[G30M]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

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.

you really should test performance EVs, even if you won't ever get one. they are alien tech i tells ya.

the recurring theme (i've tested A LOT)
- big heavy battery at the bottom
---- car needs very stiff springs so there is less lean on cornering
---- low center of gravity so there is more stability on cornering
---- it forms a natural insulation from road noise
---- heaviness means limit on G force (gas car wins on race track)
---- very safe. you are likely heavier than the other car in a crash

electric motor
- gives max power at lowest "RPM", exactly where you need it from standing start, on the road
- power goes down when speed goes up - gas car catches up at high speeds
- good for road, bad for track
- less moving parts less complex ?lower failure rate

range
- can't go far in one charge
- you don't want to queue for charging if infrastructure is limited
- can't do a lot things you want
- always have a gas car around

climate change
- it won't stop climate change
- but it makes the city air cleaner 10000%
- and puts a smile on your face in traffic
- but these things are disposable

depreciation
- only richer people seem to be able to afford these
- got mine at 40% off list brand new. don't pay full price, it depreciates like a used mobile phone.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by g21

you really should test performance EVs, even if you won't ever get one. they are alien tech i tells ya.

the recurring theme (i've tested A LOT)
- big heavy battery at the bottom
—— car needs very stiff springs so there is less lean on cornering
—— low center of gravity so there is more stability on cornering
—— it forms a natural insulation from road noise
—— heaviness means limit on G force (gas car wins on race track)
—— very safe. you are likely heavier than the other car in a crash

electric motor
- gives max power at lowest "RPM", exactly where you need it from standing start, on the road
- power goes down when speed goes up - gas car catches up at high speeds
- good for road, bad for track
- less moving parts less complex ?lower failure rate

range
- can't go far in one charge
- you don't want to queue for charging if infrastructure is limited
- can't do a lot things you want
- always have a gas car around

climate change
- it won't stop climate change
- but it makes the city air cleaner 10000%
- and puts a smile on your face in traffic
- but these things are disposable

depreciation
- only richer people seem to be able to afford these
- got mine at 40% off list brand new. don't pay full price, it depreciates like a used mobile phone.

I tested the i5 M60 and I agree with your takes on the driving dynamics.

My buddy that sells Audis said just lease the damn things because they depreciate so bad. He had a client with NEGATIVE $35,000 of equity! Your stuck in that bitch.

Also, who wants a used EV? Like buying a used iPhone. An EV is basically obsolete like one or two years after it is originally sold. I think when the batteries crap out, they’re going to “refurbish” them and sell them in emerging markets just like they do computers, tablets, and phones.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Also, who wants a used EV? Like buying a used iPhone. An EV is basically obsolete like one or two years after it is originally sold. I think when the batteries crap out, they’re going to “refurbish” them and sell them in emerging markets just like they do computers, tablets, and phones.

Can't say that about the G30...7 years on it's far from obsolete as multiple test drives of potential replacements has repeatedly shown us.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by 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

cramped and seats are not comfortable.

all my passengers complain their butt are hurting and too cramped (vernesca leather).

on long drives my left foot (right hand drive here) is resting in a very awkward position and the leg bone is on hard plastic and i have to keep changing the position

no engine noise no exhaust noise, might as well drive an EV! i think the LCI has very nice sounding ASD, mine sounded like a lawnmower/drone so i turned it off.

driving dynamics is a winner, it's very very planted as long as you swap out the front 225 RFTs

[G30M]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Can't say that about the G30...7 years on it's far from obsolete as multiple test drives of potential replacements has repeatedly shown us.

the 550 with DHP is the ultimate cruiser for the driver on long drives, so comfortable (you can't say that about the M5!) and then you blast the B&W
[the family prefers the Kia as the rear seats are more comfortable in the Kia, as they can recline, where as i find the 550 rear seats to be super upright]

but don't try and fling that thing around or drive it like a maniac, it magically becomes a boat! (i have a feeling a set of M5 springs might fix that, but then i don't want to lose the comfort of cruising - no body i've asked seems to know)

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by g21

the 550 with DHP is the ultimate cruiser for the driver on long drives, so comfortable (you can't say that about the M5!) and then you blast the B&W
[the family prefers the Kia as the rear seats are more comfortable in the Kia, as they can recline, where as i find the 550 rear seats to be super upright]

but don't try and fling that thing around or drive it like a maniac, it magically becomes a boat! (i have a feeling a set of M5 springs might fix that, but then i don't want to lose the comfort of cruising - no body i've asked seems to know)

I love my G30 540i for the 1000mile trip from bourbon country to the north shore every year, and return. Plus it’s a great car for city driving…not too big. But an F90 M5 is on my radar as a possible replacement so don’t go destroying my vision of what could be just because the M5 is louder, harsher, and less fuel efficient. Don’t take the fun out of my dreaming here 😆.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I love my G30 540i for the 1000mile trip from bourbon country to the north shore every year, and return. Plus it’s a great car for city driving…not too big. But an F90 M5 is on my radar as a possible replacement so don’t go destroying my vision of what could be just because the M5 is louder, harsher, and less fuel efficient. Don’t take the fun out of my dreaming here 😆.

i'm saying that coz i can't afford to get a new M5CS and i'm trying to cut down my apetite for cars.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I love my G30 540i for the 1000mile trip from bourbon country to the north shore every year, and return. Plus it’s a great car for city driving…not too big. But an F90 M5 is on my radar as a possible replacement so don’t go destroying my vision of what could be just because the M5 is louder, harsher, and less fuel efficient. Don’t take the fun out of my dreaming here 😆.

the F90 is my favourite car that i'll never own

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by g21

i'm saying that coz i can't afford to get a new M5CS and i'm trying to cut down my apetite for cars.

That’s why we’re all here…group therapy. “Hi I’m Bill and I have a car problem”

[Joe-BMW33]

So I had my second three day stint with the G60 this week, let me tell you, the wipers suck. It was raining pretty hard here on my way to pick up the M550. I literally couldn't see shit on the highway as they couldn't keep up with the rain on the highest speed. Headed back in the M550 with the same rain and it was totally clear with the G30 wipers.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

So I had my second three day stint with the G60 this week, let me tell you, the wipers suck. It was raining pretty hard here on my way to pick up the M550. I literally couldn't see shit on the highway as they couldn't keep up with the rain on the highest speed. Headed back in the M550 with the same rain and it was totally clear with the G30 wipers.

I’m pretty open minded about newer cars, not just bmw, and the g60 is the sort that could’ve grown on me. But the cheapening out on little things is what irks me the most about it.

I incidentally recall having a similar experience with Tesla a few years ago. To be charitable to them, they’ve had a strong influence on the industry. On the minus, what they’ve done is show traditional automakers how much cost cutting they can get away with and still charge $80k+ for.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Gautam

I’m pretty open minded about newer cars, not just bmw, and the g60 is the sort that could’ve grown on me. But the cheapening out on little things is what irks me the most about it.

I incidentally recall having a similar experience with Tesla a few years ago. To be charitable to them, they’ve had a strong influence on the industry. On the minus, what they’ve done is show traditional automakers how much cost cutting they can get away with and still charge $80k+ for.

I honestly thought the rain was just horrible, and it was coming down hard and fast. I was dreading driving back in a car I care about. To my surprise, the wipers are diesel. Now I do have product on my windshield that beads and water rolls off, but I don’t think that’s it. The wipers and windshield on the G60 is tiny compared to the G30.

So I’ve got 6 days under my belt with the G60 (530), two different loaners, and it does nothing for me. I may as well be driving a Camry.

[G30M]

the king is back on the throne, i sold my M340i so i can spend time with the M550i

[G30M]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

So I’ve got 6 days under my belt with the G60 (530), two different loaners, and it does nothing for me. I may as well be driving a Camry.

heh you need to try a Hyundai Ioniq 5N.
The kia EV6 GT (5N's less athletic younger sibling) more than complements my gas car[s]s[/s].
life sized RC cars are not for everyone but they are fun for others like me.
i'm not trying to save the planet, i'm getting it as a disposable toy and it's fun as heck. takes tight corners better than my M340i & M550i despite the 255 PS4S tires.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

So I’ve got 6 days under my belt with the G60 (530), two different loaners, and it does nothing for me. I may as well be driving a Camry.

If it was the 530i both times, then I agree it was about as interesting as driving my mother's Camry. I drove the 540i M sport over Easter weekend and it's definitely better than the 530i. But it's not the G30.

I passed a new 7 the other day and it hit me...it's a small Rolls. Which means they had to make the new 5er a small 7er. Maybe the new 3er will move up to take the 5er's place, which would make it the right size vehicle for me. But they probably won't add double wishbone front suspension or other more luxury features.

After driving the Macan S I was trying to figure out how Porsche made it feel so controlled and accurate and upon some research found it has double wishbone front suspension. Cars (like the G20 3 series and our X3's) with MacPherson strut front suspension just feel different and why I prefer the G30 driving feel.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I passed a new 7 the other day and it hit me...it's a small Rolls. Which means they had to make the new 5er a small 7er. Maybe the new 3er will move up to take the 5er's place, which would make it the right size vehicle for me. But they probably won't add double wishbone front suspension or other more luxury features.

After driving the Macan S I was trying to figure out how Porsche made it feel so controlled and accurate and upon some research found it has double wishbone front suspension. Cars (like the G20 3 series and our X3's) with MacPherson strut front suspension just feel different and why I prefer the G30 driving feel.

wait, G30 has double wishbone fronts?

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by G30M

wait, G30 has double wishbone fronts?

Yep, it’s in the technical training docs in the sticky post.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

If it was the 530i both times, then I agree it was about as interesting as driving my mother's Camry. I drove the 540i M sport over Easter weekend and it's definitely better than the 530i. But it's not the G30.

I passed a new 7 the other day and it hit me...it's a small Rolls. Which means they had to make the new 5er a small 7er. Maybe the new 3er will move up to take the 5er's place, which would make it the right size vehicle for me. But they probably won't add double wishbone front suspension or other more luxury features.

After driving the Macan S I was trying to figure out how Porsche made it feel so controlled and accurate and upon some research found it has double wishbone front suspension. Cars (like the G20 3 series and our X3's) with MacPherson strut front suspension just feel different and why I prefer the G30 driving feel.

I hit the Porsche dealer a few times this month looking for 911’s. It’s amazing how much Macon stock they have, clearly a best seller and definitely an affordable alternative in the small SUV market. I’m kicking myself for not looking at them and thinking about them when I got my X5 last year.

I’m signed up for the BMW Ultimate driving experience in a few weeks at the Xfinity Cetner (formerly known as great woods) in Mansfield. I’ll get to beat on a 540 with M package and an i5 I believe. I’m sure it’s going to have plenty of pull. But it’s like putting lipstick on a pig.

Yeah we definitely have to grab a steak when your back here. There plenty of New Englander’s on here as well as NY, NJ. We really should have a meetup in CT or something.

[tsbrown]

Was just reading G30 FB group posts and people complaining about the maintenance costs on their cars, on top of big depreciation and bailing on the brand. I’m only at 43k miles and well over a year out of warranty but have been lucky to not have any big repairs. Probably have my flex disk replaced in the next month but nothing major, knock on wood. And with depreciation, I’ve owned the car 5 years now since new same as every other BMW I’ve owned since the 90s so maybe I’m just used to it. About the only thing I agree with them on is the design direction of the new models.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Was just reading G30 FB group posts and people complaining about the maintenance costs on their cars, on top of big depreciation and bailing on the brand. I’m only at 43k miles and well over a year out of warranty but have been lucky to not have any big repairs. Probably have my flex disk replaced in the next month but nothing major, knock on wood. And with depreciation, I’ve owned the car 5 years now since new same as every other BMW I’ve owned since the 90s so maybe I’m just used to it. About the only thing I agree with them on is the design direction of the new models.

Is this their first BMW? The depreciation is nothing new. And if they’re not used to maintenance on something like an M550, they could be having sticker shock at the costs to replace normal stuff like brakes and how often they eat through tires. I’ll have to do both later this year and it ain’t exactly Toyota maintenance. But people need to know what they’re buying. There’s a reason it depreciates. It’s not cheap to own, relative to a normal sedan or SUV.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by G30M

you really should test performance EVs, even if you won't ever get one. they are alien tech i tells ya.

the recurring theme (i've tested A LOT)
- big heavy battery at the bottom
---- car needs very stiff springs so there is less lean on cornering
---- low center of gravity so there is more stability on cornering
---- it forms a natural insulation from road noise
---- heaviness means limit on G force (gas car wins on race track)
---- very safe. you are likely heavier than the other car in a crash

electric motor
- gives max power at lowest "RPM", exactly where you need it from standing start, on the road
- power goes down when speed goes up - gas car catches up at high speeds
- good for road, bad for track
- less moving parts less complex ?lower failure rate

range
- can't go far in one charge
- you don't want to queue for charging if infrastructure is limited
- can't do a lot things you want
- always have a gas car around

climate change
- it won't stop climate change
- but it makes the city air cleaner 10000%
- and puts a smile on your face in traffic
- but these things are disposable

depreciation
- only richer people seem to be able to afford these
- got mine at 40% off list brand new. don't pay full price, it depreciates like a used mobile phone.

I started at the top. I was convinced I wanted a model s. So we rented a p100dl in 2020. 0-60 in 2.2 seconds, still smokes everything out there other than newer model s’ and select lucids. In short the acceleration was the main thing it had going for it. I pushed it hard, even took it to the canyons. A lot of fun for sure. But even if both were the same price, I’d take the m550 over it, no contest. (It stickered at 165k usd at the time) Better in every way other than straight line acceleration. (Granted, a lot worse there)

I think Porsche might have done it right with the taycan, but the feedback there is mixed, too. As it stands, it’s the only EV that catches my interest.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by NGT2

And if they’re not used to maintenance on something like an M550, they could be having sticker shock at the costs to replace normal stuff like brakes and how often they eat through tires. I’ll have to do both later this year and it ain’t exactly Toyota maintenance.

You have to replace your brakes and tires in a few months?? My brakes are fine 1.5 yrs in and surprisingly plenty of tread left on the tires too. I believe my car got new factory tires on the back and the PO had replaced the front Michelins just prior to lease return as those had full tread when I bought the car. Plenty of life left on both the brakes and tires after putting about 16K miles on the car since I bought it.