BMW GT v. ????? - what cars did you test drive before you bought your GT

Originally Posted by svanil

I liked the styling of my 550i GT, but before purchasing, I raised the same question. In response to a very similar question within the recent thread " Should we go for GT or 5 series " on the F10 Forum, I offered the following response - I think it is apropos to repost it. Furthermore, Car-fan addressed the issue of oddly equipped remaining 2010 GTs.

Originally Posted by laser

.....Think this styling will destine the GT to be odd hard to resell / hold value car. The F10 is beautiful with classic styling that will look good for many years.

svanil's response...

Although sales are substantially up this year and the 5 GT has exceeded BMW projections I do not think the GT has found its market in North America I suggest that the GT concept will gain greater acceptance in North America as other BMW GT series are launched especially the 3 series GT. Moreover, as other premium 5 doors from competing brands join the party, the idea of premium and 5 door will cease being antithetical.

The trend for the GT is up but the future is speculation.
Courtesy of Kelly Blue Book, we can look at the market as of today.

Kelly Blue Book
Assumptions
Trade-in value
Location Potomac, MD
Miles 12,000 per yr
Condition- excellent
Equipment –Auto, Sport Pack, Dynamic Handling, 19+" wheels, Navigation, Cold, Premium, Optional Stereo, Satellite, Park Sensors
(The GTs are configured with standard 3 across rear seats)

List prices are approximations and do not take into account discounts.

2009 – 535i – trade in value - $36,850 - new list approximately $60K
2010 – 535i- trade in value - $41,700 - new list approximately $60K
2010– 535iGT – trade in value $56,950 – new list approximately $68K
2010 -550iGT – trade in value $64,675 – new list approximately $75K

All cars depreciate and BMW 5 series are not immune, but trade-in prices on the 5 GT are holding up well.

(Note there are many GTs with exceptional levels of luxury equipment - the 550i GT in the
exercise is based on my car, and I did not include my Special High Performance German Anti-theft System which is after market).
__________________

I knew what I was getting into when I placed an order for the GT. The cars were not even available at the dealers when I made my initial purchase - so I didn't have the benefit of huge discounts athough, this is BMW #7 for me owner loyalty didn't amount to much. Post delivery of the GT - 1 year later I am still very satisfied with my purchase. I didn't choose to lease as I planned on piling on miles - the GT is meant for eating up miles (lots of them). The restraints imposed by a 10k, 12k, or 36k mile lease were not for me. Resale was not a real concern either.

Since I am one for switching cars often, many of my friends made the statement "you're keeping this one right?" and I of course nodded with a smile. If reliablity holds, I am satisfied with the technology, the luxury, the performance. I am good for years to come.

Originally Posted by car-fan

I knew what I was getting into when I placed an order for the GT. The cars were not even available at the dealers when I made my initial purchase - so I didn't have the benefit of huge discounts athough, this is BMW #7 for me owner loyalty didn't amount to much. Post delivery of the GT - 1 year later I am still very satisfied with my purchase. I didn't choose to lease as I planned on piling on miles - the GT is meant for eating up miles (lots of them). The restraints imposed by a 10k, 12k, or 36k mile lease were not for me. Resale was not a real concern either.

Since I am one for switching cars often, many of my friends made the statement "you're keeping this one right?" and I of course nodded with a smile. If reliablity holds, I am satisfied with the technology, the luxury, the performance. I am good for years to come.

When I say to my friends or family that this car might be a keeper - I get - they have heard this song before countless times. That being said, my affection for my GT continues to grow and I look forward to driving everyday - although I may add a 1M this summer. As to resale values - you might have noticed that my post on the F10 Forum was received with silence - I had anticipated the usual bashing. I think they must have been really surprised by the Kelly Blue Book trade in value numbers - I know I was. The sales manager at my dealership made an interesting point to me. He said the GT might follow the model of the 5 series touring - a real niche vehicle when new, but strongly in demand as a use car. Whatever....my 550i GT is a great car with an unanticipated bonus - good resale as of today.

Originally Posted by svanil

When I say to my friends or family that this car might be a keeper - I get - they have heard this song before countless times. That being said, my affection for my GT continues to grow and I look forward to driving everyday - although I may add a 1M this summer. As to resale values - you might have noticed that my post on the F10 Forum was received with silence - I had anticipated the usual bashing. I think they must have been really surprised by the Kelly Blue Book trade in value numbers - I know I was. The sales manager at my dealership made an interesting point to me. He said the GT might follow the model of the 5 series touring - a real niche vehicle when new, but strongly in demand as a use car. Whatever....my 550i GT is a great car with an unanticipated bonus - good resale as of today.

1M 2002 tii/turbo reborn

Yes I did notice the crickets after you posted the numbers

I'm starting hear that some dealers will only bring in new 550 GT's by order only.

Originally Posted by car-fan

1M 2002 tii/turbo reborn

Yes I did notice the crickets after you posted the numbers

I'm starting hear that some dealers will only bring in new 550 GT's by order only.

I hope....


...maybe when I finally test drive the 1 M, I will have been corrupted by the power, luxury, and yes,
comfort of my 550i GT....my 335i vert is a quickly fading memory....maybe I am getting old?

PS "....crickets...."

Originally Posted by svanil

I hope....


...maybe when I finally test drive the 1 M, I will have been corrupted by the power, luxury, and yes,
comfort of my 550i GT....my 335i vert is a quickly fading memory....maybe I am getting old?

PS "....crickets...."

Great Image:

The 1M should prove to be a raw little terror. Basically M3 suspension components in a smaller package.

The 2002 was a force to be reckoned with in its day Its also interesting that BMW was using turbos in the early 70's.

Originally Posted by car-fan

Great Image:

The 1M should prove to be a raw little terror. Basically M3 suspension components in a smaller package.

The 2002 was a force to be reckoned with in its day Its also interesting that BMW was using turbos in the early 70's.

Your pic makes my heart beat a little faster!
I was privileged to drive a tii for 2 years! (Note - the tii featured mechanical fuel injection,
and was not turbo charged).


Time marches on....I was thinking about driving my tii and the new 1M while I was driving my 550i GT this morning. Obviously, my GT is a very different experience but both are the product of a company whose goal is to deliver driving pleasure. The 550i GT is indeed a BIG BMW... and that is a good thing.

Can you say....Kugelfischer?

My very first car was a 1971 (with the round taillights, like in the picture) 2002 (not tii). I wanted that orange but the only car the dealer had in stock was "Riviera Blue". I remember riding with my mother in our other car while my father drove the 2002 back home, down Queens Blvd. He looked over to me at a stoplight and the biggest grin was spread over his face; I think he loved that car more than I did. Even back then he was always complaining how American cars were too big and if they just came out with smaller models people would see how much easier they were to drive. I think a smaller car with a sweet-shifting stick was just what he had in mind.

Ahhh....memories.

[QUOTE=svanil;5892412]Your pic makes my heart beat a little faster!
I was privileged to drive a tii for 2 years! (Note - the tii featured mechanical fuel injection,
and was not turbo charged).


Yes I know, I was commenting on both variants Turbo and tii

I drove the Lincoln Mkt, not a bad ride but no comparison to the GT. I also drove a new MDX since we had an older one.... Same thing ten years newer. Also drove an R-Class Mercedes- that was a big disappointment and expensive. Drove a Caddy SRX, not bad but no back seat. One drive in the GT and I was hooked. I also have an Acura RL - have to say Acuras are bulletproof. I have 170K on my MDX and 90 on my RL.. I hope the GT proves to be as bulletproof. I did splurge for extended warranty and maintenance since I have heard BMWs can be expensive to maintain and I tend to keep cars a long while..

Bottom line is if you are tired of an SUV (i am), need a big back seat, want to haul stuff and have fun driving there is no other vehicle, other than maybe a 7 series or S class, that accomplishes this mission.. Granted that mission is not a requirement for everyone, but I for one am glad BMW stepped up.... And did it for less than 6 figures!

I didn't notice this older thread, but now that its revived:

Before placing my ED order for a 535GT, I test-drove:

- 535(non-GT). Nice all around, no complaints about it at all.
- Infiniti M45. I had one of these like 6 years ago or so, and was surprised that it had barely changed, and doesn't really have the fun driving experience I wanted.
- Audi A7. Fun to look at, fun to drive, but it felt way smaller inside than a car this size should, and the price didn't seem in-line with the value.
- Audi Q5. Decided SUV wasn't for me, despite my space/cargo needs.
- BMW X5. Nice, but still felt SUV wasn't my vibe, and no Euro Delivery.
- MB CLS. Too expensive for me.

If the newer-generation A6 was available for a drive and shared some charactersitics with the A7, it might have tipped the scales.

Overally, I wasn't aware of the GT at all (went in to drive the 5 & X5), and when I explored it, it was almost as-is it was targeted specifically to my unique needs (3 pax, dog, cargo, hates SUVs & Wagons).