Thoughts after 1 wk use of an e60 530 6spd

[uter]

With family in town, I gave my 325xit to my dad to drive. My in-laws live locally and kindly offered the use of their e60 530 6-spd.

Gotta say, the active steering is great. I really love the way this car corners. The current 3.0 engine is also amazing (can't imagine what the new valvetronic R6 engine will be like). Power in the 3000-5000 rpm range is impressive.

I-drive, I can live with. It works very well with the Sirius radio. Sometimes the sub-menu hell gets annoying, though.

While I'd read folks concerns about the "cheapness" of interior plastics, I didn't expect it to be so obvious. Maybe this car's grey interior helps to show it, but the center console, the plastic covering the seatbelt mechanism on the B-pillar, and dash really look to be of obvious lower quality than in my e46.

Overall, the car is great and I plan to move up to an e60 touring (e61?) in the coming years. If anyone is considering the manual transmission, you won't be disappointed.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

What's I've found is that you need a black or two tone interior for modern BMW interiors to look good. You'd be amazed how much cheaper the E46 interior looks in grey (it's not as bad as the E60, though).

[uter]

What's I've found is that you need a black or two tone interior for modern BMW interiors to look good. You'd be amazed how much cheaper the E46 interior looks in grey (it's not as bad as the E60, though).

Well, that would explain why I think my E46 with natural brown interior looks so much better than this E60 with grey.

[beewang]

Well, that would explain why I think my E46 with natural brown interior looks so much better than this E60 with grey.

Also, it helps if the E60 is MY 2005 MY (I suspect your in-laws car is 2004). The 2005 MY E60 has additonal trim pieces that just makes the car. You'd be really surprised what a few additional trim pieces of fake wood can do :thumbup:

The i-drive is even better when you have the Nav system which comes w/ voice command. No extra sub-menus to go thru ;) Just click and say and its DONE!! :thumbup:

I think once the BMW old-timer gives the E60 a chance, they'll realize what a great car the E60 really is!!

cheers,

beewang :bigpimp:

[dagoo98]

Also, it helps if the E60 is MY 2005 MY (I suspect your in-laws car is 2004). The 2005 MY E60 has additonal trim pieces that just makes the car. You'd be really surprised what a few additional trim pieces of fake wood can do :thumbup:

The i-drive is even better when you have the Nav system which comes w/ voice command. No extra sub-menus to go thru ;) Just click and say and its DONE!! :thumbup:

I think once the BMW old-timer gives the E60 a chance, they'll realize what a great car the E60 really is!!

cheers,

beewang :bigpimp:


I think when the novelty of the new E60 wears off then you will realize the true lack of character of the E60. My uncle wants to sell his E60 545 after one year and is willing to take a huge loss to get rid of it. He regrets trading in his 2003 E39 M5 but he originally bought the E60 545 to hold him over until the E60 M5 came out but he wants nothing to do with the E60 anymore. 2005 MB E55 here he comes! :thumbup: By the way, did you get a hole in your seat from the heated seats yet? :rofl:

[beewang]

I think when the novelty of the new E60 wears off then you will realize the true lack of character of the E60. Couldn't dissagree w/ you more.

My uncle wants to sell his E60 545 after one year and is willing to take a huge loss to get rid of it. He regrets trading in his 2003 E39 M5 but he originally bought the E60 545 to hold him over until the E60 M5 came out but he wants nothing to do with the E60 anymore. 2005 MB E55 here he comes! :thumbup: By the way, did you get a hole in your seat from the heated seats yet? :rofl:

No hole in my seat as I did not opt for the seat warmer option here in Sunny Cal.

I do have 2 friends w/ 2 new E55 for sale w/ less than 6k miles. Be glad to put him in touch w/ them.

[Ågent99]

I find it strange that some people argue so passionately about purely subjective qualities...like on a car. Realize that while possibly entertaining for folks reading the thread, I seriously doubt you are going to change anyone's minds.

For me, the E60 was initially pretty bad looking. Later, I got used to it and it grew on me (yes, it did grow on me) and I even got to liking the headlights quite a bit. The trunk butt was still a bit of a sore spot but it was much improved over the 7-series.

Still, the interior on the 2004 cars was horrible and I found that it did NOT grow on me one little bit. I look forward to looking inside a 2005 now that some feel it might be improved!

[DotBalm]

I find it strange that some people argue so passionately about purely subjective qualities...like on a car.

Yeah, agreed. Being new to BMW's, this was a surprise. WRT the E60, I think part of it is folks who like their E60 debunking or giving their view in opposition to the rash of bad reviews from the press. Example: I find i-drive almost transparent, nothing near how bad it has been portrayed, in fact, it's quite good IMHO. This isn't to say some folks just don't like the car such as the gentlemen referred to above.

That said, I went to the SF Auto Show and bashed my ear on the door opening of the MB E55. I felt like I was getting into a one man submersible instead of a car.

It felt very tight inside, uncomfortably so. But one man's submersible is another man's dream car. I'm 6'2", 220 lb (215 on a good day), maybe that's the problem...but that car is for Lilliputians from my - subjective - perspective. I wouldn't go near it again, assuming I had to pay for it.

I will say the interior looks great - when peering in from the outside. But no interior will make me want to drive a car if I have to be in the fetal position.

[dagoo98]

Yeah, agreed. Being new to BMW's, this was a surprise. WRT the E60, I think part of it is folks who like their E60 debunking or giving their view in opposition to the rash of bad reviews from the press. Example: I find i-drive almost transparent, nothing near how bad it has been portrayed, in fact, it's quite good IMHO. This isn't to say some folks just don't like the car such as the gentlemen referred to above.

That said, I went to the SF Auto Show and bashed my ear on the door opening of the MB E55. I felt like I was getting into a one man submersible instead of a car.

It felt very tight inside, uncomfortably so. But one man's submersible is another man's dream car. I'm 6'2", 220 lb (215 on a good day), maybe that's the problem...but that car is for Lilliputians from my - subjective - perspective. I wouldn't go near it again, assuming I had to pay for it.

I will say the interior looks great - when peering in from the outside. But no interior will make me want to drive a car if I have to be in the fetal position.


I am almost as big as you are, 6'1" 195 pounds, and I find the E55 interior to be comfortable when the seats are adjusted properly. It is a sporty feel which I have grown to love with the sport seats I have on my 540. They aren't too small but they hold you just enough in my opinion. I guess you prefer the comfort seats that give more room to move. If that's what you like, the Lexus GS has the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in but I just like a sportier car. Those seats are much nicer than the BMW comfort seats in my opinion.

The interior of the E60 545 is so, for the lack of a better word, EMPTY. :dunno: When I look at the dash it just seems as if something is missing. I do however like the I-drive.

I found out today that I will be getting a huge bonus (Incentive compensation) this year. This means I might be new car shopping. My family and I hate to finance cars, we always buy our cars cash. With my bonus I think it may be time to think about upgrading. Maybe I'll get the E55 before my uncle does because with my bonus and selling my E39 540/6 I can buy a 2005 E55 cash. One things for sure I will not be buying a E60 545. :rofl:

[dagoo98]

Couldn't dissagree w/ you more.



No hole in my seat as I did not opt for the seat warmer option here in Sunny Cal.

I do have 2 friends w/ 2 new E55 for sale w/ less than 6k miles. Be glad to put him in touch w/ them.


Did your friends buy them in California? If so, I appreciate the offer but I rather not have a california emissions performance car, I rather the real version. No offense to your cars of course.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

I am almost as big as you are, 6'1" 195 pounds, and I find the E55 interior to be comfortable when the seats are adjusted properly. It is a sporty feel which I have grown to love with the sport seats I have on my 540. They aren't too small but they hold you just enough in my opinion. I guess you prefer the comfort seats that give more room to move. If that's what you like, the Lexus GS has the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in but I just like a sportier car. Those seats are much nicer than the BMW comfort seats in my opinion.

The interior of the E60 545 is so, for the lack of a better word, EMPTY. :dunno: When I look at the dash it just seems as if something is missing. I do however like the I-drive.

I found out today that I will be getting a huge bonus (Incentive compensation) this year. This means I might be new car shopping. My family and I hate to finance cars, we always buy our cars cash. With this bonus I think it may be time to think about uprgrading. maybe I'll get the E55 before my uncle does because with the bonus and selling my E39 540/6 I can buy a 2005 E55 cash. One things for sure I will not be buying a E60 545. :rofl:
Do you not have investments or anything that generates income?

I can think of very few things less fiscally sound than paying cash for an expensive new car. I guess my perspective may be warped by the fact that I'm in a capital based business, but even if not, it still seems unsound...

[dagoo98]

I do currently have investments but purchasing a car in this manner doesn't create incomebut instead it decreases my incurred costs which essentially is the same thing. Let's examine the pros and cons about investing this amount rather than spending it on a car that I'm going to buy anyway. About $80,000 for the E55, if you figure about 5% for interest on financing the car I would have to have an investment opportunity that would guarantee that it would reap even more than 5% in order to make it worth it for me. By purchasing it cash rather than financing it over say 5 years I would save approximately $15,000 in interest. Do you have an investment opportunity that could guarantee me more than 5% on my $80,000 or generate me more than $15,000 over the next five years on a $80,000 principal? If so I'm all ears.

[dagoo98]

Do you not have investments or anything that generates income?

I can think of very few things less fiscally sound than paying cash for an expensive new car. I guess my perspective may be warped by the fact that I'm in a capital based business, but even if not, it still seems unsound...


I am also have a capital based business besides my normal day job in Corporate America as an additional source of income but the good thing is that my business generates enough revenues to support itself as well as provide me with additional income.

[beewang]

Did your friends buy them in California? If so, I appreciate the offer but I rather not have a california emissions performance car, I rather the real version. No offense to your cars of course.

Alright... Peace brother.... so don't take it the wrong way...

MBZ is using "50 state" emmision (same as BMW) which means that you will not find a "real" version (whatever that means) anywhere in the good ol' US of A.

In fact, most auto makers are using the "50 state" concept. Mazda is one that I am aware of is the exception (and there may be others).

[dagoo98]

Alright... Peace brother.... so don't take it the wrong way...

MBZ is using "50 state" emmision (same as BMW) which means that you will not find a "real" version (whatever that means) anywhere in the good ol' US of A.

In fact, most auto makers are using the "50 state" concept. Mazda is one that I am aware of is the exception (and there may be others).

That's news to me. I remember my friend boguht a used 99 M3 a couple of years ago which was California emissions and the HP rating was about 20HP less than the normal version. Would you happen to know when they changed to this 50 state system?

[beewang]

That's news to me. I remember my friend boguht a used 99 M3 a couple of years ago which was California emissions and the HP rating was about 20HP less than the normal version. Would you happen to know when they changed to this 50 state system?

I dunno the exact yr... but it has been almost a decade perhaps others can chime in.

Pop open the hood and take a look at your Bimmers. You will see a sticker that sez "This vehicle conforms US EPA regulation tier XXX....... blah blah... .. AND to California ARB regulation (aka C.A.R.B.) XXX blah blah.. for year XXXX.

FYI, you should know that all cars engine do not perform equally. You can pull 2 M3's off the dealers lot even w/ the same production date and run it on the dyno. You will see a HP difference that at least one owner is not going to be happy.

Here is one example of the HP discrepency discussed in M5 board (http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=35817&highlight=dyno+test+HP+difference)

Knowledge is power!! That's is why we share it here at the msg board :thumbup:

[dagoo98]

I dunno the exact yr... but it has been almost a decade perhaps others can chime in.

Pop open the hood and take a look at your Bimmers. You will see a sticker that sez "This vehicle conforms US EPA regulation tier XXX....... blah blah... .. AND to California ARB regulation (aka C.A.R.B.) XXX blah blah.. for year XXXX.

FYI, you should know that all cars engine do not perform equally. You can pull 2 M3's off the dealers lot even w/ the same production date and run it on the dyno. You will see a HP difference that at least one owner is not going to be happy.

Here is one example of the HP discrepency discussed in M5 board (http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=35817&highlight=dyno+test+HP+difference)

Knowledge is power!! That's is why we share it here at the msg board :thumbup:

I think it must be more recent than that because my friend told me that the HP was quoted from BMW at a lower output because it was a California emissions car and it was a 1999. It wasn't that it dynoed a a lower value than it should have. You could have been misinformed I am just speaking from what he told me at the time.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

I am also have a capital based business besides my normal day job in Corporate America as an additional source of income but the good thing is that my business generates enough revenues to support itself as well as provide me with additional income.
If you've got your own business, can you work a lease, then? It's even better when you can just deduct it...

And you really don't want to know what I consider an acceptable return...

[hugh1850]

I do currently have investments but purchasing a car in this manner doesn't create incomebut instead it decreases my incurred costs which essentially is the same thing. Let's examine the pros and cons about investing this amount rather than spending it on a car that I'm going to buy anyway. About $80,000 for the E55, if you figure about 5% for interest on financing the car I would have to have an investment opportunity that would guarantee that it would reap even more than 5% in order to make it worth it for me. By purchasing it cash rather than financing it over say 5 years I would save approximately $15,000 in interest. Do you have an investment opportunity that could guarantee me more than 5% on my $80,000 or generate me more than $15,000 over the next five years on a $80,000 principal? If so I'm all ears.

FNMA 5.35% Mat. 03/18/09 Callable 03/05@100 (YTC 2.62%); Price 100.65; S&P AAA

Shall I send you the account paperwork? :p

[dagoo98]

If you've got your own business, can you work a lease, then? It's even better when you can just deduct it...

And you really don't want to know what I consider an acceptable return...


You read my mind because that was my other thought, a little extravagant for a work vehicle but I think it could work especially since I own other cars so I could claim this for 100% work.

[dagoo98]

FNMA 5.35% Mat. 03/18/09 Callable 03/05@100 (YTC 2.62%); Price 100.65; S&P AAA

Shall I send you the account paperwork? :p


I would make a whopping $1400 and I'm sure by financing the loan they will charge me that much in random bs fees. The only way I would not buy it cash would be if I decided to lease it.