don’t get it. It actually doesn’t look that different from the usual suv in person for how polarizing its styling is on the internet. Is it supposed to be sporty at 6000 lbs? It’s definitely less practical than the x7. I don’t see why I’d pick one over a Cayenne, or a Range Rover. But I guess that speaks to me not being in the target demographic.

Yeah I’d pick a lot of cars before the XM. Definitely a Cayenne. But it’s not bland like the new 5. That’s my biggest gripe. They somehow made it bland AND tacky.

[jcal65]

At the risk of repeating myself, for me, it was simple. I wanted an M550 and barely got my 2022 due to limited availability at the time. I only needed a 530 or 540 which would have been just fine. I wanted a sport luxury executive sedan that was even more special, the last of the V8’s, but didn’t want an M5, which was even more unobtainable and marked up at the time. The M550 fit this niche perfectly and I was willing to pay a premium for it, as many others on this forum. The i5 M60 does not appeal to me.

I prefer sedans and I know this segment is dying. To get a new 5 series today, which subjectively does not look as good, has been cheapened, does not seem as special and was built to satisfy regulators and attract EV buyers from other brands, the G60 has lost appeal for some existing customers. The increased pricing has pushed it even further from desire. It is forcing some of us to keep our current car longer or look elsewhere.

I don’t know if that is what BMW intended, but that has been the reaction of many loyal BMW customers and I think it is resulting in weak sales in the US.

A car is certainly not the most important thing in my life. I came to this forum because I do have a strong interest and it is refreshing to communicate with others with similar passion. I guess I am resisting and not accepting that even enthusiast cars are becoming more mainstream transportation appliances, at ridiculously high prices, with marketing gimmicks to dazzle the masses to make up for lost soul.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by 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.

Should've seen my face at work while reading your post.


Kinda looked like this

[CMK]

I'm ashamed to admit it took me until midway through paragraph 2 to realize that was satire...

[AP]

Out of curiosity I was intrigued to see how many new g60 were sold in the U.K.

Bit difficult to find the petrol models but the i5 are here and this is up to 2023 q3

https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/vehicle/bmw_i5_m60_xdrive
https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/vehicl...rive40_m_sport
https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/vehicl...40_m_sport_pro

Number won’t be representative as the model had only just come out and I suspect most if not all of these may either press cars or dealer demo or stock orders at launch

Be interesting though to compare this in a years time so see how well or not it’s selling

Well a long weekend in the U.K. and took the oppotunity to take my 2023 m550 out for a couple of drives

I’m in my late fifties but still get a sense of exitment before I take the car out!
Press the start button watch the revs briefly climb until they settle down to normal idle. The rev counter stops at 4k rpms whilst cold and gradually increases
Drive gently out as the engine warms up. Have the oil temperature on display to monitor so I know when it’s ready to be driven more briskly.
Enjoy the low tpms as the engines makes light work of moving along, almost as if it’s not trying
The satnav display the way in my HUD and warning me about approaching speed cameras
Onto dual carriageways and as I turn out of roundabouts gradually applying power as the car straightens up to accelerate with ease past the cars in the left lane. It’s all just so easy.
Back off a couple of seconds later literally as I’m at the speed limit.
At my destination, just let the car ideal couple of minutes whilst the fans make a noise cooling down the car with the active grills open. It’s way if telling me it had a bit of fun.

What a car. It makes any journey a pleasure and it’s nowhere near what it has to offer.

Turn around as I walk away from the car and admire its classic looks. A proper bmw saloon. A presence but not shouty about it’s looks.

And I look forward to the next drive in it

[jcal65]

Originally Posted by CMK

I'm ashamed to admit it took me until midway through paragraph 2 to realize that was satire...

I was trying to emphasize some points buyers have used in their G60 forum to justify their purchase when many have voiced negative opinions. Some have referred to G30 owner as old school and we need to get with the times. I do not want to demean them or say they made a bad purchase. If they are happy, I am happy for them and so is BMW.

I also wanted to over-emphasize why some of us are not happy with the current BMW direction, nothing more.

[CMK]

Originally Posted by AP

I’m in my late fifties but still get a sense of exitment before I take the car out!
Press the start button watch the revs briefly climb until they settle down to normal idle. The rev counter stops at 4k rpms whilst cold and gradually increases
Drive gently out as the engine warms up. Have the oil temperature on display to monitor so I know when it’s ready to be driven more briskly.
Enjoy the low tpms as the engines makes light work of moving along, almost as if it’s not trying
The satnav display the way in my HUD and warning me about approaching speed cameras
Onto dual carriageways and as I turn out of roundabouts gradually applying power as the car straightens up to accelerate with ease past the cars in the left lane. It’s all just so easy.
Back off a couple of seconds later literally as I’m at the speed limit.
At my destination, just let the car ideal couple of minutes whilst the fans make a noise cooling down the car with the active grills open. It’s way if telling me it had a bit of fun.

What a car. It makes any journey a pleasure and it’s nowhere near what it has to offer.

Turn around as I walk away from the car and admire its classic looks. A proper bmw saloon. A presence but not shouty about it’s looks.

And I look forward to the next drive in it

Thanks for this, AP. Way to really put into words what makes this car special, and really echoes my own personal feelings about it as well.

Originally Posted by jcal65

I was trying to emphasize some points buyers have used in their G60 forum to justify their purchase when many have voiced negative opinions. Some have referred to G30 owner as old school and we need to get with the times. I do not want to demean them or say they made a bad purchase. If they are happy, I am happy for them and so is BMW.

Yes, absolutely. And you know there are a lot of talented, passionate professionals who have poured their heart and soul into the G60. Many tend to forget that the market and the beancounters really have the final say in just about any car short of a limited-run collectible.

Originally Posted by jcal65

I also wanted to over-emphasize why some of us are not happy with the current BMW direction, nothing more.

Well, I'd say you nailed it!

[JKRIT]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Just checking Alfa Romeo website and apparently June 2024 is the end of production for a gasoline ICE Giulia Quadrofolio. Am I the only one tempted to order one knowing it’s the end of the line for a compromised Italian thoroughbred sedan? I mean, we know it’s not German, so far from well thought out, but it IS an Alfa and we know all true car guys (and girls) have owned an Alfa in their lives. First car I ever tried to buy was an Alfa GTV6 that my dad (rightly) talked me out of buying. But 40 years later it’s my last chance….

I've been checking Jaguar websites (of all things). Their XF sedan is the closest to the 5-series and planned for this year to be the last ICE vehicle they make. Haven't driven one, but wondering if they might have old-school brakes that can be modulated by the driver's foot instead of the computer as in my G30. Personally, I think the companies that buckled under and committed to all-BEV will panic soon and reverse the plans to stop making ICE vehicles. What happens if the total actual consumer demand for BEVs is only about 8-10% of the total vehicle market?

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by JKRIT

I've been checking Jaguar websites (of all things). Their XF sedan is the closest to the 5-series and planned for this year to be the last ICE vehicle they make. Haven't driven one, but wondering if they might have old-school brakes that can be modulated by the driver's foot instead of the computer as in my G30. Personally, I think the companies that buckled under and committed to all-BEV will panic soon and reverse the plans to stop making ICE vehicles. What happens if the total actual consumer demand for BEVs is only about 8-10% of the total vehicle market?

I think BMW was hedging their bets with the G60 in case the i5 didn’t meet sales expectations. Problem is it’s compromised for both BEV and ICE versions.

[AP]

Yes fear for jaguar who based upon what the governments were pushing, decided to go all next starting 2025
.. I fear they may have made the wrong bet

[jcal65]

Originally Posted by JKRIT

I've been checking Jaguar websites (of all things). Their XF sedan is the closest to the 5-series and planned for this year to be the last ICE vehicle they make. Haven't driven one, but wondering if they might have old-school brakes that can be modulated by the driver's foot instead of the computer as in my G30. Personally, I think the companies that buckled under and committed to all-BEV will panic soon and reverse the plans to stop making ICE vehicles. What happens if the total actual consumer demand for BEVs is only about 8-10% of the total vehicle market?

My wife and I had a 2017 Jaguar XF S, and we loved it. The 380 hp supercharged V6 was excellent. The car looked classy, rode, and handled better than you would expect. I always thought it got a bad rap for being a Jaguar because it was a good car. It was reliable with zero warranty issues. My only complaint was Jaguar used cheap leather on the seats, and they looked cheap. The infotainment was not as bad as people made it out to be.

I have also looked at Jaguar again, but they are a really confused company now heading on the wrong path, going 100% EV with limited budget when the market has shifted. The dealer network is weak. They already had a hard time finding buyers and I wouldn’t get another car from them, even though I received excellent service. The I-Pace is an expensive dud and unless you want an F-Pace, good luck getting anything else without a ridiculously long factory order.

The current XF is only available with a 4 cylinder which guarantees no one will buy one and they aren’t. The interior in the new XF has been refreshed to be better, but it is basically the same car as our 2017 with minor updates.

I got an incredible lease rate on the XF and thank God because the depreciation was beyond belief. Jaguar took a giant bath on that lease. After I returned it, the dealer sat on it for 4 months and then dumped it at auction cheap.

Despite having a positive experience with our XF, I would not recommend it unless you can lease one super cheap.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by AP

Yes fear for jaguar who based upon what the governments were pushing, decided to go all next starting 2025
.. I fear they may have made the wrong bet

Do you think the average consumer even realizes all this? I imagine some will show up to dealerships to buy real cars and be surprised to learn they’re all electric.

Okay okay, I know EV’s are real cars too… you get the point

[JKRIT]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I think BMW was hedging their bets with the G60 in case the i5 didn’t meet sales expectations. Problem is it’s compromised for both BEV and ICE versions.

My feeling is that my G30 has the same problem: brake system designed to work with no vacuum assist provided by an ICE. The computer decides how much braking is applied: "How fast did you take your foot off the accelerator? How fast are you going? Are you going around a curve? We don't care that you are backing off the brake pedal: We know better than you how much to brake the car.">