[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Does the job nicely in my X5. Pretty sure the B58 is supposed to be a one size fits all powerplant like all the BMW I6 engines before it. The B58 just happens to be highly tunable and no slouch at stock hp and torque.

I like it a lot, but yeah, it’s no TU632/3 M550

I am just not an SUV fan. Or a fan of most nose-heavy cars (many V8 platforms).

I love the B58 and S58. By "a waste" I meant that it seems kind of pointless to put one in a vehicle that sits so high and is really not designed even in part to be a platform for enjoyable driving. Kind of like the XM. A showcase M product that really has practically nothing to do with M.

The X3M is interesting because it seems (key word) to defy the laws of physics, but given the choice between that or an M2 Comp, there would be no question as to which I'd take. The SUV range is made because it satisfies a market, but that market has little to do with driving pleasure.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Neusser

I am just not an SUV fan. Or a fan of most nose-heavy cars (many V8 platforms).

I love the B58 and S58. By "a waste" I meant that it seems kind of pointless to put one in a vehicle that sits so high and is really not designed even in part to be a platform for enjoyable driving. Kind of like the XM. A showcase M product that really has practically nothing to do with M.

The X3M is interesting because it seems (key word) to defy the laws of physics, but given the choice between that or an M2 Comp, there would be no question as to which I'd take. The SUV range is made because it satisfies a market, but that market has little to do with driving pleasure.

Understood.

I am also not an SUV fan, but they serve a purpose. It has become somewhat of an appliance for every US household to have one to schlep kids, get through the winter or haul crap. They do nothing for me, but I will say, my X5 is 20 times more comfortable on road trips than the M550.

I do miss the handling and tight cornering of a small well balanced car. Unfortunately, I am too old to be driving around in an M2 which would be more like my Fierro days. A 911 would be more age appropriate.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Understood.

I am also not an SUV fan, but they serve a purpose. It has become somewhat of an appliance for every US household to have one to schlep kids, get through the winter or haul crap. They do nothing for me, but I will say, my X5 is 20 times more comfortable on road trips than the M550.

I do miss the handling and tight cornering of a small well balanced car. Unfortunately, I am too old to be driving around in an M2 which would be more like my Fierro days. A 911 would be more age appropriate.

I certainly don't begrudge anyone with a nice engine in an SUV. Perhaps that was the ideal do-it-all car for that individual's situation.

"Performance" SUVs are all over the place in here in Germany, too.

[iamcc88]

[QUOTE=Mattl0806;30579736]Ah I didn’t realize such a difference within the 5 series range. I’ve never been in a 530.

Interior materials make all the difference for that “luxury” experience - matters only if you value that but once you start looking it’s amazing how many expensive cars look so cheap inside.


Yeah I was pretty surprised. Also beyond even the ceramic controls all of my other buttons were much higher quality as well. My car has the piano black interior so I’m not sure if that ups the materials but I really could not believe my loaner was a 5 series. It made me feel SOOOO much better about hunting for a fully loaded M550 lol

[Mattl0806]

[QUOTE=iamcc88;30579834]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Ah I didn’t realize such a difference within the 5 series range. I’ve never been in a 530.

Interior materials make all the difference for that “luxury” experience - matters only if you value that but once you start looking it’s amazing how many expensive cars look so cheap inside.


Yeah I was pretty surprised. Also beyond even the ceramic controls all of my other buttons were much higher quality as well. My car has the piano black interior so I’m not sure if that ups the materials but I really could not believe my loaner was a 5 series. It made me feel SOOOO much better about hunting for a fully loaded M550 lol

All the small things add up! Flimsy cheap window controls annoy me too! If we wanted to save the cash we all could go for entry level brand. But certain expectations when stepping up in price here. I just feel that lower bmw Trims are charging for the badge and not giving you a luxury car. MB, audi and porsche are all guilty of the same.

[Gautam]

You can load a 530 up to match the level of any 5, even individual options, but much rarer to find those than higher spec.

A g30 with sensatec, plastic trim and base seats is going to look and feel like a completely different car from one with extended merino, ceramic controls, individual wood trim.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Gautam

You can load a 530 up to match the level of any 5, even individual options, but much rarer to find those than higher spec.

A g30 with sensatec, plastic trim and base seats is going to look and feel like a completely different car from one with extended merino, ceramic controls, individual wood trim.

Exactly, it would basically be a bigger three series.